Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Trello · 🗂️ project management
Trello vs Kanboard
Spartan kanban that is finished, not fashionable; maintenance mode means only fixes Here is how Kanboard ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Trello ($12.50/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Trello vs Kanboard Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-08-10
| Dimension | Trello (Paid) | Kanboard (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $12.50 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $150 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $150) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $750 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $750) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $1,500 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,500) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source MIT |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 9.8k (active apr 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Trello to Kanboard
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Kanboard is stable and lightweight, but its maintenance-mode pace, dated interface, limited mobile experience, and sparse integrations are a clear downgrade from Trello.
How to deploy Kanboard
Docker Compose, or unzip the PHP application into a web server and make its data directory writable
What it takes to run
It is simple by self-hosting standards, but the operator must still secure the default admin account and writable data directory, configure email and backups, and accept that the project is in maintenance mode.
Where your data lives
By default all tasks, projects, and users live in one `data/db.sqlite` SQLite file; MariaDB and PostgreSQL are supported, and files/configuration live under the writable data directory.
Why fork Kanboard instead of vibe-coding a Trello clone?
The core loop is buildable, but a dependable replacement becomes a real weekend or multi-day project. For Trello, run kanban boards with cards, checklists, labels, dates, and simple automation. The hard boundary is atlassian ecosystem, power-ups, mobile apps, automation, and reliable collaboration, plus collaboration, integrations, and organizational trust.
Trello vs Kanboard FAQ
Is Kanboard a good free alternative to Trello?+
Yes. Kanboard is a verified open-source (MIT) replacement for Trello. Spartan kanban that is finished, not fashionable; maintenance mode means only fixes
What is the catch when switching from Trello to Kanboard?+
Kanboard is stable and lightweight, but its maintenance-mode pace, dated interface, limited mobile experience, and sparse integrations are a clear downgrade from Trello.
How much do you save switching from Trello to Kanboard?+
Trello costs $12.50/mo ($150/yr) per seat, whereas Kanboard is $0/mo. Switching saves $150/yr for a solo user, $750/yr for a 5-person team, and $1,500/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Kanboard instead of Trello?+
Install: Docker Compose, or unzip the PHP application into a web server and make its data directory writable. Setup: It is simple by self-hosting standards, but the operator must still secure the default admin account and writable data directory, configure email and backups, and accept that the project is in maintenance mode.
