TL;DR
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· İsmail Günaydın · 8 min read
DevKinsta is a free desktop application developed by Kinsta that lets you run a local WordPress development environment on your computer. Available for Windows and macOS. It uses Docker under the hood, but you don't need to know Docker — DevKinsta handles everything.
It can replace tools like XAMPP or Local by Flywheel; direct Kinsta ecosystem integration provides a major advantage in agency environments.
Completely Free
Not a single feature is paid. You don't need to be a Kinsta customer.
Fast Setup
Docker-based infrastructure — a new WordPress site is ready in 2–3 minutes.
Built-in SSL
HTTPS support for local sites — simulates a real environment.
Multiple Sites
Run multiple local WordPress sites simultaneously with separate PHP/MySQL versions.
Kinsta Integration
If you're a Kinsta user, push your local site to Kinsta with one click.
Email Testing
Built-in MailHog integration to monitor sent emails in real time.
There are several local WordPress development tools. Here's how DevKinsta compares:
| Feature | DevKinsta | Local by Flywheel | XAMPP | Laragon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Windows | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| macOS | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Setup ease | Easy | Easy | Medium | Easy |
| Built-in SSL | ✓ | ✓ | Manual | ✓ |
| Multiple PHP versions | ✓ | ✓ | Difficult | ✓ |
| Hosting integration | Kinsta (1-click push) | WP Engine (Flywheel) | None | None |
| Email testing (MailHog) | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | Mailpit (manual) |
| Multisite support | ✓ | ✓ | Manual | Manual |
| Docker-based | ✓ (auto) | ✗ (own stack) | ✗ | ✗ |
Get your local WordPress environment running in under 10 minutes.
Download
Download DevKinsta from kinsta.com/devkinsta for your OS (Windows or macOS). If Docker Desktop isn't installed, DevKinsta handles that automatically.
Install
Run the installer and follow the wizard. On first launch, Docker containers download (~500MB) — one-time only. Subsequent starts are fast.
Create a new site
Click 'Add Site', enter a site name, choose your PHP version. Database and WordPress install automatically.
Access WordPress admin
Once the site is created, click 'WP Admin' for direct dashboard access.
Develop and test
Build themes, plugins, or site changes. When ready, push to Kinsta or export via standard WordPress import/export to any host.
DevKinsta's most powerful feature for Kinsta users is the complete local-to-live workflow. Here's how professional teams use it:
Given that DevKinsta is free, its value-to-feature ratio is unmatched. Setup is genuinely easy, it runs stable, and the Kinsta integration actually works. If you're evaluating Kinsta for hosting, DevKinsta is the perfect risk-free entry point — test the workflow locally first, then upgrade to Kinsta hosting when ready.
Yes, DevKinsta is completely free and doesn't require a Kinsta account. All features are included with no paid plans or subscriptions.
Windows 10/11 and macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon M1/M2/M3) are supported. There is no official Linux support, but manual installation via Docker is possible.
No. DevKinsta manages Docker in the background. Having Docker Desktop installed is enough — you don't need to know Docker commands.
Yes. DevKinsta works with full functionality without a Kinsta account. The Kinsta integration (1-click push) is a bonus feature, not a requirement.
Theoretically limited only by your machine's RAM and disk space. In practice, 10–20 active sites run well. You can stop unused sites to free resources.
If you use Kinsta: one-click push from DevKinsta. For other hosts: WordPress Admin → Tools → Export to download files and database, then import on your live host.
Yes. WooCommerce and all WordPress plugins work in DevKinsta. Payment gateway test modes, stock management, and order flows can all be tested locally.
Yes. DevKinsta automatically creates a local SSL certificate on setup. Your site runs on HTTPS locally, accurately simulating a real environment.
After developing locally with DevKinsta, deploy your site to Kinsta Managed WordPress Hosting. Google Cloud infrastructure, 30-day money-back guarantee, and 24/7 expert support.
Try Kinsta risk-free with a 30-day free trial.
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Free, fast and simple local WordPress environment.
Download DevKinsta (Free) →
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