PortBayvsMAMP
MAMP has powered local PHP work on the Mac since 2001 and is still actively shipped, with MAMP PRO sold as a one-time license. PortBay is the modern take — open source, with real .test domains, trusted HTTPS, per-project databases and Node, mail and tunnels in the free tier.
Which one is right for you
You want the full stack, open source.
You want real local domains, automatic HTTPS, and Node alongside PHP without juggling Apache config. You like that PortBay is open source, imports your existing MAMP hosts, and doesn't gate basics like SSL behind a paid tier.
It already fits your workflow.
You're already on MAMP PRO, you prefer a perpetual one-time license over a subscription, and your stack is PHP + MySQL with Apache the way you've configured it for years. You need a Windows build today.
Feature by feature
Every row sourced from the live product page. We mark partial support honestly — including where the other side wins.
Coming from MAMP or MAMP PRO
PortBay reads MAMP's hosts list and document roots on first launch and offers to import every site at once. Your virtual hosts become real .test domains with trusted mkcert HTTPS — no /etc/hosts editing, no MAMP root CA to trust per browser. Per-project MySQL databases replace MAMP's single shared instance, with credentials wired into your .env automatically.
- Install PortBay and open it once. It detects MAMP and lists every host.
- Pick the projects to bring across. PHP versions and document roots carry over.
- Hit play. Your site is live at https://yourapp.test with browser-trusted HTTPS.
PortBay vs MAMP, in plain terms
Is PortBay a free MAMP alternative?
Yes. PortBay is free and open source for up to 6 local projects with SSL, real .test domains, per-project databases, Mailpit and Cloudflare tunnels included — features that require MAMP PRO. The optional Pro plan is $10/month for unlimited projects.
Can PortBay import my existing MAMP sites?
Yes. PortBay detects MAMP on first launch, reads your hosts list and document roots, and imports them with one click. Your sites move to real .test domains with trusted HTTPS and per-project databases.
Does PortBay support Postgres?
Yes — PortBay provisions a MySQL or PostgreSQL database per project, with credentials injected into your application's environment automatically. MAMP ships MySQL only; Postgres support in MAMP requires installing the server yourself outside the app.
Will my MAMP PRO root CA conflict with PortBay's HTTPS?
No. PortBay uses mkcert to install its own development root CA and issues per-project certificates that all modern browsers trust automatically. MAMP's MAMP_PRO_ROOT_CA can stay in your Keychain or be removed — it does not interfere.
Does PortBay run on Windows?
Not yet. PortBay is macOS-only, built natively for Apple Silicon with an Intel build coming soon. MAMP has a Windows version, though it currently trails the Mac release by several major versions.
Run your first local site in one click.
Download for macOSFree & open source · macOS 11+ on Apple Silicon · Pro from $10/mo