Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to ClickUp · 🎨 design
ClickUp vs Kan
Free kanban project management with unlimited boards, lists, and cards. Import Trello boards, collaborate with teams, and self-host for complete control. Here is how Kan ($0/mo open source) stacks up against ClickUp ($20/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Kan is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for ClickUp. Switching from ClickUp ($20/mo) saves $240/yr per solo seat, or $1,200/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed ClickUp.
ClickUp vs Kan Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | ClickUp (Paid) | Kan (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $20 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $240 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $240) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $1,200 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,200) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $2,400 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $2,400) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 5.9k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from ClickUp to Kan
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed ClickUp.
How to deploy Kan
Clone https://github.com/kanbn/kan or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
Where your data lives
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
Why fork Kan instead of vibe-coding a ClickUp clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for ClickUp or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 25 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Macro Tasks.
ClickUp vs Kan FAQ
Is Kan a good free alternative to ClickUp?+
Yes. Kan is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for ClickUp. 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 catch when switching from ClickUp to Kan?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed ClickUp.
How much do you save switching from ClickUp to Kan?+
ClickUp costs $20/mo ($240/yr) per seat, whereas Kan is $0/mo. Switching saves $240/yr for a solo user, $1,200/yr for a 5-person team, and $2,400/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Kan instead of ClickUp?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/kanbn/kan or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
