Umbrel

Best Self-hosted Alternatives to Umbrel

A curated collection of the 20 best self hosted alternatives to Umbrel.

Umbrel Cloud is the hosted/cloud variant of Umbrel, providing managed remote personal server instances and a web dashboard to deploy and run self-hosted apps (Bitcoin/Lightning nodes, file storage, media, productivity tools) without maintaining local hardware.

Alternatives List

#1
CasaOS

CasaOS

Open-source personal cloud system with a web dashboard, app store, and file management to run and manage Docker apps on home servers and SBCs.

CasaOS screenshot

CasaOS is an open-source personal cloud system that provides a web-based dashboard for running and managing self-hosted applications on a home server. It is designed to make Docker-based app deployment and basic server management accessible on common hardware like mini PCs and single-board computers.

Key Features

  • Web UI tailored for home-server scenarios with a simple, “no forms” setup experience
  • App store and one-click installation for curated, community-verified self-hosted apps
  • Support for installing and managing many Docker applications from the wider container ecosystem
  • Built-in drive and file management features for local storage organization
  • Dashboard widgets for quick visibility into app status and system resource usage
  • Broad hardware and Linux distribution compatibility (x86_64 and ARM variants)

Use Cases

  • Run a personal home server to host common self-hosted apps (cloud storage, media, DNS, home automation)
  • Provide a lightweight “personal cloud” interface for managing Docker apps on a NAS-like device
  • Set up a beginner-friendly homelab dashboard on Raspberry Pi, NUCs, or repurposed PCs

Limitations and Considerations

  • Functionality depends heavily on the Docker ecosystem; non-containerized apps are not the primary focus
  • The project has been positioned by its maintainers as evolving toward ZimaOS, which may affect long-term direction and feature focus

CasaOS is well-suited for users who want an approachable UI to deploy and monitor Dockerized services at home. It focuses on simplifying day-to-day app management while remaining flexible enough to install a wide range of container-based software.

33.3kstars
1.9kforks
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#2
Dockge

Dockge

Dockge is a self-hosted, stack-oriented manager for Docker Compose files, providing a responsive web UI to edit, deploy, update, and monitor compose.yaml stacks.

Dockge screenshot

Dockge is a self-hosted web application for managing Docker Compose (compose.yaml) stacks through a focused, stack-oriented interface. It keeps stacks file-based on disk while providing real-time feedback for deployments and operations.

Key Features

  • Create, edit, start, stop, restart, and delete Docker Compose stacks
  • Interactive compose.yaml editor for managing stack definitions
  • Real-time progress and logs during pull/up/down operations
  • Update container images for stacks
  • Interactive web terminal for stack/host interactions
  • Convert typical docker run commands into compose.yaml
  • Multi-agent support to manage stacks across multiple Docker hosts from one UI
  • File-based structure that preserves normal Docker Compose workflows outside the UI

Use Cases

  • Operate a homelab or small server by managing all services as Compose stacks
  • Standardize deployments by converting ad-hoc docker run commands to Compose
  • Centrally manage multiple Docker hosts running stacks via agents

Limitations and Considerations

  • Focused on Docker Compose stack management and not a full Docker administration suite (for example, broader management of networks or standalone containers may be limited)

Dockge is well suited for users who want a clean, responsive interface dedicated to Compose-driven deployments. It complements CLI workflows by keeping compose files on disk while streamlining everyday stack operations in a web UI.

22.2kstars
704forks
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#3
umbrelOS

umbrelOS

umbrelOS is a home server operating system that lets you self-host popular apps via a built-in app store, with one-click installs on Raspberry Pi, x86, or Umbrel Home.

umbrelOS screenshot

umbrelOS is a home server operating system designed to make self-hosting straightforward through a polished web interface and an integrated app store. It targets personal/home setups, including Raspberry Pi, x86 systems, VMs, and the Umbrel Home appliance.

Key Features

  • App store experience for discovering and installing self-hosted apps
  • Container-based app deployment and isolation
  • Web-based dashboard to manage installed apps and services
  • Built-in Files experience for storing and managing documents and data
  • Backup support to help protect data and simplify recovery
  • Support for external storage and NAS-style storage expansion

Use Cases

  • Run a personal home cloud with file sync and collaboration apps
  • Host media, smart home, and network services from a single dashboard
  • Operate privacy-preserving services at home, such as a Bitcoin node

Limitations and Considerations

  • Licensed under PolyForm Noncommercial 1.0.0, limiting commercial redistribution and commercial appliance use
  • Some features have first-class support on Umbrel Home, while other hardware is best-effort due to device differences

umbrelOS is best suited for users who want an appliance-like self-hosting experience with one-click app management. It provides a unified UI and curated app ecosystem for running common home server workloads on your own hardware.

10.6kstars
701forks
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#4
Runtipi

Runtipi

Runtipi is a homeserver orchestrator with a web interface and app store for one-click installation and management of self-hosted services using Docker.

Runtipi screenshot

Runtipi is a personal homeserver orchestrator that simplifies running multiple self-hosted services on a single machine. It provides a web interface and an app store experience to install and manage Docker-based apps with minimal manual configuration.

Key Features

  • One-command installation and web-based management UI
  • One-click installation of apps from official and community app stores
  • Docker-based app deployment and service lifecycle management
  • Centralized management of multiple services on a single server
  • Extensible app definitions so you can create and maintain your own app store

Use Cases

  • Running a homelab “app hub” to host common self-hosted services
  • Quickly deploying and maintaining a curated set of Docker apps for family or small teams
  • Building a personal server platform with reproducible app installations

Limitations and Considerations

  • Ongoing active development; changes and occasional bugs may occur
  • Security and support are community-driven and not guaranteed

Runtipi is well-suited for users who want a straightforward, UI-driven way to operate a multi-service homeserver. Its Docker foundation and app store model make it especially convenient for repeatable installs and day-to-day app management.

9.3kstars
343forks
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#5
Runtipi

Runtipi

Runtipi is a personal homeserver platform that lets you install and manage self-hosted apps with one-click installs, powered by Docker and a simple web UI.

Runtipi is a personal homeserver orchestrator that simplifies running multiple self-hosted services on a single server. It provides an app-store style experience with a web interface, focusing on easy setup and day-to-day management.

Key Features

  • One-command installation and web-based administration UI
  • One-click app installs and updates through an app store model
  • Docker-based service orchestration for running multiple apps on one host
  • Community app stores support and ability to create your own app store
  • Designed to reduce manual configuration and simplify networking for common setups

Use Cases

  • Build a homelab “app hub” for deploying and managing common self-hosted services
  • Standardize how multiple Dockerized apps are installed and maintained on a single server
  • Provide a simple UI for non-expert users to operate a personal homeserver

Limitations and Considerations

  • Maintained by volunteers; support and security guarantees are not provided
  • Still in active development and may contain bugs

Runtipi is well-suited for users who want an approachable, UI-driven way to run and manage a collection of self-hosted applications. Its Docker-based approach and app-store ecosystem make it practical for personal servers and homelabs.

9.3kstars
343forks
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#6
Sandstorm

Sandstorm

Sandstorm is a self-hostable web productivity suite that lets you install, run, and securely share many web apps with unified access control and sandboxing.

Sandstorm screenshot

Sandstorm is a self-hostable web productivity suite that acts as a security-hardened web app package manager. It lets you install multiple web apps on one server and provides a consistent sharing and access-control experience across them.

Key Features

  • App market and one-click installation of packaged web applications
  • Automatic app updates through the platform
  • Per-document/app-instance isolation (“grains”) using strong sandboxing to limit impact of vulnerabilities
  • Unified identity, sharing links, and access control across all installed apps
  • Central place to find and manage everything you create across apps

Use Cases

  • Run a private productivity suite (documents, chat, task boards, file storage) on your own infrastructure
  • Host multiple small internal tools with consistent access control and sharing
  • Package and distribute a web app as a deployable Sandstorm app without managing a full SaaS stack

Limitations and Considerations

  • Sandstorm’s app ecosystem relies on Sandstorm-specific packaging and runtime constraints, which can limit which apps are available or easy to adapt

Sandstorm is a good fit for teams or individuals who want many web apps in one place with strong default security boundaries. It emphasizes simple administration, unified sharing, and privacy-focused control over where data lives.

7kstars
707forks
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#7
DietPi

DietPi

DietPi is an ultra-lightweight Debian-based OS for SBCs and small servers, featuring menu-driven system configuration and an optimized one-command software installer.

DietPi screenshot

DietPi is an extremely lightweight Debian-based operating system optimized for single-board computers and small x86_64 systems. It focuses on minimal CPU/RAM usage while providing a streamlined, menu-driven experience for setup and ongoing management.

Key Features

  • Optimized Debian-based images for many SBCs and virtual machine targets
  • Menu-based system configuration via dietpi-config (whiptail/TUI)
  • Curated, automated application installer via dietpi-software with sensible defaults
  • Service management and process priority tuning via dietpi-services
  • In-place OS updates via dietpi-update without reflashing images
  • Unattended/automated provisioning using preconfiguration files (dietpi.txt)

Use Cases

  • Building a low-resource home server (DNS, web stack, file sharing, monitoring)
  • Running media, download, and home automation stacks on SBC hardware
  • Rapidly provisioning repeatable SBC/VM deployments with automated installs

Limitations and Considerations

  • Hardware enablement depends on the target platform; kernel/board-specific issues may fall outside DietPi support

DietPi is well-suited for homelabs and embedded deployments where resources are limited but flexibility is needed. Its tooling reduces manual Linux administration while keeping the system lean and highly configurable.

5.9kstars
538forks
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#8
Cosmos Cloud

Cosmos Cloud

Cosmos Cloud is a security-focused self-hosting platform that provides an app store, reverse proxy with automatic HTTPS, SSO/MFA, container management, backups, and monitoring.

Cosmos Cloud screenshot

Cosmos Cloud is a self-hosting platform designed to run and secure home servers, NAS devices, and small business deployments. It combines an application gateway, app management, and built-in security controls to protect services that may not be hardened by default.

Key Features

  • App store for installing and managing self-hosted applications, plus support for importing Docker Compose stacks
  • Reverse proxy for routing to containers or external services, with automatic HTTPS certificate provisioning
  • Built-in authentication server with SSO (OpenID Connect) and multi-factor authentication
  • SmartShield protections including anti-bot and anti-DDoS features, plus security-focused access controls
  • Container management and updates, with security auditing for managed apps
  • Built-in VPN for secure remote access without exposing services directly to the internet
  • Backup system with incremental, encrypted backups and support for remote targets (using restic)
  • Monitoring with historical metrics, real-time status, and customizable alerts/notifications
  • User management and identity-provider style features (invites, account recovery workflows)

Use Cases

  • Securely publish multiple homelab services behind a single gateway with SSO and HTTPS
  • Provide a private “personal cloud” experience for families with centralized access and user accounts
  • Deploy and operate internal web apps for small organizations with tighter access controls

Limitations and Considerations

  • License is “available source” (Commons Clause), which may not meet some organizations’ open-source requirements

Cosmos Cloud is best suited for users who want an integrated control plane for apps, networking, and security rather than assembling separate components. It aims to simplify deployment while adding protective layers for commonly self-hosted services.

5.7kstars
206forks
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#9
Arcane

Arcane

Arcane is a modern web interface for Docker management, providing an approachable UI to deploy, manage, and monitor containers and Docker Compose stacks.

Arcane screenshot

Arcane is a modern Docker management application with a web UI designed to make running containers and Docker Compose stacks easier to understand and operate. It targets homelabs and teams that want a simpler alternative to CLI-only workflows while still supporting common container operations.

Key Features

  • Web-based UI for managing Docker resources (containers, images, networks, and volumes)
  • Docker Compose stack deployment and management
  • Remote management via an agent/headless component for connecting to Docker hosts
  • Designed for usability with a modern frontend and straightforward navigation
  • Transparency-oriented project practices such as publishing an SBOM

Use Cases

  • Managing containers and Compose stacks on a homelab server without living in the CLI
  • Operating multiple Docker hosts with a consistent interface via an agent
  • Day-to-day container administration for small teams needing a lightweight UI

Limitations and Considerations

  • Primarily focused on Docker/Compose workflows; it is not a Kubernetes orchestration platform

Arcane is a solid choice if you want a clean, modern UI for Docker operations and Compose-based deployments. It combines an accessible interface with practical features for managing real-world container setups.

4.8kstars
151forks
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#10
Ansible-NAS

Ansible-NAS

Ansible-NAS is an Ansible playbook collection that turns an Ubuntu server into a NAS-style home server by deploying and configuring many self-hosted apps via Docker.

Ansible-NAS screenshot

Ansible-NAS is a curated set of Ansible playbooks and roles designed to turn a stock Ubuntu server into a full-featured home server or NAS-style setup. It automates the deployment and basic configuration of a large catalog of popular self-hosted applications, primarily as Docker containers.

Key Features

  • One-command provisioning of a home server stack using Ansible roles
  • Large app catalog covering media servers, downloaders, monitoring, dashboards, and utilities
  • Docker-based deployments with consistent, repeatable configuration
  • Optional reverse proxy and TLS automation for exposing services securely
  • Support for Dynamic DNS updates to keep external access working on changing IPs
  • Preconfigured “application stacks” to deploy multiple related services together

Use Cases

  • Build a homelab “NAS replacement” on Ubuntu without manual container setup
  • Rapidly deploy and maintain a media and downloads ecosystem (e.g., Jellyfin, Sonarr/Radarr)
  • Standardize repeatable server builds for personal or family self-hosting

Limitations and Considerations

  • Focused on Ubuntu/Ubuntu Server; other distributions may require additional adjustments
  • Application behavior and updates depend on upstream container images and role maintenance

It’s a practical option for homelab users who want reproducible infrastructure and a broad selection of services without assembling each Docker deployment by hand. Ansible-NAS is best suited to users comfortable with Ansible variables and iterative configuration as their app set grows.

3.7kstars
519forks
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#11
YunoHost

YunoHost

Open-source Debian-based OS and control panel that simplifies installing, managing and securing web apps, mail and services via a web admin and app catalog.

YunoHost screenshot

YunoHost is a Debian-based operating system and web administration layer that streamlines installing and maintaining server applications. It provides a web admin, a user portal (single sign-on), an app catalog and tooling to manage domains, mail, DNS and backups with minimal manual configuration.

Key Features

  • Central web administration panel for users, domains, apps, services, upgrades and backups.
  • App packaging and catalog (YunoHost packages) for one-click installation of common services (Nextcloud, forums, blogs, etc.).
  • Single sign-on user portal for installed applications and account management.
  • Integrated mail stack and admin helpers (Postfix, Dovecot, mail filtering/antispam tooling) and LDAP-based user management.
  • Automated HTTPS certificate handling and TLS configuration managed by the system.
  • Per-app web server configuration and reverse-proxying with NGINX, PHP-FPM support and app-specific vhosts.
  • System-level tooling for backups, upgrades, service supervision and diagnostics.
  • Lightweight footprints for Raspberry Pi, old hardware or VPS deployments; developer-oriented CLI and API for automation.

Use Cases

  • Host personal cloud, file sync, calendars and contacts for individuals or small groups using packaged apps.
  • Provide a simple mail, web and collaboration suite for small organisations or associations without deep sysadmin expertise.
  • Run community services (forums, wikis, federated social software) with centralized user and domain management.

Limitations and Considerations

  • App packaging quality and maintenance vary: some community-maintained packages may lag or require manual fixes when upstream changes.
  • Compatibility with the very latest Debian releases can lag; the project sometimes needs time to adapt to new Debian stable versions.

YunoHost is focused on usability and openness: it aggregates common server components and automations to lower the barrier to self-hosting while leaving advanced configuration available to experienced administrators. The project is community-driven and designed for small-scale deployments, community projects and enthusiasts.

2.8kstars
336forks
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#12
Websoft9

Websoft9

Websoft9 is a web-based Linux panel and lightweight PaaS for deploying, running, and operating hundreds of open-source applications on your own server.

Websoft9 screenshot

Websoft9 is a web-based Linux panel and lightweight PaaS that helps you deploy and operate many open-source, web-based applications on a single server. It focuses on simplifying application selection, one-click installation, and day-2 operations through a unified interface.

Key Features

  • Application catalog with one-click deployment of 200+ prebuilt application templates
  • Centralized application lifecycle operations (start/stop/restart, delete, domain publishing)
  • Docker Compose-oriented deployment workflows and container isolation
  • Web-based file browser for managing server files and folders
  • In-browser terminal for remote server administration
  • Nginx-based reverse proxy management and automated TLS certificates (Let’s Encrypt)
  • Multi-user management for teams
  • Operational visibility features such as logs and monitoring-oriented views

Use Cases

  • Build an internal “app store” for teams to self-serve approved tools and services
  • Rapidly deploy common business apps (CMS, analytics, collaboration tools) on a single host
  • Standardize and simplify operations for multiple Dockerized applications with a GUI

Limitations and Considerations

  • Best suited to single-server or lightweight deployments; complex high-availability setups may require additional infrastructure and practices

Websoft9 is a practical choice for organizations that want a GUI-driven platform to deploy and maintain many open-source applications with minimal manual configuration. It combines application templates with operational tooling to reduce day-2 maintenance effort.

2.1kstars
318forks
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#13
StartOS

StartOS

Open source Linux server OS with a web UI and marketplace for installing, configuring, monitoring, and backing up self-hosted services.

StartOS screenshot

StartOS is an open source Linux distribution designed to make running a personal server approachable through a graphical interface. It provides a curated way to discover, install, configure, and operate self-hosted services, with tooling for networking, dependencies, and backups.

Key Features

  • Web-based graphical interface for managing a personal server
  • Service marketplace for discovery and one-click installation of packaged apps
  • Guided configuration for services, including networking and runtime settings
  • Dependency management between installed services
  • Backup and restore tooling for service data
  • Health monitoring to help track service status and operational issues

Use Cases

  • Run a private home server for self-hosted apps (files, notes, communication, etc.)
  • Deploy privacy-oriented infrastructure such as Bitcoin and Lightning nodes
  • Provide a simplified platform for distributing and operating open source server software

Limitations and Considerations

  • Marked as beta by the project; some features may be incomplete and reliability may vary
  • Requires learning basic server concepts to operate effectively

StartOS focuses on reducing the operational friction of self-hosting by combining an OS, management UI, and app distribution model. It is best suited for users who want a managed personal-server experience while retaining control of their software and data.

1.6kstars
149forks
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#14
DweebUI

DweebUI

DweebUI is a lightweight Web UI for managing containers with a live-updating metrics dashboard, Docker Compose support, and multi-user permissions.

DweebUI screenshot

DweebUI is a lightweight web interface for managing container workloads on a host via the Docker (or Podman) socket. It focuses on simple deployment, a live-updating dashboard, and basic day-to-day container operations with multi-user access control.

Key Features

  • Dynamically updating dashboard showing server metrics and container metrics
  • Multi-user support with a permission system
  • Container controls and common actions (start, stop, pause, restart)
  • View container details and logs
  • Manage Docker resources including networks, images, and volumes
  • Docker Compose support for deploying and managing compose stacks
  • App templates for easier installation of common services (compatible with Portainer-style templates)
  • Responsive UI with light/dark mode

Use Cases

  • Manage containers on a single server or homelab host without a full orchestration stack
  • Give multiple users access to container operations with scoped permissions
  • Monitor basic host and container metrics while performing routine container administration

Limitations and Considerations

  • The project is labeled beta/experimental, and some capabilities (such as container updating) are noted as planned
  • Uses access to the container runtime socket; deployment should be treated as a privileged interface and secured accordingly

DweebUI is a practical option for users who want a simple, fast container management UI with permissions and Compose support. It is designed to stay lightweight and optional alongside other container-management tools, while providing the essential controls needed for everyday administration.

1.1kstars
60forks
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#15
CaddyManager

CaddyManager

Manage Caddy 2 servers from a modern web dashboard with Caddyfile editing, authentication, audit logs, API keys, and SQLite or MongoDB storage.

CaddyManager is a web-based management interface for administering Caddy 2 servers from a single dashboard. It helps you organize multiple servers, edit and validate Caddyfiles, and control access for teams.

Key Features

  • Multi-server dashboard to add, remove, and monitor multiple Caddy 2 instances
  • Caddyfile configuration editor with syntax highlighting, templates, and validation workflows
  • Authentication with JWT-based sessions and role-based access control
  • API key management for programmatic access
  • Audit logging to track user and system actions
  • Dual database support: SQLite (default) or MongoDB
  • Integrated API documentation via Swagger UI
  • Runtime and application metrics endpoints suitable for Prometheus scraping

Use Cases

  • Manage several Caddy reverse proxies across environments from one UI
  • Maintain Caddyfile configurations with safer editing and validation
  • Provide controlled access and traceability for teams operating Caddy infrastructure

Limitations and Considerations

  • The project is in early development; configuration and data backups are strongly recommended before using in production

CaddyManager is a practical option for operators who prefer a graphical interface for Caddy administration while retaining API access, auditability, and flexible storage options. It is suited for homelabs and small-to-medium deployments, with MongoDB support for larger setups.

915stars
36forks
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#16
SelfHostBlocks

SelfHostBlocks

NixOS distribution of modular 'blocks' that standardize and test server services, offering backups, ZFS datasets, LDAP/SSO, monitoring, reverse proxy, and certificate management.

SelfHostBlocks screenshot

SelfHostBlocks is an opinionated server management distribution built on NixOS that provides modular NixOS modules ("blocks") to simplify long-term self-hosting. It packages a set of preconfigured services and shared building blocks that aim for reproducible, testable, and maintainable server setups.

Key Features

  • Collection of reusable NixOS modules (blocks) that standardize configuration across services
  • Built-in service integrations: automatic reverse proxy, certificate management, LDAP and SSO hooks
  • Backup support and automatic creation of dedicated ZFS datasets per service
  • Observability stack with Prometheus and Grafana and provided dashboards for monitoring
  • Opinionated defaults with NixOS VM tests and Playwright checks to ensure services build and function together
  • Contracts system to compose blocks flexibly and swap components like reverse proxies or databases
  • Bundled support for common services such as Nextcloud, Jellyfin, Forgejo, Vaultwarden, Home Assistant and media/*arr stacks
  • Designed for long-term maintenance, automatic updates, and tested inter-block interoperability

Use Cases

  • Host personal or small-team groupware, media, and home services with consistent configuration and backups
  • Build reproducible, test-driven NixOS server configurations that integrate LDAP/SSO and centralized monitoring
  • Bootstrap a privacy-focused home or small datacenter environment with opinionated best-practices for backups and certificates

Limitations and Considerations

  • Requires familiarity with Nix/NixOS and the project-specific patched nixpkgs; not targeted at Nix beginners
  • Opinionated design means less flexibility for users who want entirely custom setups without adapting blocks
  • Primarily maintained by a small team; users should expect community-driven support and occasional edge-case bugs

SelfHostBlocks is best suited for users who want a tested, modular NixOS-based platform to run common self-hosted services with built-in backups, monitoring, and identity integrations. It emphasizes reproducibility and long-term maintainability over lowest-effort installation.

424stars
15forks
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#17
Syncloud

Syncloud

Syncloud is a self-hosted personal cloud platform that installs and manages curated applications via snaps, offering device images and a Vue-based web UI for private on-prem app hosting.

Syncloud screenshot

Syncloud is a self-hosted personal cloud platform that provides one-click installation and management of popular applications on local devices. It combines a Debian-based device image, a snap-based app installer, and a web-based control UI to manage apps, device settings, and shared services.

Key Features

  • One-click installation and lifecycle management of curated apps delivered as snap packages
  • Debian-based prebuilt images for multiple device types and CPU architectures
  • Platform snap that provides shared services and centralized device configuration
  • Web UI built with Vue for app discovery, device settings, and administration
  • Developer tooling and build automation support for creating platform snap packages
  • Supports local package installation and testing workflows for appliance vendors

Use Cases

  • Run and manage home server apps (file storage, media servers, productivity tools) on personal hardware
  • Deploy a privacy-focused personal cloud appliance for family use or small offices
  • Build, test and distribute custom snap-based appliance images for hardware vendors

Limitations and Considerations

  • Relies on the snap packaging ecosystem, so available apps are limited to those packaged as snaps
  • Hardware compatibility depends on availability of prebuilt images for specific devices and architectures
  • Not designed as a container-orchestration platform; it is appliance-oriented rather than Kubernetes-native

Syncloud is a practical choice for users and vendors who want an appliance-like self-hosting platform with curated apps, a simple web admin interface, and an emphasis on local privacy.

424stars
44forks
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#18
xsrv

xsrv

A collection of Ansible roles and CLI utilities to install, configure and maintain self-hosted network services (Nextcloud, Matrix, Jitsi, PostgreSQL, WireGuard) on Debian-based hosts.

xsrv screenshot

xsrv is an Ansible-based collection of roles, playbooks and utilities designed to install, manage and run a wide range of self-hosted network services and applications on your own servers. It provides modular roles, an optional command-line controller and templates to bootstrap a single-server project quickly.

Key Features

  • Modular Ansible roles for many services (web server, mail, VPN, databases, media, collaboration and more) so components can be deployed independently.
  • Optional command-line controller with utilities for common tasks (provisioning VMs, initializing templates, applying changes and upgrades).
  • Built-in templates and example inventory to get a single-server deployment up quickly and reproducibly.
  • Integration with libvirt for automated VM provisioning and with common OS/stack tooling used on Debian-based hosts.
  • Centralized configuration via role variables and a documented list of configuration variables to control deployments and service options.
  • Role-level maintenance and upgrade procedures; guidance for TLS certificate acquisition and DNS requirements for public services.

Use Cases

  • Deploy and operate a personal or small-team self-hosted server running Nextcloud, Gitea, Matrix, Jitsi, media servers and similar applications.
  • Create reproducible lab or test environments by provisioning Debian VM templates and automated roles via libvirt/Ansible.
  • Manage ongoing maintenance, upgrades and role-based configuration for multiple Debian hosts from a single Ansible controller.

Limitations and Considerations

  • Focused on Debian-based systems: documentation and many roles assume Debian/Ubuntu packaging and tools; non-Debian platforms will require manual adaptation.
  • Requires familiarity with Ansible and SSH-based controller/host workflows; not a turnkey graphical control panel — operations are performed via playbooks and CLI tools.
  • Services and resource usage depend on installed roles; plan CPU, RAM and storage per role and follow role-specific guidance for production use.

xsrv is intended for users who prefer infrastructure-as-code and reproducible Ansible-driven deployments for self-hosting. Its modular role approach makes it suitable for incremental adoption and custom configurations.

393stars
32forks
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#19
AnyAppStart

AnyAppStart

Lightweight control panel to start, stop, restart and view logs for apps running in Docker, systemd, VMs or remote hosts via SSH. Configured with YAML and no database required.

AnyAppStart screenshot

AnyAppStart is a lightweight web control panel for managing services and applications across local and remote environments. It provides start/stop/restart actions and live log viewing for targets such as Docker containers, systemd units, VMs or any custom type via user scripts and SSH.

Key Features

  • Start, stop, restart and view logs for applications managed by Docker, systemd, VMs or custom user-defined types
  • Backend implemented in Go and frontend in React + TypeScript (MobX) for a small, responsive UI
  • Configure services and types via YAML files; no database required
  • Control remote machines over SSH and run arbitrary user scripts or commands
  • Runs as a standalone binary, systemd service (system or per-user) or inside Docker; includes a simple HTTP API
  • Supports mounting the Docker socket for container control and using local config directories for keys and YAML

Use Cases

  • Centralized UI for starting, stopping and inspecting logs of services on a homelab or small server fleet
  • Lightweight control panel to expose service controls to non-technical users while keeping configuration in YAML
  • Remote administration of headless machines or VMs via SSH without installing agents

Limitations and Considerations

  • No built-in authentication or authorization; administrators must restrict access using firewall rules, reverse proxy SSO or other access controls
  • Mounting the Docker socket or granting systemd access can introduce security risks if the host or container is not properly isolated
  • Not a full orchestration or monitoring platform; focused on basic control actions and log viewing rather than metrics, autoscaling or complex deployments

AnyAppStart is suited for small deployments and homelabs where a minimal, configurable control interface is needed. It emphasizes simple configuration, remote command execution and lightweight operation.

213stars
7forks
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#20
HomeServerHQ

HomeServerHQ

Integrated installer and platform for home infrastructure. Provides VPN relay for NAT traversal, preconfigured email, automatic HTTPS, reverse proxy, and a web management utility.

HomeServerHQ screenshot

HomeServerHQ is an all-in-one home server infrastructure and integrated installer designed to simplify self-hosting for non-experts and power users alike. It installs and configures a cohesive suite of services (networking, email, reverse proxy, VPN, and management tooling) and includes a RelayServer mode to enable hosting and remote access even behind NAT or CGNAT.

Key Features

  • Single integrated installer and web-based management utility to install and manage supported services
  • RelayServer architecture for NAT/CGNAT traversal enabling hosting of email and public websites without open router ports
  • WireGuard-based VPN for outer-layer encryption and private networking between HomeServers
  • Internal certificate authority with OpenSSL and Caddy for automatic HTTPS inside the private network
  • Preconfigured, production-oriented email stack and firewall defaults to simplify mail hosting and delivery
  • Authelia for user-based authentication and finer access control
  • Custom ISO builds (desktop and server), automated service updates, backups and monitoring integrations
  • Cryptographically-signed source code and security-first defaults

Use Cases

  • Host a fully configured email server and multiple domains from a home connection, even behind CGNAT
  • Provision a secure private network linking multiple home servers and devices for remote access and service isolation
  • Deploy and manage a small self-hosted platform of services (websites, mail, file services) with minimal manual configuration

Limitations and Considerations

  • Supported distributions are limited to a small set of Debian/Ubuntu-based releases; installers expect a fresh OS install or provided custom ISO
  • RelayServer requires an externally reachable VPS or server to function as the relay endpoint
  • Installation and many orchestration steps are driven by shell scripts and opinionated defaults, which may require manual adjustments for advanced custom setups

HomeServerHQ focuses on delivering a secure, integrated home-hosting stack with built-in networking and service automation. It is suited for users who want a turnkey self-hosting platform that handles NAT traversal, TLS, email, and centralized management while preserving security-focused defaults.

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Why choose an open source alternative?

  • •Data ownership: Keep your data on your own servers
  • •No vendor lock-in: Freedom to switch or modify at any time
  • •Cost savings: Reduce or eliminate subscription fees
  • •Transparency: Audit the code and know exactly what's running