# 17 Best Open Source Alternatives for Height Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/height Last updated: 2026-11-07 Looking for the best open source alternative for Height? Compare 17 verified free and open source alternatives to Height (Macro Tasks, It's a Plan, Plane) with license details, self-hosting requirements, and practical trade-offs. ## Height Overview & Subscription Cost - **Product**: Height - **Category**: [design](https://caniforkit.com/category/design) - **Paid Subscription Price**: $20/month per seat - **1-Seat Annualized Cost**: $240/year - **5-Person Team Annualized Cost**: $1,200/year - **10-Person Team Annualized Cost**: $2,400/year - **Can I Vibe-Code / Rebuild It Myself?**: NO (use a free alternative, save the tokens) - **Rebuild Verdict**: Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Height or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 17 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Macro Tasks. ## Verified Free & Open Source Alternatives | Alternative | Type | License | Runs On | GitHub Stars | Head-to-Head | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Macro Tasks](https://caniforkit.com/fork/macro-tasks) | Open Source | Open Source | Local | ★ 6.2k | [Compare vs Height](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-macro-tasks) | | [It's a Plan](https://caniforkit.com/fork/its-a-plan) | Open Source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 2.2k | [Compare vs Height](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-its-a-plan) | | [Plane](https://caniforkit.com/fork/plane) | Open Source | AGPL-3.0 | Self-host | ★ 62.1k | [Compare vs Height](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-plane) | | [Huly](https://caniforkit.com/fork/huly) | Open Source | EPL-2.0 | Self-host | ★ 28.1k | [Compare vs Height](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-huly) | | [OpenProject](https://caniforkit.com/fork/openproject) | Open Source | GPL-3.0 | Self-host | ★ 17.1k | [Compare vs Height](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-openproject) | | [Leantime](https://caniforkit.com/fork/leantime) | Open Source | AGPL-3.0+ | Self-host | ★ 12k | [Compare vs Height](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-leantime) | | [Redmine](https://caniforkit.com/fork/redmine) | Open Source | GPL-2.0+ | Self-host | ★ 6.1k | [Compare vs Height](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-redmine) | | [Vikunja](https://caniforkit.com/fork/vikunja) | Open Source | AGPL-3.0+ | Self-host | ★ 6k | [Compare vs Height](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-vikunja) | | [Worklenz](https://caniforkit.com/fork/worklenz) | Open Source | Open Source | Local | ★ 3.3k | [Compare vs Height](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-worklenz) | | [Kanri](https://caniforkit.com/fork/kanri) | Open Source | Open Source | Local | ★ 2.1k | [Compare vs Height](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-kanri) | | [Taiga](https://caniforkit.com/fork/taiga) | Open Source | MPL-2.0 | Self-host | ★ 858 | [Compare vs Height](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-taiga) | | [Operately](https://caniforkit.com/fork/operately) | Open Source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 618 | [Compare vs Height](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-operately) | | [Ever Teams](https://caniforkit.com/fork/ever-teams) | Open Source | Open Source | Local | ★ 603 | [Compare vs Height](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-ever-teams) | | [Orgnise](https://caniforkit.com/fork/orgnise) | Open Source | Open Source | Local | ★ 246 | [Compare vs Height](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-orgnise) | | [Manage](https://caniforkit.com/fork/manage) | Open Source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 71 | [Compare vs Height](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-manage) | | [Mimrai](https://caniforkit.com/fork/mimrai) | Open Source | Open Source | Local | ★ 25 | [Compare vs Height](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-mimrai) | | [Sayr](https://caniforkit.com/fork/sayr) | Open Source | Open Source | Self-host | ★ 31 | [Compare vs Height](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-sayr) | ## In-Depth Alternative Profiles ### Macro Tasks - **Fork Page**: [Macro Tasks Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/macro-tasks) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Height vs Macro Tasks](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-macro-tasks) - **Official Website**: https://macro.com/tasks/ - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/macro-inc/macro - **License**: Open Source - **Runs On**: Local - **GitHub Stars**: 6.2k - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install - **Summary**: Task manager built for engineering teams, combining status tracking, priority management, GitHub integration, and AI agents that can close tasks automatically. - **The Catch vs Height**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs. - **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/macro-inc/macro or deploy with Docker Compose - **Setup**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system. - **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine. ### It's a Plan - **Fork Page**: [It's a Plan Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/its-a-plan) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Height vs It's a Plan](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-its-a-plan) - **Official Website**: https://itsaplan.dev/ - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/croffasia/itsaplan - **License**: Open Source - **Runs On**: Self-host - **GitHub Stars**: 2.2k - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host - **Summary**: Self-hosted issue tracker with boards, timelines, initiatives and dashboards, where AI agents take assigned issues like teammates. AGPL-3.0, no per-seat fees. - **The Catch vs Height**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Height. - **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/croffasia/itsaplan or deploy with Docker Compose - **Setup**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables. - **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database. ### Plane - **Fork Page**: [Plane Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/plane) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Height vs Plane](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-plane) - **Official Website**: https://plane.so/ - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/makeplane/plane/ - **License**: AGPL-3.0 - **Runs On**: Self-host - **GitHub Stars**: 62.1k - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, self-host, real ops - **Summary**: Open source project management platform combining issues, wikis, and AI agents in one workspace. Available on cloud, self-hosted, and air-gapped deployments. - **The Catch vs Height**: Plane is built around software-style work items and lacks Asana's mature goals, portfolios, workload planning, forms, rules, and broad cross-functional template ecosystem. - **Installation**: Hosted signup, or the official Docker/Kubernetes self-hosting stack - **Setup**: Self-hosting is a multi-service deployment: Docker or Kubernetes plus PostgreSQL, RabbitMQ, object storage, a domain, TLS, and usually email configuration. - **Data Storage**: Self-hosted Plane keeps workspaces, projects, work items, users, comments, and settings in PostgreSQL; attachments, images, and exports live in MinIO or another S3-compatible object store, with RabbitMQ and optional OpenSearch alongside them. Plane Cloud stores the equivalent data in Plane's infrastructure. ### Huly - **Fork Page**: [Huly Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/huly) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Height vs Huly](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-huly) - **Official Website**: https://huly.io/ - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/hcengineering/platform - **License**: EPL-2.0 - **Runs On**: Self-host - **GitHub Stars**: 28.1k - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, self-host, real ops - **Summary**: Combines project management, team chat, virtual office, and collaborative docs into a single platform. A self-hostable alternative to Linear, Jira, Slack, and Notion. - **The Catch vs Height**: Huly's hosted service is gone and its self-hosted issue-doc-chat stack is more technical and less client-friendly than Basecamp's simple project spaces, check-ins, and email participation. - **Installation**: Run the official Huly Selfhost Docker Compose stack on Linux, using its setup script plus Nginx/TLS for production - **Setup**: The first obstacle is the production-sized stack: Linux, Docker Compose, Nginx and certificates plus CockroachDB, Redpanda, Elasticsearch, storage volumes, backups, and enough RAM. - **Data Storage**: The self-host stack uses CockroachDB for account/workspace data, Elasticsearch for search indexes, Redpanda for event streams, and persistent volumes for uploaded files; optional services may add MongoDB. The public hosted Huly service announced its shutdown, so new use means self-hosting. ### OpenProject - **Fork Page**: [OpenProject Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/openproject) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Height vs OpenProject](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-openproject) - **Official Website**: https://openproject.org/ - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/opf/openproject - **License**: GPL-3.0 - **Runs On**: Self-host - **GitHub Stars**: 17.1k - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host - **Summary**: Full-featured project management platform with Gantt charts, agile boards, time tracking, and team collaboration. Self-host or use managed cloud hosting. - **The Catch vs Height**: OpenProject can model more formal project plans, but its denser interface and weaker no-code automation make ordinary team coordination slower than Asana. - **Installation**: Hosted Enterprise Cloud signup, or Community Edition via Docker Compose/all-in-one Docker or supported Linux packages - **Setup**: The free Community Edition needs a Linux server; the recommended Docker setup still requires persistent database/file volumes, a hostname, TLS, and mail configuration. - **Data Storage**: Self-hosted application data lives in PostgreSQL; uploaded attachments live on a persistent filesystem volume or configured S3-compatible object storage, while configuration and any linked repositories must be backed up separately. Cloud data lives in OpenProject's hosted infrastructure. ### Leantime - **Fork Page**: [Leantime Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/leantime) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Height vs Leantime](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-leantime) - **Official Website**: https://leantime.io - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/leantime/leantime - **License**: AGPL-3.0+ - **Runs On**: Self-host - **GitHub Stars**: 12k - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host - **Summary**: Open-source software designed to streamline tasks, boost productivity, and enhance collaboration for teams of all types, including those with ADHD and neurodiversity. - **The Catch vs Height**: Leantime covers projects and goals but has fewer polished integrations, rules, mobile workflows, dashboards, and enterprise controls than Asana. - **Installation**: Paid hosted signup, or the free open-source edition via Docker Compose/official image or a PHP release archive plus MySQL/MariaDB - **Setup**: There is no longer a permanent free hosted tier: the free route means operating PHP, MySQL/MariaDB, persistent storage, backups, and a web-facing Docker or LAMP stack. - **Data Storage**: Self-hosted project data lives in MySQL 8 or MariaDB 10.6+, while uploaded files use the local filesystem or configured S3-compatible storage; hosted-account data lives in Leantime's cloud. ### Redmine - **Fork Page**: [Redmine Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/redmine) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Height vs Redmine](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-redmine) - **Official Website**: https://www.redmine.org/ - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/redmine/redmine - **License**: GPL-2.0+ - **Runs On**: Self-host - **GitHub Stars**: 6.1k - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, self-host, real ops - **Summary**: Self-hosted project management web app built on Ruby on Rails with issue tracking, time logging, SCM integration, and multi-project support across any database. - **The Catch vs Height**: Redmine gives up Asana's modern collaboration, mobile experience, forms, automation, portfolio reporting, and real-time polish in exchange for a highly configurable server. - **Installation**: Install the Ruby on Rails application against PostgreSQL, MySQL/MariaDB, or SQLite; packaged containers/appliances are third-party conveniences - **Setup**: The official install is a real Rails deployment, Ruby and gem versions, database creation, migrations, a production web server, email, backups, and upgrades are all the operator's job. - **Data Storage**: Issues, users, projects, time entries, and configuration live in the configured SQL database; uploaded attachments live as files in Redmine's `files` directory. ### Vikunja - **Fork Page**: [Vikunja Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/vikunja) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Height vs Vikunja](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-vikunja) - **Official Website**: https://vikunja.io - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/go-vikunja/vikunja - **License**: AGPL-3.0+ - **Runs On**: Self-host - **GitHub Stars**: 6k - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: desktop, web, self-hosted, docker to self-host - **Summary**: A powerful, open-source task management platform for teams and individuals, offering customizable workflows and seamless integration. - **The Catch vs Height**: Vikunja lacks Any.do’s polished guided daily planner, consumer-grade reminders, calendar experience, and low-friction mobile setup. - **Installation**: Use the paid hosted service or deploy the free server with Docker Compose, a package, or the standalone binary - **Setup**: The free path requires a server or Docker, persistent volumes, secrets, and normally a reverse proxy with TLS - **Data Storage**: Tasks, projects, users, and settings live in SQLite, MySQL/MariaDB, or PostgreSQL, with attachments in a persistent files directory, on the selected host ### Worklenz - **Fork Page**: [Worklenz Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/worklenz) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Height vs Worklenz](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-worklenz) - **Official Website**: https://www.worklenz.com - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/worklenz/worklenz - **License**: Open Source - **Runs On**: Local - **GitHub Stars**: 3.3k - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install - **Summary**: Worklenz is a comprehensive project management platform that helps agencies organize tasks, track resources, and boost productivity. - **The Catch vs Height**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs. - **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/worklenz/worklenz or deploy with Docker Compose - **Setup**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system. - **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine. ### Kanri - **Fork Page**: [Kanri Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/kanri) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Height vs Kanri](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-kanri) - **Official Website**: https://www.kanriapp.com - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/kanriapp/kanri - **License**: Open Source - **Runs On**: Local - **GitHub Stars**: 2.1k - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install - **Summary**: Kanri is a free, open-source personal Kanban app that works offline, offering a modern and simple experience while respecting your privacy. - **The Catch vs Height**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs. - **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/kanriapp/kanri or deploy with Docker Compose - **Setup**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system. - **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine. ### Taiga - **Fork Page**: [Taiga Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/taiga) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Height vs Taiga](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-taiga) - **Official Website**: https://taiga.io/ - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/taigaio/taiga-back - **License**: MPL-2.0 - **Runs On**: Self-host - **GitHub Stars**: 858 - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, self-host, real ops - **Summary**: Self-hostable agile project management tool with Kanban and Scrum boards, sprint planning, issue tracking, and reporting for teams of any size. - **The Catch vs Height**: Taiga makes Scrum and kanban pleasant, but reporting, workflow customization, permissions, release planning, and integrations are materially thinner than Jira. - **Installation**: Hosted Taiga signup, or the official multi-container Docker Compose production stack - **Setup**: Production self-hosting is not one container: it needs Docker/Compose familiarity, several Taiga services, PostgreSQL, RabbitMQ, environment files, a reverse proxy, TLS, and email settings. - **Data Storage**: A self-hosted deployment stores application data in PostgreSQL, messages/events in RabbitMQ, and uploaded media in persistent volumes or configured storage; hosted workspaces live in Taiga's cloud. ### Operately - **Fork Page**: [Operately Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/operately) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Height vs Operately](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-operately) - **Official Website**: https://operately.com - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/operately/operately - **License**: Open Source - **Runs On**: Self-host - **GitHub Stars**: 618 - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host - **Summary**: Operately is an open source platform that centralizes projects, goals, and processes, helping startups run efficiently without a COO. - **The Catch vs Height**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Height. - **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/operately/operately or deploy with Docker Compose - **Setup**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables. - **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database. ### Ever Teams - **Fork Page**: [Ever Teams Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/ever-teams) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Height vs Ever Teams](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-ever-teams) - **Official Website**: https://ever.team - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/ever-co/ever-teams - **License**: Open Source - **Runs On**: Local - **GitHub Stars**: 603 - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install - **Summary**: Ever Teams offers an all-in-one solution for work management, time tracking, and team collaboration with integrations for popular tools. - **The Catch vs Height**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs. - **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/ever-co/ever-teams or deploy with Docker Compose - **Setup**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system. - **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine. ### Orgnise - **Fork Page**: [Orgnise Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/orgnise) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Height vs Orgnise](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-orgnise) - **Official Website**: https://orgnise.in - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/orgnise/webapp - **License**: Open Source - **Runs On**: Local - **GitHub Stars**: 246 - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install - **Summary**: A versatile project management platform that combines task organization, team collaboration, and workflow automation in one intuitive interface. - **The Catch vs Height**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs. - **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/orgnise/webapp or deploy with Docker Compose - **Setup**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system. - **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine. ### Manage - **Fork Page**: [Manage Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/manage) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Height vs Manage](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-manage) - **Official Website**: https://managee.xyz/ - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/techulus/manage - **License**: Open Source - **Runs On**: Self-host - **GitHub Stars**: 71 - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host - **Summary**: Project management app with task lists, calendar, files, docs and full-text search. Self-host it on your own infrastructure with team roles and permissions. - **The Catch vs Height**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Height. - **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/techulus/manage or deploy with Docker Compose - **Setup**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables. - **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database. ### Mimrai - **Fork Page**: [Mimrai Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/mimrai) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Height vs Mimrai](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-mimrai) - **Official Website**: https://www.mimrai.com/ - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/mimrai-org/mimrai - **License**: Open Source - **Runs On**: Local - **GitHub Stars**: 25 - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install - **Summary**: Open source minimalist task management tool with AI companion that filters noise, automates coordination, and guides teams through complexity with calm focus. - **The Catch vs Height**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs. - **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/mimrai-org/mimrai or deploy with Docker Compose - **Setup**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system. - **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine. ### Sayr - **Fork Page**: [Sayr Profile](https://caniforkit.com/fork/sayr) - **Head-to-Head Comparison**: [Height vs Sayr](https://caniforkit.com/vs/height-vs-sayr) - **Official Website**: https://sayr.io/ - **Source Code Repository**: https://github.com/dorasto/sayr - **License**: Open Source - **Runs On**: Self-host - **GitHub Stars**: 31 - **Maintenance Activity**: nov 2026 - **Supported Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host - **Summary**: Source-available project management platform with dual views - internal team workspace and public portal for user feedback, voting, and progress tracking. - **The Catch vs Height**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Height. - **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/dorasto/sayr or deploy with Docker Compose - **Setup**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables. - **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the best free alternative to Height? The top free alternative to Height is Macro Tasks (open source, Open Source). Task manager built for engineering teams, combining status tracking, priority management, GitHub integration, and AI agents that can close tasks automatically. Other popular Height replacements include It's a Plan, Plane, Huly. ### How much does switching from Height to a free alternative save? Height starts at $20/month per seat ($240/year). Switching a 5-person team to a free alternative like Macro Tasks saves $1,200 per year in software subscription fees. ### What is the catch when switching away from Height? While Macro Tasks replaces core Height features without subscription fees, the real-world trade-off is: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs. ## Related - [design Software Category Hub](https://caniforkit.com/category/design) - [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives) - [Self-Hosted Software Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted) - [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)