SaaS is everywhere. Subscription costs add up fast. Open-source offers a powerful solution. These tools provide control and savings. Let’s explore 20 options to cut your SaaS expenses.
1. Supabase
It’s an open-source Firebase alternative. Build and scale easily.
Key Features:
- Managed PostgreSQL Database: Reliable and less operational hassle.
- Realtime Database: Live data for interactive apps.
- Authentication and Authorization: Secure user management built-in.
- Auto-generated APIs: Faster development from your database.
2. PocketBase
A lightweight, all-in-one backend. Setup is incredibly simple.
Key Features:
- Single Binary Deployment: Easy to deploy.
- Built-in SQLite Database: Fast and no extra install.
- Realtime Subscriptions: Reactive UIs are simple.
- Admin Dashboard: Manage data visually.
3. Dokku
Your own mini-Heroku. Deploy apps easily on your servers.
Key Features:
- Git-Based Deployments: Deploy with a Git push.
- Plugin Ecosystem: Extend functionality easily.
- Docker-Powered: Consistent environments.
- Scalability: Scale your apps horizontally.
4. Airbyte
Open-source data integration. Move data between many sources.
Key Features:
- Extensive Connector Library: Connect to hundreds of sources.
- User-Friendly UI: Easy pipeline configuration.
- Customizable Connectors: Build your own if needed.
- ELT Support: Simple to complex data movement.
5. Appwrite
A self-hosted backend-as-a-service. Build scalable apps with ease.
Key Features:
- Database and Storage: Secure data and file management.
- Authentication and Authorization: Robust user access control.
- Serverless Functions: Run backend code without servers.
- Realtime Capabilities: Build interactive features.
6. Ory Kratos
Open-source identity management. Security and developer focus.
Key Features:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enhanced security for users.
- Passwordless Authentication: Modern login options.
- Identity Federation: Integrate with other identity systems.
- Flexible User Schemas: Customize user profiles.
7. Plane
Open-source project management. Clarity and team collaboration.
Key Features:
- Issue Tracking: Manage tasks and bugs effectively.
- Project Planning: Visualize timelines and sprints.
- Collaboration Features: Easy team communication.
- Customizable Workflows: Adapt to your processes.
8. Coolify
A self-hosted PaaS alternative. Simple deployment of web apps.
Key Features:
- Simplified Deployment: Deploy with a few clicks.
- Automatic SSL Certificates: Free SSL via Let’s Encrypt.
- Resource Management: Monitor and scale resources.
- Support for Multiple Application Types: Versatile deployment.
9. n8n
Free, open-source workflow automation. Connect apps visually.
Key Features:
- Node-Based Visual Editor: Design workflows easily.
- Extensive Integration Library: Connect to many services.
- Customizable Nodes: Integrate with anything.
- Self-Hostable: Full data control.
10. LLMWare
Build LLM-powered applications. Open-source tools and frameworks.
Key Features:
- Prompt Management: Organize and test prompts.
- Data Ingestion and Indexing: Prepare data for LLMs.
- Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG): Ground LLM responses.
- Deployment Options: Flexible deployment choices.
11. LangchainJS
JavaScript framework for language models. Build complex applications.
Key Features:
- Modular Architecture: Use individual components.
- Integration with Multiple LLMs: Supports various providers.
- Pre-built Chains and Agents: Ready-to-use logic.
- Flexibility and Extensibility: Customize the framework.
12. Trieve
Open-source vector database. Efficient semantic search.
Key Features:
- Efficient Vector Storage and Retrieval: Fast similarity search.
- Multiple Distance Metrics: Optimize search accuracy.
- Metadata Filtering: Refine search results.
- Scalability: Handles large datasets.
13. Affine
Open-source knowledge base and project tool. Notion and Jira combined.
Key Features:
- Block-Based Editor: Flexible content creation.
- Database Functionality: Structured information management.
- Project Management Features: Task and progress tracking.
- Interlinking and Backlinks: Connect your knowledge.
14. Hanko
Open-source passwordless authentication. Secure and user-friendly.
Key Features:
- Passwordless Authentication: Secure logins without passwords.
- WebAuthn Support: Industry-standard security.
- User Management: Easy account and key management.
- Developer-Friendly APIs: Simple integration.
15. Taubyte
Open-source edge computing platform. Run apps closer to users.
Key Features:
- Decentralized Deployment: Deploy across edge nodes.
- Serverless Functions at the Edge: Low-latency execution.
- Resource Optimization: Efficient resource use.
- Scalability and Resilience: Robust and scalable apps.
16. Plausible
Lightweight, privacy-friendly web analytics. An alternative to Google.
Key Features:
- Simple and Clean Interface: Easy-to-understand metrics.
- Privacy-Focused: No cookies, no personal tracking.
- Lightweight and Fast: Minimal impact on site speed.
- Self-Hostable: Own your data.
17. Flipt
Open-source feature flags and experimentation. Safe feature rollouts.
Key Features:
- Feature Flag Management: Control feature visibility.
- A/B Testing: Run controlled experiments.
- Gradual Rollouts: Release features slowly.
- User Targeting: Target specific user groups.
18. PostHog
Open-source product analytics. Understand user behavior.
Key Features:
- Event Tracking: Capture user interactions.
- Session Recording: See how users behave.
- Feature Flags: Integrated feature control.
- A/B Testing: Experiment and analyze.
19. Logto
Open-source authentication and authorization. Modern app security.
Key Features:
- Flexible Authentication Methods: Various login options.
- Fine-Grained Authorization: Granular access control.
- User Management: Easy user and permission management.
- Developer-Friendly SDKs: Simple integration.
20. NocoDB
Open-source no-code platform. Turn databases into spreadsheets.
Key Features:
- Spreadsheet-like Interface: Familiar data interaction.
- API Generation: Automatic REST and GraphQL APIs.
- Form Builders: Create custom data entry forms.
- Collaboration Features: Teamwork on data and apps.
The open-source world offers great SaaS alternatives. You can cut costs and gain control. Explore these tools and free yourself from high SaaS bills. Take charge of your software stack.