# Kan: Free Open Source Alternative to ClickUp, Monday

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

Kan (Open Source, Open Source) replaces ClickUp, Monday. Free kanban project management with unlimited boards, lists, and cards. Import Trello boards, collaborate with teams, and self-host for complete control.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Kan
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://kan.bn
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/kanbn/kan
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 5.9k
- **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/kanbn/kan 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 ClickUp.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (2)
Replacing these paid tools with Kan saves up to $40/mo ($480/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [ClickUp](https://caniforkit.com/clickup) | [design](https://caniforkit.com/category/design) | $20/mo | [Compare ClickUp vs Kan](https://caniforkit.com/vs/clickup-vs-kan) |
| [Monday](https://caniforkit.com/monday) | [design](https://caniforkit.com/category/design) | $20/mo | [Compare Monday vs Kan](https://caniforkit.com/vs/monday-vs-kan) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Kan free and open source?
Kan is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. Free kanban project management with unlimited boards, lists, and cards. Import Trello boards, collaborate with teams, and self-host for complete control.

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

## 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)