Hiver alternatives: 4 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 assignments and automations; it replaces the Gmail skin rather than living inside it.
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 HiverAssignments and private notes work, but the team leaves Gmail and does support in a separate application.
setupProvisioning a Linux server and correctly wiring DNS/TLS, SMTP, PostgreSQL/Redis and storage
facts verified 2026-08-11
Mature ticketing, ownership and team workflows; Gmail becomes an input channel, not the workplace.
licenseAGPL-3.0
runsyour server
installDeploy the Docker Compose/Portainer stack or install supported Linux packages
dataTicket and user data in PostgreSQL, search indexes in Elasticsearch, and attachments/backups in Docker volumes or server storage
the catch vs HiverGmail becomes an input channel rather than the workplace, with heavier ticket semantics and server operations.
setupA comparatively large server and familiarity with Docker/Portainer, PostgreSQL and Elasticsearch
facts verified 2026-08-11
Shared mailboxes, assignments and internal notes without per-agent rent; you leave Gmail for PHP and MySQL.
licenseAGPL-3.0
runsyour server
installInstall on a PHP/MySQL host with its web installer, or deploy a community Docker image
dataMailboxes, users and conversation metadata in the configured SQL database, with attachments in application server storage
the catch vs HiverYou leave Gmail for a PHP/MySQL web app, and several advanced channels and features are separate paid modules.
setupA web server/database plus IMAP/SMTP credentials; several advanced channels and features require separate modules
facts verified 2026-08-11
Clean shared support queues, assignments and SLAs; installing Frappe is the first ticket.
licenseAGPL-3.0
runsyour server
installRun Frappe's easy-install script against the stable container image on a Linux server
dataTickets in the Frappe site database, with public and private attachments in the site's files directories
the catch vs HiverIt replaces Hiver's native Gmail workflow with a separate ticket queue and a Frappe server to operate.
setupA Linux server, domain/DNS, Docker or the easy-install script, and mail account configuration
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 | 35,528 | 2026-08 |
| Zammad | AGPL-3.0 | self-host, real ops | web, self-hosted | 5,800 | 2026-08 |
| FreeScout | AGPL-3.0 | self-host, real ops | web, self-hosted | 4,500 | 2026-07 |
| Frappe Helpdesk | AGPL-3.0 | self-host, real ops | web, self-hosted | 3,300 | 2026-08 |
Hiver: Email is infrastructure. Customers pay to avoid lost messages, broken auth, spam problems, and the reputational cost of a flaky inbox.
Questions about these alternatives
Is there a free alternative to Hiver?
Yes: Chatwoot, Zammad, FreeScout and 1 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 Hiver?
Our verdict is NOT REALLY. Do not mistake the interface for the product. Hiver's durable value is deliverability, security, integration, which a solo one-shot build cannot reproduce responsibly. The prompt therefore builds only the closest honest personal consolation tool. Review the scope, implementation prompt and trade-offs in the Hiver build guide.
