# Beam: Free Open Source Alternative to Blaxel, Daytona, Modal

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/beam
Last updated: 2026-11-07

Beam (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Blaxel, Daytona, Modal, Sprites. Run GPU inference, task queues, and sandboxes on serverless infrastructure with sub-second cold starts, autoscaling, and support for your own AWS, GCP, or bare metal.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Beam
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://www.beam.cloud/
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/beam-cloud/beta9/
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 1.8k
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/beam-cloud/beta9/ or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Blaxel.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (6)
Replacing these paid tools with Beam saves up to $140/mo ($1,680/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Blaxel](https://caniforkit.com/blaxel) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare Blaxel vs Beam](https://caniforkit.com/vs/blaxel-vs-beam) |
| [Daytona](https://caniforkit.com/daytona) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare Daytona vs Beam](https://caniforkit.com/vs/daytona-vs-beam) |
| [Modal](https://caniforkit.com/modal) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare Modal vs Beam](https://caniforkit.com/vs/modal-vs-beam) |
| [Sprites](https://caniforkit.com/sprites) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare Sprites vs Beam](https://caniforkit.com/vs/sprites-vs-beam) |
| [Together Sandbox](https://caniforkit.com/together-sandbox) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare Together Sandbox vs Beam](https://caniforkit.com/vs/together-sandbox-vs-beam) |
| [Vertex AI](https://caniforkit.com/vertex-ai) | [ai assistants](https://caniforkit.com/category/ai-assistant) | $15/mo | [Compare Vertex AI vs Beam](https://caniforkit.com/vs/vertex-ai-vs-beam) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Beam free and open source?
Beam is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. Run GPU inference, task queues, and sandboxes on serverless infrastructure with sub-second cold starts, autoscaling, and support for your own AWS, GCP, or bare metal.

### What is the trade-off or limitation of using Beam?
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Blaxel.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)