Direct answer
If you are looking for a free Laravel Herd alternative on Windows, LaraStack is an option to compare. Laravel Herd also has a free Basic edition, so the useful question is which workflow and included tools better match your projects.
LaraStack and Laravel Herd at a glance
| Area | LaraStack 3.0 | Laravel Herd for Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Price positioning | Free LaraStack download | Herd Basic is free; Herd Pro is paid |
| PHP development | Yes | Yes |
| Laravel focus | Dedicated project creation and management workflow | Native Laravel/PHP environment |
| Web server/runtime approach | LaraStack-managed local services | Native PHP + nginx environment |
| Database workflow | MySQL + phpMyAdmin integrated into LaraStack workflow | Advanced database/services features vary by Herd edition |
| WordPress workflow | Dedicated workspace | Primarily Laravel/PHP focused |
| Composer | Detects existing Composer + managed fallback | Composer included in Herd workflow |
| Platform | Windows-first | Windows and macOS |
When LaraStack may fit better
- You want a Windows-first UI centered on PHP, MySQL, Laravel and WordPress together
- You want LaraStack to create a Laravel MySQL database and synchronize .env values automatically
- You want phpMyAdmin and WordPress workflows in the same desktop workspace
- You prefer LaraStack’s graphical service, config, log and project-management workflow
When Herd may fit better
Laravel Herd is a strong fit for developers who prefer its native PHP/nginx environment and Laravel-centered tooling. Herd Basic is currently free, while additional debugging, mail, log and service capabilities are offered through Herd Pro. Always verify current Herd editions and pricing on the official Herd website.
Download LaraStack
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free Laravel Herd alternative for Windows?
LaraStack is a free Windows-first Laravel/PHP development workspace that can be compared with Herd. Herd Basic itself is also currently free, while Herd Pro is paid.
Is Laravel Herd free?
Laravel Herd currently offers a free Basic edition for Windows and macOS, with a paid Herd Pro edition for additional developer features.
Does LaraStack include MySQL and phpMyAdmin workflows?
Yes. LaraStack includes MySQL and phpMyAdmin workflows and can configure Laravel projects to use a project-specific MySQL database.