Open-source software (OSS) is making a comeback. Well, the web as we know it was literally built on open-source, so it technically never left.
But after a long era of proprietary software—usually built on top of open-source software—and walled gardens dominating our lives, many companies, teams, and individuals are choosing to build better than before by living and working in open source fashion.
Staying up-to-date with all the available solutions can be challenging for both experienced open-source enthusiasts and newcomers to the open-source space. If you’re a newcomer, you might have questions about what sort of tools are available, what they do, and why open-source software matters.
If you’re an experienced open source contributor, maintainer, or enthusiast, you might wonder what licenses certain OSS operates under and how they’re being maintained. Or, you might just be wondering what other type of OSS has been popping up since you last did a pulse check.
Regardless of why you’re here, we’ve built a comprehensive database that features over 100 open-source alternatives to proprietary software. Our goal is to provide a valuable resource that guides everyone in learning, understanding, and contributing to this thriving ecosystem.
Since the open-source landscape is constantly evolving, we’ll be updating this database periodically. Even though we’re hosting the database, we highly value your input and encourage your suggestions for any changes, removals, or additions.
This is a critical open-source principle!
The database of open source software alternatives
You can view proprietary and open source software in the following views:
Open source software
Proprietary software
How the software is categorized
We interact with tons of software every single day. This could be the operating system that greets us when we turn on our computer or phone, the web browser that’s our gateway to the internet, and all the databases that organize our data.
This open source software database compiles a list of the most commonly used proprietary software and their open-source alternatives across different categories:
- Note-taking
- Productivity
- Spreadsheets and databases
- Project and task management
- Team collaboration
- Kanban
- Automation
- Application builder
- Personal knowledge management (PKM)
- Privacy
- Design
- Web browser
- Operating system
- Graphs and flow charts
- Word processor
- Content management system (CMS)
- Communications
- Customer relationship management (CRM)
- Calendars, events, and scheduling
- Analytics
- Customer support
- Media player
- File syncing and sharing
- Document signing
- Web search
- VPN
- Encryption
- Social media
- Authentication
- Distribution service
- Client
- Frontend
- Storage
- Code and software development
- Website builder
- Internal search
- Wiki/doc-based
Our goal is to include a diverse mix of established, up-and-coming, and early players who are empowering businesses with their solutions.
Database fields and structure
The database is made up of two tables: one with proprietary software and another for open-source software.
For proprietary software, we’ve included logos, tags, and websites. For open-source software, you can also find the license that the software uses.
Both tables are accessible in both the spreadsheet-like Grid View, as well as the more image-friendly Gallery View.
The future of the open-source alternatives database
We encourage everyone in the community to actively participate in shaping and refining this database.
Open source is at the heart of what we do, and this project is no exception. We always appreciate your feedback, input, and contributions to everything we undertake.
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