# Cosmos Server: Free Open Source Alternative to Cloudron, Umbrel

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

Cosmos Server (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Cloudron, Umbrel. Complete self-hosting solution with automated maintenance, Smart-Shield protection, anti-DDoS, SSO authentication, and VPN access for secure private cloud management.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Cosmos Server
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://cosmos-cloud.io
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/azukaar/cosmos-server
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 6.2k
- **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/azukaar/cosmos-server 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 Cloudron.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (2)
Replacing these paid tools with Cosmos Server saves up to $50/mo ($600/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Cloudron](https://caniforkit.com/cloudron) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare Cloudron vs Cosmos Server](https://caniforkit.com/vs/cloudron-vs-cosmos-server) |
| [Umbrel](https://caniforkit.com/umbrel) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare Umbrel vs Cosmos Server](https://caniforkit.com/vs/umbrel-vs-cosmos-server) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Cosmos Server free and open source?
Cosmos Server is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. Complete self-hosting solution with automated maintenance, Smart-Shield protection, anti-DDoS, SSO authentication, and VPN access for secure private cloud management.

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

## 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)