Can I open-source Heartbeat?
YES · mature open-source replacementYes. Discourse (44k stars), Moodle (7k stars) are mature open-source replacements for Heartbeat — self-host with docker and stop paying $49/mo.
People still pay for Heartbeat because community software is valuable when members are already there and the operator does not have to own realtime reliability and abuse response. The recurring cost buys realtime delivery, notifications, abuse handling, search, media, permissions, mobile clients, backups, and community operations, not just the visible interface.
xmobile apps, automations, analytics, payments, and community onboarding
xnetwork effects
xnative mobile apps
xvideo and voice infrastructure
xenterprise moderation and discovery
These projects already replace it, free.
MMoodleCourses, forums, events and completion rules in one mature system; it feels like a school because it is one.open source↗DDiscourseThe internet's civilized discussion platform — modern forums with trust levels and rich moderation.open source↗What each one is, in full: Discourse
no votes, no pay-to-list · just what's real
Heartbeat pricing
| plan | monthly | annual (per mo) | what you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| build | $49/workspace | $40.83/workspace | Up to 350 members; 5 workflows; 1 landing page; 256 video-room attendees; unlimited room hours; 5% platform transaction fee |
| grow | $149/workspace | $124.17/workspace | Up to 5,000 members; unlimited workflows; 15 landing pages; 50 native-video hours/month; 256 video-room attendees; 2.5% platform transaction fee |
| scale | $849/workspace | $766.67/workspace | Unlimited members; 50 landing pages; 200 native-video hours/month; 256 video-room attendees; 1.25% platform transaction fee |
free tierno free tier; 14-day trial with no credit card
billingmonthly + annual; annual totals are $490, $1,490 and $9,200
hidden costsPlatform transaction fees of 5%/2.5%/1.25% are added to payment-processor fees (Heartbeat illustrates Stripe at about 2.9% + $0.30). Build can add 50 native-video hours for $19/month. Admins and moderators count toward the member cap.
verified 2026-08-12 · source ↗
Can I open-source Heartbeat?
Yes. Moodle replaces Heartbeat today — self-host it on your own server or machine with no subscription. The full list of open-source alternatives is on this page.
How much does Heartbeat cost?
Heartbeat costs about $49/month (Build, checked 2026-07-31), which is $588 per year. That's what you save by replacing it with open source.
What do I lose by replacing Heartbeat?
Honestly: mobile apps, automations, analytics, payments, and community onboarding; network effects; native mobile apps; video and voice infrastructure; enterprise moderation and discovery. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.
Is there an open-source alternative to Heartbeat?
Yes: Moodle (Courses, forums, events and completion rules in one mature system; it feels like a school because it is one.) Discourse (The internet's civilized discussion platform — modern forums with trust levels and rich moderation.)