Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Simkl · 📊 analytics
Simkl vs SeriesGuide
Android app for tracking TV shows and movies you're watching, have watched, or plan to watch, powered by TMDb data. Here is how SeriesGuide ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Simkl ($35/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
SeriesGuide is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for Simkl. Switching from Simkl ($35/mo) saves $420/yr per solo seat, or $2,100/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Local.
The catch: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
SeriesGuide
$0.00/mo · Open Source
Simkl vs SeriesGuide Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Simkl (Paid) | SeriesGuide (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $35 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $420 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $420) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $2,100 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $2,100) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $4,200 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $4,200) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Local (on your machine) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | desktopcross-platformone-click install |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 2.2k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Simkl to SeriesGuide
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How to deploy SeriesGuide
Clone https://github.com/UweTrottmann/SeriesGuide/ or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
Where your data lives
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
Why fork SeriesGuide instead of vibe-coding a Simkl clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Simkl or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 3 battle-tested open-source alternatives like SeriesGuide.
Simkl vs SeriesGuide FAQ
Is SeriesGuide a good free alternative to Simkl?+
Yes. SeriesGuide is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Simkl. Android app for tracking TV shows and movies you're watching, have watched, or plan to watch, powered by TMDb data.
What is the catch when switching from Simkl to SeriesGuide?+
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How much do you save switching from Simkl to SeriesGuide?+
Simkl costs $35/mo ($420/yr) per seat, whereas SeriesGuide is $0/mo. Switching saves $420/yr for a solo user, $2,100/yr for a 5-person team, and $4,200/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host SeriesGuide instead of Simkl?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/UweTrottmann/SeriesGuide/ or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
