Self Hosted Software And Apps

Leo Migdal

-Nov 4, 2025, 3:14 PM

Try adjusting your filters or search query. Self-hosting is the practice of hosting and managing applications on your own server(s) instead of consuming from SaaSS providers. This is a list of Free Software network services and web applications which can be hosted on your own server(s). Non-Free software is listed on the Non-Free page. HTML version (recommended), Markdown version (legacy). Analytics is the systematic computational analysis of data or statistics.

It is used for the discovery, interpretation, and communication of meaningful patterns in data. Related: Database Management, Personal Dashboards Are you looking for ways to cut your reliance on the cloud, bring the services you use in-house, and bolster your online safety? If so, then you absolutely should replace cloud-hosted services with self-hosted alternatives. Here's 12 privacy-focused self-hosted apps and the services they replace. For the privacy-conscious, cameras might be the first thing on your mind to self-host.

There's stories all over about cloud camera storage being hacked. From iCloud years ago to Wyze and eufy recently, having footage stored in the cloud is a security nightmare waiting to happen. That's why it's a good idea to keep your security camera footage stored locally. I personally went the route of using Scrypted to host my NVR locally, but Frigate is also a fantastic choice. Both programs can be run in Docker and allow you to integrate both third-party and ONVIF-supported cameras. Each offers a way to capture the footage locally on your own computer, and can be run offline so that way your camera recordings are air-gapped from the internet if you want.

Another area that's ripe for privacy concerns is your cloud storage. Have you ever wondered just how much access Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive has to your files? While they all say they can't access your data, that doesn't mean hackers won't gain access in data breaches. In an era where data privacy and digital autonomy are paramount, self-hosted apps have emerged as powerful alternatives to proprietary, cloud-based solutions. By hosting software on your own server, you retain full control over your data, avoid vendor lock-in, and enjoy enhanced privacy—all while saving costs (most self-hosted tools are free and open-source). Whether you’re a business, developer, or privacy-conscious individual, these apps empower you to break free from Big Tech’s constraints.

In this article, we explore the best self-hosted apps in 2025 across productivity, communication, analytics, and more. Let’s dive in! The top self-hosted apps of 2025 prioritize privacy, customization, and cost efficiency. Highlights include: Self-hosted apps empower users with data ownership, privacy, and freedom from SaaS limitations. With self-hosted apps, you’re not tied to any specific vendor.

You have the freedom to move your data or application to another server or platform at any time. This avoids long-term dependency on a particular provider. With new FOSS applications and self-hosted utilities popping up at a breakneck pace, now’s the best time to deploy useful services on your own hardware. From a privacy standpoint, locally-hosted apps are free from the prying eyes of large corporations. Most popular self-hosted services have FOSS roots, so you don’t have to worry about your wallet getting bled dry by regular subscription fees. The best part?

Hosting applications is easier than it has ever been, and you can even turn your everyday Windows 11 machine into a reliable self-hosting platform with a couple of containerization tools and Type-2 hypervisors. And once you’ve got everything set up, you can start hosting these incredible services on your Windows PC. Make 3D printing more convenient by hosting these neat apps on your home server Leaving the privacy issues with storing your precious memories on an external cloud aside for a moment, Google Photos may seem like a convenient option when you’ve only got a few gigabytes worth of... But once your photo collection grows past the 2TB threshold, Google's cloud-based service can drain your wallet like there’s no tomorrow with its high subscription fees. Self-hosting your own Immich instance is a budget-friendly solution to this conundrum.

Its UI is identical to what you’ll find in Google Photos, and you’ve got a plethora of tagging, automation, and AI-based recognition features to help you better organize your image collection. Self-hosting is no longer just for tech experts – it’s about taking control by running software on your own hardware. Self-hosted apps have helped me regain control of my media, data, smart home, and digital privacy. Moreover, there are countless self-hosted apps you can easily run on your server, but here are a few essentials I personally can’t live without. Jellyfin is a free and open-source media server. It’s like having your very own personal Netflix or Spotify, but instead of streaming from a corporate server, you stream from your own.

You provide the movies, TV shows, music, and even ebooks, and Jellyfin organizes them into a stunningly beautiful, easy-to-navigate library that you can access from anywhere in the world. Additionally, Jellyfin downloads artwork, sorts episodes, and presents your collection in a polished interface that feels just as professional as any paid service. You can also create different user profiles for everyone in the family, complete with watch history and in-progress tracking. Setting up Jellyfin was surprisingly simple. Once installed, I just pointed it at my media folders, and it automatically fetched metadata, cover art, and sorted everything by season or artist. Ads are everywhere these days – on websites, in apps, and even on smart TVs.

That’s where Pi-hole comes to the rescue. Think of it as a shield for your entire network, blocking ads and trackers before they even reach your devices. Unlike browser extensions that only work on one device, Pi-hole works at the network level, protecting every gadget connected to your Wi-Fi – phones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs – you name it. In so many ways, privacy is dead—or at least a lot more challenging to maintain than it used to be. In public, you’re probably seen by dozens of cameras every day just as you go about your business. At home, almost everything we do online—from social media posts to the shows we watch on our screens—is tracked, packaged, and sold.

The apps we use are some of the worst offenders—especially if they’re free to use, which just means you’re paying either with your eyeballs (on advertisements) or with the data the app is hoovering... The problem is simple: We don’t own or control the apps we use. But you can change that, to an extent. There’s a growing list of “self-hosted” alternatives to commonly used apps. A self-hosted app is just what it sounds like: Instead of relying on a third party’s servers for an app’s functionality, you host your own server. That means you control all your data, and your privacy score shoots up exponentially.

It’s understandable that “running your own server” might sound intimidating, but it’s often a lot easier than it sounds. Here’s how self-hosted apps work, and which ones you can start using today to give your online privacy a boost. The standard apps we use every day—provided by companies like Google or X—are extremely convenient. You can get them up and running in minutes, and they usually work pretty seamlessly. The downside is the mountain of your private data that they absorb and use in mysterious ways. Even if it’s anonymized, it’s still disconcerting—and since those companies can change their terms of service (ToS) any time they want, there’s no guarantee how your data will be used in the future.

A self-hosted app makes everything local. You provide your own storage and your own functionality, and only you can decide how your data is used. The benefits are obvious. Control over your data and privacy is number one. There’s also potentially lower cost (since you’re not paying a subscription), and you won’t be subject to the whims of a corporation that might decide to discontinue an app you love or force you... Plus, you can decide the features and add-ons you want to use instead of having unwanted features forced on you.

There are some potential downsides, too, of course. Self-hosting means you’re responsible for security and keeping your software updated. Hardware can fail, and if you don’t have a recent backup of your data there’s no one to turn to. You’re also your own customer service, and your tech support is essentially a Google search. In the realm of software development and IT management, open-source self-hosted applications have gained a reputation for their versatility, control, and cost-effectiveness. Utilizing these applications can empower developers and enterprises to tailor solutions specific to their needs.

This article explores the top 10 open-source self-hosted applications you should consider integrating into your toolkit. We’ll also address how APIs play a crucial role in enhancing the functionality of these applications and introduce APIPark, an open-source API management platform that stands out in the ecosystem. Overview: Nextcloud is a popular self-hosted cloud storage solution that allows you to store and share files securely. It offers similar functionalities to proprietary cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox but ensures that you have complete control over your data. Key Features: - File Synchronization: Sync files across devices seamlessly. - Collaboration Tools: Includes shared calendars, contacts, and collaborative editing features.

- Robust Security: End-to-end encryption options ensure that sensitive data remains secure. How APIs Help: Nextcloud provides an extensive API that allows developers to integrate various services and customize functionality based on their needs. You can enhance your Nextcloud experience by connecting it with other applications, such as email services or task management tools. Overview: Ghost is an open-source platform aimed at simplifying the creation and management of blogs and online publications. It features a sleek interface, making it an excellent choice for writers and content creators. Software subscriptions are bleeding us dry.

Every month, another invoice arrives, draining our bank accounts for digital tools we barely use. I know because I’ve been there—watching my monthly tech expenses climb like a runaway elevator. Self-hosting changed everything for me. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about reclaiming control. Imagine having powerful tools without the constant financial drain. These apps aren’t just alternatives—they’re liberation.

Self Hosted Software And Apps

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