LocalWP
by WP Engine
The most popular local development environment for WordPress.
Expert Overview
Formerly known as "Local by Flywheel," LocalWP is a specialized tool designed specifically for WordPress development on your own computer. It is significantly faster and more user-friendly than generic stacks like XAMPP or MAMP because it is purpose-built for the WordPress ecosystem.
Why we recommend it
It allows you to test new themes and plugins in a sandbox environment without risking your live site. With features like "Magic Sync" and "Cloud Backups," it streamlines the workflow from local development to production hosting—especially if you use WP Engine or Flywheel.
Seamless Local Development
LocalWP provides a "one-click" experience for launching a new site. It handles the server configuration, database setup, and WordPress installation automatically.
| Feature | LocalWP | XAMPP/MAMP |
|---|---|---|
| WP Installation | One-Click | Manual |
| SSL Support | Native (Trust-based) | Complex Setup |
| Live Links | Built-in (via Tunnel) | Manual Configuration |
| Blueprints | Yes (Save site states) | No |
Key Features for Professionals
- Live Links: Share a secure URL with clients to view your local site without deploying to a staging server.
- Blueprints: Save a "starter" site with your favorite plugins and themes pre-installed to jumpstart new projects.
- Hot-swappable Environments: Switch between PHP versions or Nginx/Apache with a single click to test compatibility.
No. You can build and manage your WordPress sites entirely offline. You only need a connection for "Live Links" or to download initial WordPress core files.
Yes. The core software and all primary development features are completely free. There are no "pro" versions of the local software itself, though it integrates with paid hosting services.
System Resources
Because LocalWP uses virtualization to provide isolated environments, it can be resource-intensive. We recommend at least 8GB of RAM for the smoothest experience when running multiple local sites simultaneously.
Our Review
The gold standard for local WordPress development. It removes almost every technical hurdle in setting up a local environment.
Pros
- Incredibly easy one-click setup
- Native SSL support
- Blueprints for rapid prototyping
- Excellent WP Engine/Flywheel integration
Cons
- Can be heavy on system resources
- Occasional folder permission issues on Windows