Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Carbonmade · 🧱 website builders
Carbonmade vs Silex
A free visual builder that exports ordinary HTML; portfolio templates are less polished but your files are yours. Here is how Silex ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Carbonmade (paid subscription) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Carbonmade vs Silex Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-08-10
| Dimension | Carbonmade (Paid) | Silex (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | Paid tier | $0 / mo |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source AGPL-3.0+ |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Local or hosted (your machine or their cloud) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hostedthey host it |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 2.9k (active aug 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Carbonmade to Silex
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Silex supplies fewer polished portfolio templates and none of Carbonmade's discovery or portfolio-specific guidance.
How to deploy Silex
Use the hosted editor with a GitLab login, install the desktop alpha, or run the official Docker setup
What it takes to run
The stable hosted route starts with a GitLab account; the desktop build is still labelled alpha
Where your data lives
Project JSON and assets in GitLab, FTP or local storage; publishing produces ordinary static HTML, CSS and JavaScript
Why fork Silex instead of vibe-coding a Carbonmade clone?
The visible portfolio builder loop is buildable, but a credible replacement needs more than the first screen. Carbonmade earns its keep through editor, CMS, hosting, polish, so expect a weekend or multi-day build and a narrower personal scope.
Carbonmade vs Silex FAQ
Is Silex a good free alternative to Carbonmade?+
Yes. Silex is a verified open-source (AGPL-3.0+) replacement for Carbonmade. A free visual builder that exports ordinary HTML; portfolio templates are less polished but your files are yours.
What is the catch when switching from Carbonmade to Silex?+
Silex supplies fewer polished portfolio templates and none of Carbonmade's discovery or portfolio-specific guidance.
How do I install or self-host Silex instead of Carbonmade?+
Install: Use the hosted editor with a GitLab login, install the desktop alpha, or run the official Docker setup. Setup: The stable hosted route starts with a GitLab account; the desktop build is still labelled alpha
