Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Guru · 🧠 notes & knowledge
Guru 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 Guru ($10/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Onyx is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for Guru. Switching from Guru ($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 Guru.
Guru vs Onyx Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Guru (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 Guru to Onyx
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Guru.
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 Guru clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Guru or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 5 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Onyx.
Guru vs Onyx FAQ
Is Onyx a good free alternative to Guru?+
Yes. Onyx is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Guru. 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 Guru to Onyx?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Guru.
How much do you save switching from Guru to Onyx?+
Guru 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 Guru?+
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.
