Best IIS Express Alternatives in 2025

Looking for alternatives to IIS Express? In this comparison, we take a closer look at IIS Express alongside similar software solutions including IIS Express and Microsoft WSE Runtime.

Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how IIS Express and Microsoft WSE Runtime stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.

	Primary Purpose	Platform Compatibility	Key Features
IIS Express	A lightweight, self-contained web server for developing and testing web applications on Windows.	Runs on Windows operating systems, supports .NET framework, includes a standalone installation.	Supports debugging web applications, multiple versions, uses default ports like 8080, supports SSL/TLS with self-signed certificates, and is suitable for development and testing environments.
Microsoft WSE Runtime	A software component providing advanced web service features, such as security and reliable messaging, for .NET applications.	Works with the .NET Framework, designed to enhance web services compatibility and security, with no official support for other platforms.	Provides message-level security, policy-driven security, support for WS-* specifications including WS-Security, WS-SecureConversation, WS-Trust; enables secure and reliable interoperable web services.

Primary Purpose

IIS Express	A lightweight, self-contained web server for developing and testing web applications on Windows.
Microsoft WSE Runtime	A software component providing advanced web service features, such as security and reliable messaging, for .NET applications.

Platform Compatibility

IIS Express	Runs on Windows operating systems, supports .NET framework, includes a standalone installation.
Microsoft WSE Runtime	Works with the .NET Framework, designed to enhance web services compatibility and security, with no official support for other platforms.

Key Features

IIS Express	Supports debugging web applications, multiple versions, uses default ports like 8080, supports SSL/TLS with self-signed certificates, and is suitable for development and testing environments.
Microsoft WSE Runtime	Provides message-level security, policy-driven security, support for WS-* specifications including WS-Security, WS-SecureConversation, WS-Trust; enables secure and reliable interoperable web services.

Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.

This quick comparison shows how IIS Express stacks up against IIS Express and Microsoft WSE Runtime in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.

	Size	License	Rating	Popularity
IIS Express	9.1MB	Shareware
Microsoft WSE Runtime		Freeware

Size

IIS Express	9.1MB
Microsoft WSE Runtime

License

IIS Express	Shareware
Microsoft WSE Runtime	Freeware

Rating

IIS Express
Microsoft WSE Runtime

Popularity

IIS Express
Microsoft WSE Runtime