Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Checkly · 📟 monitoring
Checkly vs Uptime Kuma
Monitors websites, APIs, and services with real-time alerts, a status page, and support for dozens of notification channels. Self-hosted and Docker-friendly. Here is how Uptime Kuma ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Checkly ($35/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Uptime Kuma is a verified MIT-licensed open-source replacement for Checkly. Switching from Checkly ($35/mo) saves $420/yr per solo seat, or $2,100/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: It is excellent for checks from your own server, but has no built-in worldwide probe fleet or polished synthetic transaction recorder.
Uptime Kuma
$0.00/mo · MIT
Checkly vs Uptime Kuma Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Checkly (Paid) | Uptime Kuma (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $35 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $420 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $420) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $2,100 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $2,100) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $4,200 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $4,200) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source MIT |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 93.3k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Checkly to Uptime Kuma
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
It is excellent for checks from your own server, but has no built-in worldwide probe fleet or polished synthetic transaction recorder.
How to deploy Uptime Kuma
Docker Compose with a persistent `/app/data` volume, or a manual Node.js plus PM2 install
What it takes to run
It still needs an always-on host, Docker volume discipline, and outbound notification credentials; network filesystems are explicitly unsupported for the data directory.
Where your data lives
Monitor configuration, users, status pages, certificates, and history live in the application database under the mounted `/app/data` directory.
Why fork Uptime Kuma instead of vibe-coding a Checkly clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Checkly or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 13 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Uptime Kuma.
Checkly vs Uptime Kuma FAQ
Is Uptime Kuma a good free alternative to Checkly?+
Yes. Uptime Kuma is a verified open-source (MIT) replacement for Checkly. Monitors websites, APIs, and services with real-time alerts, a status page, and support for dozens of notification channels. Self-hosted and Docker-friendly.
What is the catch when switching from Checkly to Uptime Kuma?+
It is excellent for checks from your own server, but has no built-in worldwide probe fleet or polished synthetic transaction recorder.
How much do you save switching from Checkly to Uptime Kuma?+
Checkly costs $35/mo ($420/yr) per seat, whereas Uptime Kuma is $0/mo. Switching saves $420/yr for a solo user, $2,100/yr for a 5-person team, and $4,200/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Uptime Kuma instead of Checkly?+
Install: Docker Compose with a persistent `/app/data` volume, or a manual Node.js plus PM2 install. Setup: It still needs an always-on host, Docker volume discipline, and outbound notification credentials; network filesystems are explicitly unsupported for the data directory.
