Free and open source hosting,
demystified.
Finding hosting that respects software freedom shouldn't require a PhD. We research, compare, and explain FOSS-friendly hosting options so you can deploy with confidence — without vendor lock-in or proprietary traps.
What is this site?
This site exists because finding hosting that respects software freedom is harder than it should be. Many providers say they're "FOSS-friendly" but have proprietary restrictions buried in their terms. Others impose egress fees that make self-hosting impractical.
We research real hosting options — providers, platforms, and tools — and give you practical, detailed information so you can make your own decisions. When a page includes an affiliate link, it is disclosed clearly; the goal remains useful guidance, not vendor lock-in.
Why does this matter?
- Avoid vendor lock-in
Proprietary platforms can change prices, restrict features, or shut down. FOSS means you own your infrastructure.
- Protect your privacy
FOSS hosting providers often have stronger privacy practices and don't monetize your data.
- Support the ecosystem
Every euro you spend with FOSS-friendly providers supports a healthier software ecosystem.
Featured FOSS-Friendly Hosts
Coolify
FOSSTruly open source, self-hostable Heroku alternative. Deploy anything, own everything.
Free (self-hosted)
Learn more →Hetzner
FOSSGerman engineering at exceptional prices. Dedicated to open source since day one.
From €4.50/mo
Learn more →1984 Hosting
FOSSIcelandic independent hosting for privacy-minded publishers and public-interest FOSS services.
VPS + web hosting
Learn more →Values-Aligned Hosts
These providers are worth a closer look because their product model, jurisdiction, or community posture lines up with open infrastructure values.
Hetzner
Open sourceSponsors FOSS events, contributes to the Linux kernel, and offers excellent prices with no proprietary restrictions.
Learn moreCoolify
FOSS platformFully open source (Apache 2.0) deployment platform. No vendor lock-in, no proprietary SaaS trap.
Learn moreExoscale
EU cloudEuropean cloud provider with strong privacy standards, S3-compatible storage, and active FOSS contributions.
Learn moreCherry Servers
Project supportOffers free/discounted hosting for qualifying FOSS projects and contributes to open source tooling.
Learn morePractical Guides
Getting Started with Coolify
Deploy your first application with this open source Heroku alternative. Step-by-step from zero to production.
Hardening Your VPS
SSH keys, firewall rules, automatic updates, and fail2ban. The practical hardening checklist.
Self-Hosting on a Budget
Run production workloads on VPS plans under €5/month. What to expect, what to avoid.
By the Numbers
Featured Alternative of the Week
Vaultwarden
Replaces: 1Password, LastPass, BitwardenThe easiest way to take control of your passwords. Vaultwarden is an unofficial Bitwarden server written in Rust — it uses a fraction of the resources of the official server while maintaining full compatibility with all Bitwarden clients (browser extensions, mobile apps, desktop apps, CLI).
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