🎨 design

Teamwork costs $20/mo.
These cost $0.

9 free alternatives to Teamwork, checked for license, recent activity and real adoption. Each one tells you the catch, so you can switch with your eyes open.

⚡ Quick Verdict · 2027 Guide

The top-rated free, open-source replacement for Teamwork is Plane (AGPL-3.0 Open Source). Across this category, 7 self-hostable tools are available (including Plane and Huly). Switching a 5-person team saves up to $1,200/year compared to Teamwork's $20/mo subscription.

The catch: 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.

See the 9 picks ↓

Teamwork vs Free Alternatives

Quick side-by-side comparison · $0/mo vs $20/mo

Alternative	Type	License	Where It Runs	Stars	Head-to-Head
Plane	open source	AGPL-3.0	Self-host	★ 62.1k	Teamwork vs Plane →
Huly	open source	EPL-2.0	Self-host	★ 28.1k	Teamwork vs Huly →
OpenProject	open source	GPL-3.0	Self-host	★ 17.1k	Teamwork vs OpenProject →
Redmine	open source	GPL-2.0+	Self-host	★ 6.1k	Teamwork vs Redmine →
Vikunja	open source	AGPL-3.0+	Self-host	★ 6k	Teamwork vs Vikunja →
Kanri	open source	Open Source	Local	★ 2.1k	Teamwork vs Kanri →
Taiga	open source	MPL-2.0	Self-host	★ 858	Teamwork vs Taiga →
Operately	open source	Open Source	Self-host	★ 618	Teamwork vs Operately →
Ever Teams	open source	Open Source	Local	★ 603	Teamwork vs Ever Teams →

The picks

9 open source · ranked by fit

01
Plane
open sourceAGPL-3.0Self-host
62.1knov 2026
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 Teamwork
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.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hostedself-host, real ops
install
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.
your data
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.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit plane.so ↗Source Compare vs Teamwork →also replaces 9 other apps →
02
Huly
open sourceEPL-2.0Self-host
28.1knov 2026
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 Teamwork
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.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hostedself-host, real ops
install
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.
your data
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.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit huly.io ↗Source Compare vs Teamwork →also replaces 7 other apps →
03
OpenProject
open sourceGPL-3.0Self-host
17.1knov 2026
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 Teamwork
OpenProject can model more formal project plans, but its denser interface and weaker no-code automation make ordinary team coordination slower than Asana.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hosteddocker to self-host
install
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.
your data
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.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit openproject.org ↗Source Compare vs Teamwork →also replaces 10 other apps →
04
Redmine
open sourceGPL-2.0+Self-host
6.1knov 2026
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 Teamwork
Redmine gives up Asana's modern collaboration, mobile experience, forms, automation, portfolio reporting, and real-time polish in exchange for a highly configurable server.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hostedself-host, real ops
install
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.
your data
Issues, users, projects, time entries, and configuration live in the configured SQL database; uploaded attachments live as files in Redmine's `files` directory.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit redmine.org ↗Source Compare vs Teamwork →also replaces 8 other apps →
05
Vikunja
open sourceAGPL-3.0+Self-host
6knov 2026
A powerful, open-source task management platform for teams and individuals, offering customizable workflows and seamless integration.
The catch vs Teamwork
Vikunja lacks Any.do’s polished guided daily planner, consumer-grade reminders, calendar experience, and low-friction mobile setup.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
desktopwebself-hosteddocker to self-host
install
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
your data
Tasks, projects, users, and settings live in SQLite, MySQL/MariaDB, or PostgreSQL, with attachments in a persistent files directory, on the selected host
checked
2026-11-07
Visit vikunja.io ↗Source Compare vs Teamwork →also replaces 10 other apps →
06
Kanri
open sourceOpen SourceLocal
2.1knov 2026
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 Teamwork
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
desktopcross-platformone-click install
install
Clone https://github.com/kanriapp/kanri or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
your data
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit kanriapp.com ↗Source Compare vs Teamwork →also replaces 4 other apps →
07
Taiga
open sourceMPL-2.0Self-host
858nov 2026
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 Teamwork
Taiga makes Scrum and kanban pleasant, but reporting, workflow customization, permissions, release planning, and integrations are materially thinner than Jira.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hostedself-host, real ops
install
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.
your data
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.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit taiga.io ↗Source Compare vs Teamwork →also replaces 6 other apps →
08
Operately
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host
618nov 2026
Operately is an open source platform that centralizes projects, goals, and processes, helping startups run efficiently without a COO.
The catch vs Teamwork
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Teamwork.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hosteddocker to self-host
install
Clone https://github.com/operately/operately or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
your data
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit operately.com ↗Source Compare vs Teamwork →also replaces 4 other apps →
09
Ever Teams
open sourceOpen SourceLocal
603nov 2026
Ever Teams offers an all-in-one solution for work management, time tracking, and team collaboration with integrations for popular tools.
The catch vs Teamwork
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
desktopcross-platformone-click install
install
Clone https://github.com/ever-co/ever-teams or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
your data
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit ever.team ↗Source Compare vs Teamwork →also replaces 5 other apps →

Teamwork Head-to-Head Comparisons (2027)

Side-by-side trade-off breakdowns · 9 free alternatives

Teamwork vs PlaneAGPL-3.0 · Self-host →

Teamwork vs HulyEPL-2.0 · Self-host →

Teamwork vs OpenProjectGPL-3.0 · Self-host →

Teamwork vs RedmineGPL-2.0+ · Self-host →

Teamwork vs VikunjaAGPL-3.0+ · Self-host →

Teamwork vs KanriOpen Source · Local →

Teamwork vs TaigaMPL-2.0 · Self-host →

Teamwork vs OperatelyOpen Source · Self-host →

Teamwork vs Ever TeamsOpen Source · Local →

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers · Teamwork open-source replacements

What is the best free alternative to Teamwork?+

The top free alternative to Teamwork is Plane (open source, AGPL-3.0). Open source project management platform combining issues, wikis, and AI agents in one workspace. Available on cloud, self-hosted, and air-gapped deployments. Other popular Teamwork replacements include Huly, OpenProject, Redmine.

Can I self-host a free replacement for Teamwork?+

Yes. Of the 9 free alternatives to Teamwork, 7 can be self-hosted on your own server or local machine: Plane (AGPL-3.0), Huly (EPL-2.0), OpenProject (GPL-3.0), Redmine (GPL-2.0+), Vikunja (AGPL-3.0+), Taiga (MPL-2.0), Operately (Open Source).

How much does switching from Teamwork to a free alternative save?+

Teamwork starts at $20/month per seat ($240/year). Switching a 5-person team to a free alternative like Plane saves $1,200 per year in software subscription fees.

Should I vibe-code or build my own Teamwork clone from scratch?+

Our build verdict for Teamwork is NO (use a free alternative, save the tokens). Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Teamwork or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 9 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Plane.

What is the catch when switching from Teamwork to Plane?+

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.