Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Tilda · 🧱 website builders
Tilda vs Publii
A desktop block editor that publishes static sites; hosting is separate and the output is yours. Here is how Publii ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Tilda ($10/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Tilda vs Publii Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-08-10
| Dimension | Tilda (Paid) | Publii (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $10 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $120 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $120) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $600 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $600) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $1,200 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,200) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source GPL-3.0 |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Local (on your machine) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | desktopone-click install |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 7.3k (active jul 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Tilda to Publii
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Publii's theme/block library and integrated form/analytics workflow are narrower than Tilda's.
How to deploy Publii
Install the native Windows/macOS package or Linux AppImage
What it takes to run
Publishing still needs separate hosting plus SFTP, GitHub or Netlify credentials/configuration
Where your data lives
Source content and media in a user-selected local Sites Location; publishing generates static HTML, CSS and assets, with optional local backup archives
Why fork Publii instead of vibe-coding a Tilda clone?
The core loop is small enough for a capable coding agent to produce a useful local version in one sitting. For Tilda, assemble a responsive landing site from a curated block library and export it. The hard boundary is large block library, hosted forms, animation polish, and publishing convenience, plus editor polish, hosting, templates, and ecosystem.
Tilda vs Publii FAQ
Is Publii a good free alternative to Tilda?+
Yes. Publii is a verified open-source (GPL-3.0) replacement for Tilda. A desktop block editor that publishes static sites; hosting is separate and the output is yours.
What is the catch when switching from Tilda to Publii?+
Publii's theme/block library and integrated form/analytics workflow are narrower than Tilda's.
How much do you save switching from Tilda to Publii?+
Tilda costs $10/mo ($120/yr) per seat, whereas Publii is $0/mo. Switching saves $120/yr for a solo user, $600/yr for a 5-person team, and $1,200/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Publii instead of Tilda?+
Install: Install the native Windows/macOS package or Linux AppImage. Setup: Publishing still needs separate hosting plus SFTP, GitHub or Netlify credentials/configuration
