10 non-obvious Open Source Alternatives

Open source communities are stronger than ever. Developers are increasingly interconnected and are interested in building incredible new technology together. There is probably no better way to challenge yourself and grow as a developer than to contribute to an open-source project. However, with so many different options available,  it can be sometimes hard to choose. With OpenSourceAlternative.To growing each day, we have taken the time to share some of our non-obvious open-source projects with you. Below we have compiled a list of our top ten choices, along with a short description, link and the category they belong to. 

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1. Brave Browser 

Category: Search browser 

Brave Browser is a private online browser which protects you from BigTech companies such as Google and is also 3x times faster than Chrome. In addition, it blocks out all ads and cookies by default and makes sure you are not tracked online. It offers ad-blocking, incognito windows, private search and VPN all in one single click. Moreover, you can import your bookmarks, extensions and passwords from your old Browser in Brave Browser in under a minute. It is online privacy made simple. Want to contribute? Click right here.

Alternative to: 

• Google Chrome
• Microsoft Edge 

2. Joplin

Category: Notetaking

Joplin is a 100% open-source notetaking app, which you can securely access from any device. You can include images, videos, PDFs and audio files, share your notes, and collaborate with your teammates or colleagues. The clipper extension (available for Chrome and Firefox) can be used to save web pages or take screenshots as notes. In addition, you can customize Joplin according to your needs with plugins, custom themes and multiple text editors. The app is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and IOS. Curious? Feel free to to contribute.

Alternative to: 

• Evernote 
• Onenote
• Roam Research 
• Microsoft OneNote 

3. Baserow 

Category: Database

With Baserow you can create your own online database without having the technical expertise. So basically, if you are familiar with spreadsheets, you know how Baserow works. The software helps you organize and structure your projects, ideas and notes. It is tailored to your needs, clear, and accessible. You can collaborate in real-time, have access to unlimited rows and you only need one interface. If you want to particpate and built Baserow, click right here.

Alternative to: 

• Airtable 
• Spreadsheet

4. Chatwoot 

Category: Communication

The omnichannel platform Chatwoot gives you all the tools you need to manage communication and build relationships with your customers. It connects with Email, live chat, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram etc. So, you can manage all of your channels without leaving your Dashboard. You can also integrate automated chatbots to increase your response time. It increases productivity, simplifies communication and saves time. Want to contribute? Click right here.

Alternative to: 

• Intercom

5. Boost Note 

Category: Project Management 

Boost Note is a document-driven project management tool. Although many management tools are available, most of them are not developer-friendly. With Boost Note, you can collaborate in real-time with your teammates from anywhere at any time: from the web, desktop or mobile apps. Customize your docs according to everything you need, such as progress status, assignees, reviewers, due dates and more. Join the community.

Alternative to: 

• Notion

6. FreeTube

Category: Social Media/Streaming/Video

FreeTube is an open-source streaming service that offers video audio and image uploads, live streaming, and built-in monetization. However, it is privacy first and prevents Google from tracking you online with cookies and JavaScript. Your history and subscriptions are stored on your local device and not shared with anyone. Additionally, it doesn’t use advertisements, lets you organize your subscriptions into “profiles” to create a more focused feed, and you can subscribe to channels without creating an account. Join the community!

Alternative to: 

• YouTube

7. Berty 

Category: Communication 

Berty is the first real secure privacy-first messaging app. You do not need an email, phone number or even internet to access it. It is a messenger service that truly does not require any of your personal data or network connection. To provide maximum security, all conversations are end-to-end encrypted, and the network is fully distributed. Your data will only be stored where Berty is used. There are no clouds or external servers. You can share your details and contacts via QR code, public key, or invite link. It will be accessible on any device or system, Android, iOs, Windows, or Linux. Feel free to take a look at GitHub.

Alternative to:

• Whatsapp
• Telegram
• Threema
• Session
• Coyim

8. Jitsi Meet

Category: Conferencing Software 

With Jitsi Meet you can start and join meetings for free. You have access to HD audio and video, and it offers you unlimited free meeting access with up to 100 participants at once. During meetings, multiple participants can share their screens simultaneously, and it lets you remotely control other participants' desktops. You can even connect it to your calendar to have a more structured overview of all your meetings.  Take a look at the OS-Project.

Alternative to:

• Zoom 
• Skype 
• Google Meet 

9. Plausible Analytics 

Category: Analytics

Plausible analytics is a lightweight, open-source, privacy-friendly alternative to Google Analytics. It is easy to understand, fast and gives valuable and actionable statistics, by segmenting your audience by any metric of your choosing. However, it is not privacy-invasive, it does not collect personal data or use cookies. Want to contribute? Link to GitHub right here.

Alternative to:

• Google Analytics

10. Jellyfin 

Category: Software Media System

Jellyfin enables you to collect, manage and stream your media. It can hold your entire movie collection, TV-Shows, music, Live TV & DVR and stream it from any device to your own server.  Additionally, you can make playlists, watch Live TV and use it to set automatic recordings. So basically, puts you in control of managing and streaming your media. There are no hidden fees, agendas or premium licenses. Curious? Join the community and contribute.

Alternative to: 

• Plex
• Emby
• Netflix