netgoat vs NPMplus
Self-hosted reverse proxy projects compared
netgoat and NPMplus both help operators manage traffic to self-hosted services. netgoat is a Go-based proxy agent configured with YAML routes and traffic policies, while NPMplus pairs a browser-based management UI with a feature-rich Nginx build.
netgoat: Self-Host a Reverse Proxy and Traffic Policy Agent
NetGoat is a Go-based reverse proxy for routing traffic through local or cloud deployments, with controls for authentication, caching, rate limits, and security rules. It suits operators who want self-hosted traffic management and optional Cloudflare integrations.
NPMplus: Manage Self-Hosted Nginx Reverse Proxies
NPMplus is a Docker-oriented fork of nginx-proxy-manager that combines a web interface for managing proxy hosts with a hardened, feature-rich Nginx build. It suits self-hosters who want more protocol, authentication, and security options than the upstream project provides.
| netgoat | NPMplus | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Go | JavaScript |
| License | AGPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Stars | 902 | 2.4k |
| Forks | 49 | 122 |
| Last analyzed | Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 3, 2026 |
Key differences
- netgoat is a Go-based routing agent; NPMplus is a JavaScript project based on nginx-proxy-manager.
- netgoat emphasizes configurable routing and traffic controls such as caching, rate limits, and request rules; NPMplus emphasizes web-based host and certificate management with added Nginx capabilities.
- netgoat can use local YAML routes and continue with recovery snapshots; NPMplus recommends Docker and supports a one-way migration from upstream nginx-proxy-manager.
- netgoat is active alpha software; NPMplus changes upstream Nginx configuration and UI behavior, so upstream guidance may not transfer directly.
- netgoat offers optional Cloudflare integrations; NPMplus lists HTTP/3 over QUIC, gRPC, file serving, and PHP support.
- Both use AGPL-3.0, while their listed community sizes differ: netgoat has 902 stars and 49 forks, and NPMplus has 2.4k stars and 122 forks.
Choose netgoat if you…
- need a self-hosted Go agent with YAML-based routes and traffic policies.
- want local routing and recovery snapshots, with optional Cloudflare integrations.
- are prepared to configure and review active alpha software.
Choose NPMplus if you…
- want to manage proxy hosts and certificates through a web UI.
- need Nginx capabilities such as HTTP/3 over QUIC, gRPC, or file serving.
- can use the recommended Docker deployment and plan carefully for an irreversible migration from nginx-proxy-manager.
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This comparison is generated with AI from the OSRepos analyses of both projects. Always check each project's repository and documentation before choosing.