Observed arrival · 2026-09-29
What self-hosting actually costs
A set of modeled cost comparisons between paid software and self-hosted open-source alternatives, including hosting, backups, and the time spent maintaining them.
○Open
⊠Login
$Paid
†Ads
✦Pretty
●Pro
◎Niche
◉Human
⚑Risk
ƒJS
- For
- Teams weighing self-hosted software against paid SaaS
- Worth noticing
- The model includes the cost of staff time and lists prices read on 2026-09-14.
Field notes
The model chooses a server plan based on documented requirements where available, then adds backups and estimated maintenance hours. Its largest displayed 36-month saving for a 10-person team is the Zendesk-to-FreeScout comparison; the page says the estimate already deducts the cost of the team’s time. Price entries link to sources and carry a read date.
Observed signals
Read the marks
Editorial observations of this landing page, not a rating.
○OpenPublic substance visible
✦PrettyNotable craft visible
●ProPolished or operationally mature
◎NicheUnusually specific use
One card from the complete issue