Streak alternatives: 7 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 modern pipeline CRM with custom objects, views and mailbox sync; the subscription becomes a Compose file.
licenseAGPL-3.0
runsyour machine or their cloud
installHosted cloud signup or official one-line/Docker Compose self-host install
dataCRM records and configuration in PostgreSQL; files in local storage or S3-compatible object storage on the selected host
the catch vs StreakTwenty can synchronize a mailbox, but it does not embed pipeline rows and CRM editing directly inside Gmail as Streak does.
setupFree use requires Docker, at least 2 GB RAM, PostgreSQL-backed containers, secrets, and domain/TLS configuration
facts verified 2026-08-10
A traditional CRM that actually lets you change the data model; polished enough, but still your server.
licenseAGPL-3.0
runsyour server
installDocker Compose or upload the PHP package and run the web installer
dataCRM records in a self-hosted MySQL, MariaDB, or PostgreSQL database; uploaded files in server/Docker volumes
the catch vs StreakEspoCRM does not live inside Gmail, so turning messages into pipeline records and updating them requires switching to a separate application.
setupRequires a server, database, domain/TLS setup, and ongoing upgrades/backups
facts verified 2026-08-10
A clean leads-and-deals board with notes, tasks and email; Frappe underneath means a real server, not a toy.
licenseAGPL-3.0
runsyour machine or their cloud
installOne-click Frappe Cloud signup or the official Python easy-install deployment script on your server
dataCRM DocType records and attachments in the Frappe site database/files, on Frappe Cloud or the user's server
the catch vs StreakFrappe CRM can connect mailboxes, but the pipeline remains a separate web app rather than a native part of Gmail.
setupFree use means self-hosting; the official production script still needs a Linux server, DNS, and command-line access
facts verified 2026-08-10
A real two-seat CRM for free; 1,000 contacts is where the upsell starts counting.
licenseproprietary, free
runstheir cloud
installHosted signup; optionally connect/import email, calendar, and contacts
dataStructured CRM customer records stored and processed on HubSpot's cloud servers, with regional hosting options and exports
setup✓ installs clean
the catch vs StreakHubSpot’s Gmail extension still depends on a separate CRM and does not turn the inbox itself into Streak’s native pipeline workspace.
facts verified 2026-08-10
A three-user pipeline with Gmail integration; not embedded, not elegant, still functional.
licenseproprietary, free
runstheir cloud
installHosted Zoho account signup
dataStructured CRM service data stored on Zoho's cloud servers; Zoho states users can access, export, and delete service data
setup✓ installs clean
the catch vs StreakZoho’s Gmail connection is an integration beside the CRM, not the native inbox-embedded pipeline that distinguishes Streak.
facts verified 2026-08-10
A hosted pipeline with Google Calendar sync and email activities; Gmail remains next door.
licenseproprietary, free
runstheir cloud
installHosted Odoo Online signup with CRM selected as the single free app
dataStructured Odoo records in an Odoo-hosted customer database; records can be exported from list views
setup✓ installs clean
the catch vs StreakOdoo can log email activities, but Gmail remains a separate surface rather than the CRM’s primary interface.
facts verified 2026-08-10
A standalone three-user pipeline with built-in email; no Gmail sidebar required.
licenseproprietary, free
runstheir cloud
installHosted Freshworks signup
dataStructured CRM records and uploaded files stored in Freshworks' cloud; account data can be exported
setup✓ installs clean
the catch vs StreakFreshsales provides a standalone inbox and CRM rather than Streak’s pipeline directly inside Gmail.
facts verified 2026-08-10
latest recorded source check 2026-08-10 · check current terms at the source
| tool | license | running it | platforms | stars | active |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twenty | AGPL-3.0 | docker to self-host | web, self-hosted | 54,400 | 2026-08 |
| EspoCRM | AGPL-3.0 | docker to self-host | web, self-hosted | 3,200 | 2026-08 |
| Frappe CRM | AGPL-3.0 | self-host, real ops | web, self-hosted | 3,200 | 2026-08 |
| HubSpot Free CRM | proprietary, free | they host it | web, ios, android | — | — |
| Zoho CRM Free | proprietary, free | they host it | web, ios, android | — | — |
| Odoo CRM One App Free | proprietary, free | they host it | web | — | — |
| Freshsales Free | proprietary, free | they host it | web, ios, android | — | — |
People still pay for Streak because CRM value compounds as the system becomes the shared memory of every customer interaction and embeds itself in the rest of the stack. The recurring cost buys deduplication, permissions, imports, sync, enrichment, email capture, automations, backups, and audit history, not just the visible interface. The recorded subscription totals $708 a year before any costs of an alternative.
Questions about these alternatives
Is there a free alternative to Streak?
Yes: Twenty, EspoCRM, Frappe CRM and 4 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 Streak?
Our verdict is NOT REALLY. A consolation build is possible, but the paid product's decisive value sits outside a solo rebuild. For Streak, build a simple pipeline beside a local mailbox index without embedding inside Gmail. The hard boundary is deep gmail integration, shared mailboxes, email tracking, automations, and team adoption, plus integrations, data quality, and workflow lock-in. Review the scope, implementation prompt and trade-offs in the Streak build guide.
