Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Glean · 🧠 notes & knowledge
Glean vs Onyx
An open-source platform that connects to 40+ apps to provide intelligent search and AI assistance across all company information Here is how Onyx ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Glean ($10/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Onyx is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for Glean. Switching from Glean ($10/mo) saves $120/yr per solo seat, or $600/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Glean.
Glean vs Onyx Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Glean (Paid) | Onyx (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $10 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $120 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $120) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $600 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $600) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $1,200 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,200) |
| 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 | — | ★ 33.3k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Glean to Onyx
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Glean.
How to deploy Onyx
Clone https://github.com/onyx-dot-app/onyx 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 Onyx instead of vibe-coding a Glean clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Glean or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 2 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Onyx.
Glean vs Onyx FAQ
Is Onyx a good free alternative to Glean?+
Yes. Onyx is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Glean. An open-source platform that connects to 40+ apps to provide intelligent search and AI assistance across all company information
What is the catch when switching from Glean to Onyx?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Glean.
How much do you save switching from Glean to Onyx?+
Glean costs $10/mo ($120/yr) per seat, whereas Onyx is $0/mo. Switching saves $120/yr for a solo user, $600/yr for a 5-person team, and $1,200/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Onyx instead of Glean?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/onyx-dot-app/onyx or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
