Hiver alternatives: 6 open-source picks
These 6 Hiver alternatives replace it for $0, led by Chatwoot, Zammad and FreeScout. All 6 are open source. License, stars and last commit checked by hand on 2026-08-29. No trials, no crippled tiers.
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
High-performance single-binary newsletter and mailing list manager with campaigns, templates, and Postgres backend
licenseAGPL-3.0
runsyour server
setupnot verified by us yet — check the repo README
facts verified 2026-08-29
Modern all-in-one mail server in Rust with JMAP, IMAP, and SMTP plus built-in spam filtering.
licenseAGPL-3.0
runsyour server
setupnot verified by us yet — check the repo README
facts verified 2026-08-29
What each one is, in full: Chatwoot · Zammad · FreeScout · Listmonk · Stalwart
last updated 2026-08-29 · no votes, no pay-to-list · just what's real
how to choose a Hiver alternative
Easiest to get running
Listmonk — a one-click install, no server to maintain.
Most proven
Chatwoot, with 35,528 GitHub stars — the largest community of the 6, which usually means more answers when something breaks.
Works on your phone
Chatwoot has a mobile app on iOS and Android.
Needs real ops to self-host
Chatwoot, Zammad, FreeScout and Frappe Helpdesk are capable but expect someone to run a server, updates and backups. Budget for that before choosing one.
what you give up by leaving Hiver
- team routing and shared inbox rules
- abuse response and security operations
- provider-grade deliverability
- push reliability across devices
None of the picks above covers all of it. The full verdict says which gaps matter.
Hiver alternatives at a glance
| 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 |
| Listmonk | AGPL-3.0 | one-click install | self-hosted, web | 22,000 | 2026-08 |
| Stalwart | AGPL-3.0 | docker to self-host | self-hosted, web | 8,000 | 2026-08 |
why people still pay for Hiver
Hiver: Email is infrastructure. Customers pay to avoid lost messages, broken auth, spam problems, and the reputational cost of a flaky inbox.
questions about switching from Hiver
Is there an open-source alternative to Hiver?
Yes: Chatwoot, Zammad, FreeScout and 3 more. Every tool on this page is open source: no trials, no crippled tiers.
Can open source really replace Hiver?
Our verdict is YES. Chatwoot (36k stars), Listmonk (22k stars), Stalwart (8k stars) are mature open-source replacements for Hiver — self-host with real ops work and stop paying. The full verdict, and what you give up by switching, is at caniopensourceit.online/hiver.
What is the easiest open-source Hiver alternative to set up?
Listmonk — a one-click install, no server to maintain.
What is the most popular open-source Hiver alternative?
By GitHub stars, Chatwoot (35,528). Listmonk is next with 22,000.
