Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Trello · 🗂️ project management
Trello vs Wekan
Trello's boards without Butler, upsells, or anyone else holding the database Here is how Wekan ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Trello ($12.50/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Trello vs Wekan Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-08-10
| Dimension | Trello (Paid) | Wekan (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 | — | ★ 21k (active aug 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Trello to Wekan
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Wekan reproduces boards and cards but gives up Trello's Butler automation, Power-Ups, polished mobile apps, integrations, and managed reliability.
How to deploy Wekan
Install with Docker Compose or the official Snap package; many other platform packages are community-supported
What it takes to run
The app starts easily compared with larger suites, but a non-expert still needs an always-on host, persistent MongoDB storage, backups, an external URL, TLS, and mail configuration.
Where your data lives
Boards, cards, users, comments, and settings live in MongoDB; uploaded files and backups must be persisted with the deployment rather than left inside an ephemeral container.
Why fork Wekan 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 Wekan FAQ
Is Wekan a good free alternative to Trello?+
Yes. Wekan is a verified open-source (MIT) replacement for Trello. Trello's boards without Butler, upsells, or anyone else holding the database
What is the catch when switching from Trello to Wekan?+
Wekan reproduces boards and cards but gives up Trello's Butler automation, Power-Ups, polished mobile apps, integrations, and managed reliability.
How much do you save switching from Trello to Wekan?+
Trello costs $12.50/mo ($150/yr) per seat, whereas Wekan 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 Wekan instead of Trello?+
Install: Install with Docker Compose or the official Snap package; many other platform packages are community-supported. Setup: The app starts easily compared with larger suites, but a non-expert still needs an always-on host, persistent MongoDB storage, backups, an external URL, TLS, and mail configuration.
