Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to PocketGuard · 🛠️ dev tools
PocketGuard vs Firefly III
Track transactions, budgets, and accounts with a double-entry system, multi-currency support, rule engine, and REST API. Fully self-hostable. Here is how Firefly III ($0/mo open source) stacks up against PocketGuard ($25/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Firefly III is a verified AGPL-3.0+-licensed open-source replacement for PocketGuard. Switching from PocketGuard ($25/mo) saves $300/yr per solo seat, or $1,500/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: Firefly III is more operationally demanding and less approachable than Lunch Money for quick imports, flexible rules, multi-currency personal use, and API-driven automation.
Firefly III
$0.00/mo · AGPL-3.0+
PocketGuard vs Firefly III Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | PocketGuard (Paid) | Firefly III (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $25 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $300 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $300) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $1,500 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,500) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $3,000 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $3,000) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source AGPL-3.0+ |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 25.1k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from PocketGuard to Firefly III
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Firefly III is more operationally demanding and less approachable than Lunch Money for quick imports, flexible rules, multi-currency personal use, and API-driven automation.
How to deploy Firefly III
Official Docker Compose deployment; a separate Firefly III Data Importer is normally added for bank files
What it takes to run
The first obstacle is operating a real web service, Docker, a database, application secrets, TLS, mail, backups, upgrades, and usually the separate importer plus an API token.
Where your data lives
Transactions, accounts, budgets, rules, and metadata live in the configured MariaDB/MySQL or PostgreSQL database; uploads and generated files live in persistent server volumes.
Why fork Firefly III instead of vibe-coding a PocketGuard clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for PocketGuard or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 8 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Maybe.
PocketGuard vs Firefly III FAQ
Is Firefly III a good free alternative to PocketGuard?+
Yes. Firefly III is a verified open-source (AGPL-3.0+) replacement for PocketGuard. Track transactions, budgets, and accounts with a double-entry system, multi-currency support, rule engine, and REST API. Fully self-hostable.
What is the catch when switching from PocketGuard to Firefly III?+
Firefly III is more operationally demanding and less approachable than Lunch Money for quick imports, flexible rules, multi-currency personal use, and API-driven automation.
How much do you save switching from PocketGuard to Firefly III?+
PocketGuard costs $25/mo ($300/yr) per seat, whereas Firefly III is $0/mo. Switching saves $300/yr for a solo user, $1,500/yr for a 5-person team, and $3,000/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Firefly III instead of PocketGuard?+
Install: Official Docker Compose deployment; a separate Firefly III Data Importer is normally added for bank files. Setup: The first obstacle is operating a real web service, Docker, a database, application secrets, TLS, mail, backups, upgrades, and usually the separate importer plus an API token.
