Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Squad · 🛠️ dev tools
Squad vs Kortix
Manages a team of AI agents across your company, with every agent, skill, memory, and connector stored as versioned files in a git repo you own and self-host. Here is how Kortix ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Squad ($25/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Kortix is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for Squad. Switching from Squad ($25/mo) saves $300/yr per solo seat, or $1,500/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Squad.
Squad vs Kortix Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Squad (Paid) | Kortix (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 Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 20.4k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Squad to Kortix
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Squad.
How to deploy Kortix
Clone https://github.com/kortix-ai/suna 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 Kortix instead of vibe-coding a Squad clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Squad or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 11 battle-tested open-source alternatives like OpenClaw.
Squad vs Kortix FAQ
Is Kortix a good free alternative to Squad?+
Yes. Kortix is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Squad. Manages a team of AI agents across your company, with every agent, skill, memory, and connector stored as versioned files in a git repo you own and self-host.
What is the catch when switching from Squad to Kortix?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Squad.
How much do you save switching from Squad to Kortix?+
Squad costs $25/mo ($300/yr) per seat, whereas Kortix 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 Kortix instead of Squad?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/kortix-ai/suna or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.