Test WebSocket connections directly in your browser. Connect to any WebSocket server, send messages, and view real-time responses. Try the echo server to see your messages echoed back.
What is WebSocket Tester?
WebSocket Tester provides an interactive interface for testing WebSocket connections. WebSockets enable real-time bidirectional communication between client and server, unlike HTTP's request-response model. Used for chat apps, live updates, gaming, streaming data. This tool lets you connect, send messages, and view server responses in real-time.
How to Use
- Enter WebSocket URL (ws:// or wss://)
- Click Connect to establish connection
- Type message to send (JSON, text, etc.)
- Click Send Message or use quick presets
- View sent/received messages in the log
- Disconnect when testing complete
Why Use This Tool?
Tips & Best Practices
- Use wss:// for secure WebSocket connections
- Echo server echoes back your messages for testing
- JSON format common for WebSocket messages
- Auto-reconnect useful for testing resilience
- Check connection status before sending
- Clear messages between test sessions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a WebSocket connection?
WebSocket is a persistent, bidirectional communication protocol. Unlike HTTP (request-response), WebSocket keeps connection open, allowing real-time data flow both directions. Used for chat, notifications, live updates, gaming, financial data streaming. Server can push messages without client request.
What's the difference between ws:// and wss://?
ws:// is unencrypted WebSocket (like HTTP). wss:// is encrypted WebSocket over TLS (like HTTPS). Use wss:// for production, secure connections, authenticated data. ws:// acceptable for local testing, development servers. Production WebSocket servers should always use wss://.
How do I test a WebSocket server?
Load Sample (echo.websocket.events) for echo testing. Send any message - server echoes it back. This verifies connection works, message format correct. For your server: enter your wss:// URL, connect, send expected message format, observe responses. Compare with server logs.
What message formats are typical?
JSON is most common: {"type": "message", "data": "..."}. Some servers use plain text, binary data, or custom formats. Quick Messages provide common JSON patterns: ping, hello, subscribe. Match your server's expected format. Check server documentation for message schema.
What does auto-reconnect do?
Auto-reconnect attempts reconnection after disconnection. Useful for testing server resilience, network interruption handling. Set checkbox before connecting. After disconnect, tool waits 3 seconds and reconnects automatically. Server sees multiple connection attempts.
How do I debug WebSocket issues?
Check connection status indicator. 'Error' status often means URL unreachable or server down. Messages show timestamps - identify delays. 'System' messages show connection events. 'Error' messages show failures. Compare sent vs received. Server-side logs complement client-side debugging.