Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to HEY · 👥 community
HEY vs UnInbox
Streamline team communication with shared inboxes, unlimited email addresses, and customizable workflows. Perfect for modern businesses seeking organized email management. Here is how UnInbox ($0/mo open source) stacks up against HEY ($15/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
UnInbox is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for HEY. Switching from HEY ($15/mo) saves $180/yr per solo seat, or $900/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed HEY.
UnInbox
$0.00/mo · Open Source
HEY vs UnInbox Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | HEY (Paid) | UnInbox (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $15 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $180 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $180) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $900 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $900) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $1,800 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,800) |
| 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 | — | ★ 1.8k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from HEY to UnInbox
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed HEY.
How to deploy UnInbox
Clone https://github.com/un/inbox 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 UnInbox instead of vibe-coding a HEY clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for HEY or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 1 battle-tested open-source alternatives like UnInbox.
HEY vs UnInbox FAQ
Is UnInbox a good free alternative to HEY?+
Yes. UnInbox is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for HEY. Streamline team communication with shared inboxes, unlimited email addresses, and customizable workflows. Perfect for modern businesses seeking organized email management.
What is the catch when switching from HEY to UnInbox?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed HEY.
How much do you save switching from HEY to UnInbox?+
HEY costs $15/mo ($180/yr) per seat, whereas UnInbox is $0/mo. Switching saves $180/yr for a solo user, $900/yr for a 5-person team, and $1,800/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host UnInbox instead of HEY?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/un/inbox or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
