Alternatives / Umbrel
Looking for an open source Umbrel alternative? We compared 3 self-hosting platforms by license, app stores, security features, hardware support, and maintenance. Umbrel itself is source available under a non-commercial license, and only two of the three alternatives are under standard open-source licenses.
Written by Maxime DERAME
Last updated:
| Alternative | Best for | License |
|---|---|---|
| CasaOS | Simple home server with an app store (slow-moving) | Apache-2.0 |
| Cosmos Server | Secure self-hosting with a built-in reverse proxy (source available) | Apache-2.0 + Commons Clause |
| YunoHost | Full server with email, SSO, and backups | AGPL-3.0 |
We looked for platforms that overlap with Umbrel's core: a home server system with an app store that lets non-experts install and run self-hosted apps. We verified each project's license, recent activity, stars, and releases in its repository. Licensing matters here, because one of the three is not standard open source and another has slowed down, which we flag clearly. See our methodology for the full criteria.
YunoHost is AGPL-3.0 and CasaOS is Apache-2.0, both standard open-source licenses. Cosmos Server uses Apache 2.0 with the Commons Clause and an Anti Tampering Clause, which restricts selling the software, so it is source available. Umbrel itself is PolyForm Noncommercial, which is also source available rather than open source.
CasaOS is the closest to Umbrel: a Docker-based home server with a friendly dashboard, an app store, and file management. Cosmos Server combines app hosting with a reverse proxy, SmartShield rate limiting, anti-DDoS features, two-factor authentication, SSO, and a VPN. YunoHost is a Debian-based server distribution that installs apps with single sign-on, email hosting, and automated backups, aimed at running a full personal server.
A home server exposed to the internet is a target. Cosmos Server builds in a reverse proxy and protection features, while CasaOS and YunoHost rely on you to configure remote access, firewalls, and updates. Prefer a VPN or tunnel over opening ports directly.
All three run on your own hardware, including Raspberry Pi and small PCs, and install apps from catalogs you can extend. Catalog sizes and quality differ from Umbrel's, so check that the apps you need are available before migrating.
CasaOS has slowed: its last release was in December 2024 and its last commit in August 2025, and its team now focuses on the ZimaOS product, so check it before relying on it. YunoHost and Cosmos Server were updated within weeks of this update.
Umbrel is source available under the PolyForm Noncommercial License, so you cannot use it in a commercial product or offering without permission, and its app store and updates depend on the Umbrel team. Alternatives give you a standard open-source license in some cases, different security models, more server features such as email and SSO, or broader hardware support, at the cost of a different app catalog and, for some, less polish.
| Alternative | Type | License | Self-hosted | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CasaOS | Home server OS | Apache-2.0 | Yes | Beginners |
| Cosmos Server | Secure server platform | Apache-2.0 + Commons Clause | Yes | Security-minded users |
| YunoHost | Server distribution | AGPL-3.0 | Yes | Email, SSO, and backups |
Want the simplest Umbrel-like home server
CasaOS offers a friendly dashboard, an app store, and file management on Docker, but development has slowed since 2025.
Want built-in security and a reverse proxy
Cosmos Server adds SmartShield, anti-DDoS, two-factor authentication, SSO, and a VPN, but its license is source available.
Want a full personal server with email and SSO
YunoHost installs apps with single sign-on and provides email hosting, backups, and a web admin, under AGPL-3.0.