Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Wrike · 🗂️ project management
Wrike vs Redmine
Project tracking, time sheets, Gantt, and wikis from the era when software admitted it needed configuration Here is how Redmine ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Wrike ($10/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Wrike vs Redmine Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-08-10
| Dimension | Wrike (Paid) | Redmine (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-2.0+ |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hostedself-host, real ops |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 6.0k (active aug 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Wrike to Redmine
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Redmine can be customized with plugins, but its dated interface and manual administration are a major step down from Wrike's managed dashboards, proofing, and automations.
How to deploy Redmine
Install the Ruby on Rails application against PostgreSQL, MySQL/MariaDB, or SQLite; packaged containers/appliances are third-party conveniences
What it takes to run
The official install is a real Rails deployment, Ruby and gem versions, database creation, migrations, a production web server, email, backups, and upgrades are all the operator's job.
Where your data lives
Issues, users, projects, time entries, and configuration live in the configured SQL database; uploaded attachments live as files in Redmine's `files` directory.
Why fork Redmine instead of vibe-coding a Wrike clone?
The core loop is buildable, but a dependable replacement becomes a real weekend or multi-day project. For Wrike, track projects through tasks, boards, custom fields, and team dashboards. The hard boundary is enterprise workflow, approvals, integrations, reporting, and governance, plus collaboration, integrations, and organizational trust.
Wrike vs Redmine FAQ
Is Redmine a good free alternative to Wrike?+
Yes. Redmine is a verified open-source (GPL-2.0+) replacement for Wrike. Project tracking, time sheets, Gantt, and wikis from the era when software admitted it needed configuration
What is the catch when switching from Wrike to Redmine?+
Redmine can be customized with plugins, but its dated interface and manual administration are a major step down from Wrike's managed dashboards, proofing, and automations.
How much do you save switching from Wrike to Redmine?+
Wrike costs $10/mo ($120/yr) per seat, whereas Redmine 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 Redmine instead of Wrike?+
Install: Install the Ruby on Rails application against PostgreSQL, MySQL/MariaDB, or SQLite; packaged containers/appliances are third-party conveniences. Setup: The official install is a real Rails deployment, Ruby and gem versions, database creation, migrations, a production web server, email, backups, and upgrades are all the operator's job.
