Chatwoot Cloud alternatives: 5 free & open-source picks
Compare recorded free and open-source options, their capabilities and operating requirements. Source dates are shown below; licenses, hosted limits and project activity can change.
A proper support inbox with chat, email and a help center; free software, billable server chores.
licenseMIT
runsyour server
installDocker Compose on a Linux VM, followed by environment, database, reverse-proxy and TLS configuration
dataApplication data in PostgreSQL, queues/cache in Redis, and attachments on local disk or S3-compatible/cloud object storage
the catch vs Chatwoot CloudThe software is the same core, but you lose Chatwoot Cloud's managed upgrades, backups, monitoring and incident response.
setupProvisioning a Linux server and correctly wiring DNS/TLS, SMTP, PostgreSQL/Redis and storage
facts verified 2026-08-11
A two-seat shared inbox and live chat bolted to a CRM; free until the limits become colleagues.
licenseproprietary, free
runstheir cloud
installHosted signup, then connect a team inbox/email and add the website tracking or chat-widget code
dataCRM contacts and conversation history in HubSpot's cloud; records export to spreadsheet files and conversations are available through its API
the catch vs Chatwoot CloudIt is capped at two users and replaces Chatwoot's omnichannel support model with a CRM-centric inbox.
setupConnecting and verifying the shared email inbox and website domain
facts verified 2026-08-11
Live chat, tickets and a knowledge base for zero dollars; the little badge is how the arithmetic survives.
licenseproprietary, free
runstheir cloud
installHosted signup, then paste the generated JavaScript widget or install a CMS plugin
dataChats, tickets and contacts in tawk.to's cloud account; chat and ticket exports are JSON
the catch vs Chatwoot CloudYou accept vendor branding and less control over inbox workflows and data than Chatwoot Cloud.
setupAccess to edit the website or install its CMS plugin
facts verified 2026-08-11
A hosted shared inbox, live chat, and ticket queue for two users; the knowledge base lives upstairs.
licenseproprietary, free
runstheir cloud
installHosted signup, then connect a team inbox/email and add the website tracking or chat-widget code
dataCRM records, tickets and conversation history in HubSpot's cloud; records export to spreadsheet files and conversations are available through its API
the catch vs Chatwoot CloudThe two-user free ceiling and shallower support automation make it a small-team stopgap rather than an equivalent managed inbox.
setupConnecting and verifying the shared email inbox and website domain
facts verified 2026-08-11
A real hosted ticket desk for unlimited users, as long as Helpdesk is your one free Odoo app.
licenseproprietary, free
runstheir cloud
installHosted Odoo Online signup with Helpdesk selected as the single free app
dataAn Odoo Online PostgreSQL database in Odoo's cloud, with record exports and downloadable ZIP database backups
setup✓ installs clean
the catch vs Chatwoot CloudThe one-app-free rule and Odoo-wide workflow model are less focused than Chatwoot Cloud's support inbox.
facts verified 2026-08-11
latest recorded source check 2026-08-11 · check current terms at the source
| tool | license | running it | platforms | stars | active |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chatwoot | MIT | self-host, real ops | web, ios, android, self-hosted | 35,534 | 2026-08 |
| HubSpot Free CRM | proprietary, free | they host it | web, ios, android | — | — |
| tawk.to | proprietary, free | they host it | web, macos, windows, ios, android | — | — |
| HubSpot Free Help Desk | proprietary, free | they host it | web, ios, android | — | — |
| Odoo Helpdesk One App Free | proprietary, free | they host it | web | — | — |
People still pay for Chatwoot Cloud because support software survives because missing or misrouting one customer message is expensive and every channel behaves differently. The recurring cost buys message delivery, webhooks, threading, identity, permissions, attachments, notifications, spam, search, uptime, and retention, not just the visible interface. The recorded subscription totals $228 a year before any costs of an alternative.
Questions about these alternatives
Is there a free alternative to Chatwoot Cloud?
Yes: Chatwoot, HubSpot Free CRM, tawk.to and 2 more. These are recorded free or open-source options. Compare their feature limits, licenses, hosting costs and current availability before choosing.
Should I just build my own Chatwoot Cloud?
Our verdict is KINDA. The core loop is buildable, but a dependable replacement becomes a real weekend or multi-day project. For Chatwoot Cloud, use a managed shared inbox and website widget instead of operating Chatwoot yourself. The hard boundary is managed upgrades, backups, delivery infrastructure, support, and integrations, plus channel integrations and support operations. Review the scope, implementation prompt and trade-offs in the Chatwoot Cloud build guide.
