Why self-host

Self-hosting means the app runs on a machine you control: a home server, a NAS, a Raspberry Pi or a rented VPS. Your files, messages and passwords stay where you put them.

You trade a subscription for some upkeep: installing updates, keeping backups and securing access. Many apps here ship Docker images, which makes that easier.

Open-source licences mean you can read the code, keep running an old version, or move to a fork if a project changes direction.

Self-hosted apps are rarely drop-in replacements. Check the import options, mobile apps and requirements before you move your data, and keep backups.

How tools are chosen

Each listing links to the official website, states its licence and whether it is fully open source, free but proprietary, or free with paid tiers, and shows stars, last-commit date and licence from the project's public repository where it has one. Top Pick listings are clearly labelled and never change the facts shown about a tool.

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