Live Server VS Code extension review: how it works, key features, install stats, and the best alternatives like Live Preview and Five Server.
Category
Developer Tools
Pricing
Free / Open Source, from Free
Verified
Not yet
Last updated
July 18, 2026
Founded
2017
Open Source
Overview
Live Server is a free VS Code extension created by Ritwick Dey and first published in June 2017. It launches a local development server with automatic browser reload whenever a watched file is saved.
With over 80 million installs and a 4.5-star rating, it is one of the most widely used extensions in the VS Code Marketplace, particularly popular among students and front-end beginners.
Key Features
Live Server uses a WebSocket connection to push reload or CSS hot-injection events to the browser the instant a file changes, started with a single click from the status bar or a keyboard shortcut.
It supports configurable ports, HTTPS, CORS, multi-root workspaces and remote LAN access, with a companion browser extension enabling live reload for dynamic PHP, Node.js and ASP.NET pages.
Pricing
Live Server is entirely free and distributed under the MIT license as an open-source project with no paid tiers, subscriptions or in-app purchases.
It is maintained by its original creator alongside community contributors, with no company or commercial entity behind it.
Key Features
One-Click Local Server — Start or stop a local dev server instantly from the VS Code status bar Go Live button.
Automatic Live Reload — Browser reloads automatically, or CSS hot-injects, whenever a watched file is saved.
WebSocket-Based Sync — Uses a WebSocket channel between the editor and browser to push reload events in real time.
Configurable Server Settings — Customizable port, server root, HTTPS and CORS support.
Multi-Root Workspace Support — Works across multi-root VS Code workspaces for larger projects.
Remote LAN Preview — Accessible over a local network for testing on phones and tablets on the same WiFi.
Dynamic Page Support via Companion Extension — Live Server Web Extension adds live reload for PHP, Node.js and ASP.NET backends.
Zero Configuration Setup — Works immediately after installation with no build tooling or config files required.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Completely free and open source under the MIT license
Extremely popular with over 80 million installs and strong reviews
Zero configuration required, ideal for beginners and quick prototyping
Lightweight compared to full bundler-based dev servers
Supports HTTPS, CORS and remote network access for mobile testing
Cons
Not suited to modern component-based frameworks needing hot module replacement
No built-in bundling, transpiling or dependency management
Maintained as a side project, so update cadence can be inconsistent
Overlaps with Microsoft's own bundled Live Preview extension, causing some confusion
Dynamic backend support requires installing a separate companion browser extension
Pricing
Free Free N/A
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Live Server VS Code extension do?
It launches a local development server and automatically reloads the browser whenever a watched HTML, CSS or JavaScript file is saved.
Is Live Server free?
Yes, Live Server is completely free and open source under the MIT license.
Who created Live Server?
It was created by Indian developer Ritwick Dey and first published to the VS Code Marketplace in June 2017.
How do you start Live Server?
Click Go Live in the VS Code status bar, right-click an HTML file and choose Open with Live Server, or use the command palette or keyboard shortcuts.
Does Live Server work with dynamic pages like PHP or Node.js?
The core extension serves static files; dynamic backend live reload requires the companion Live Server Web Extension browser extension.
What are alternatives to Live Server?
Alternatives include Microsoft's built-in Live Preview extension, the community fork Five Server, and framework-native dev servers like Vite or webpack-dev-server.