can i fork it?

Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Keap · 🤝 crm

Keap vs EspoCRM

Open-source CRM software for managing customers, companies, projects and opportunities. Intuitive interface with cloud and self-hosted options available. Here is how EspoCRM ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Keap ($49/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.

⚡ Quick Verdict · 2027 Comparison

EspoCRM is a verified AGPL-3.0-licensed open-source replacement for Keap. Switching from Keap ($49/mo) saves $588/yr per solo seat, or $2,940/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.

The catch: EspoCRM can define custom entities, but its data-model editing, collaborative views, and automatic enrichment are much less fluid than Attio’s.

Open-Source Alternative

EspoCRM

$0.00/mo · AGPL-3.0

Keap vs EspoCRM Specifications

facts verified 2026-11-07

DimensionKeap (Paid)EspoCRM (Replacement)
Monthly Price$49 / mo$0 / mo
1-Year Cost (1 seat)$588 / yr$0 / yr (Save $588)
1-Year Cost (5 seats)$2,940 / yr$0 / yr (Save $2,940)
1-Year Cost (10 seats)$5,880 / yr$0 / yr (Save $5,880)
Source & LicenseProprietary SaaSopen source AGPL-3.0
Where It RunsVendor CloudSelf-host (your server)
PlatformsWeb / Cloud
webself-hosteddocker to self-host
GitHub Stars—★ 3.6k (active nov 2026)

Deep Dive: Switching from Keap to EspoCRM

Trade-offs, installation & data architecture

The Catch vs Keap

What you trade away

EspoCRM can define custom entities, but its data-model editing, collaborative views, and automatic enrichment are much less fluid than Attio’s.

Installation

How to deploy EspoCRM

Docker Compose or upload the PHP package and run the web installer

Day-2 Operations & Setup

What it takes to run

Requires a server, database, domain/TLS setup, and ongoing upgrades/backups

Data Ownership

Where your data lives

CRM records in a self-hosted MySQL, MariaDB, or PostgreSQL database; uploaded files in server/Docker volumes

Build vs Fork Verdict: NO (use a free alternative, save the tokens)

Why fork EspoCRM instead of vibe-coding a Keap clone?

Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Keap or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 6 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Twenty.

Keap vs EspoCRM FAQ

Is EspoCRM a good free alternative to Keap?+

Yes. EspoCRM is a verified open-source (AGPL-3.0) replacement for Keap. Open-source CRM software for managing customers, companies, projects and opportunities. Intuitive interface with cloud and self-hosted options available.

What is the catch when switching from Keap to EspoCRM?+

EspoCRM can define custom entities, but its data-model editing, collaborative views, and automatic enrichment are much less fluid than Attio’s.

How much do you save switching from Keap to EspoCRM?+

Keap costs $49/mo ($588/yr) per seat, whereas EspoCRM is $0/mo. Switching saves $588/yr for a solo user, $2,940/yr for a 5-person team, and $5,880/yr for a 10-person team.

How do I install or self-host EspoCRM instead of Keap?+

Install: Docker Compose or upload the PHP package and run the web installer. Setup: Requires a server, database, domain/TLS setup, and ongoing upgrades/backups

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