FreedomBox

Self-Hosted

Easy self-hosting for privacy, no technical skills required

Overview

FreedomBox is a privacy-first self-hosting solution built for accessibility. It runs on low-cost single-board computers (e.g., Raspberry Pi) via a pre-flashed OS image, removing complex setup barriers. Pre-loaded with over 50 apps (Nextcloud, Matrix, email, WordPress), it lets users host their own services without relying on third-party platforms. Its user-friendly web dashboard simplifies app management and system configuration, making self-hosting accessible to non-technical users while focusing on decentralization and full data ownership.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  freedombox:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: freedombox
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Pre-built OS image for plug-and-play setup on supported SBCs
50+ pre-configured privacy-focused apps for daily needs
User-friendly web dashboard for zero-technical management
Decentralized design to avoid big tech surveillance

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is FreedomBox hard to install?

No—FreedomBox is distributed as a pre-built OS image. Flash it onto an SD card, insert it into a supported SBC (like Raspberry Pi), power it on, and follow the simple web-based setup. No coding or technical skills are needed.

? Is FreedomBox a good alternative to Google Workspace?

Yes—FreedomBox includes pre-configured apps like Nextcloud (file storage/collaboration), Roundcube (email), and LibreOffice Online (docs), letting you replace Google Workspace with self-hosted, privacy-focused tools you control.

? Is FreedomBox completely free?

Yes—FreedomBox is open-source software (GPL license) and free to use. You only need to purchase affordable hardware (e.g., Raspberry Pi, SD card) to run it; there are no subscription fees or hidden costs.

Top Alternatives

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Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Self-hosting Solutions

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ No coding or technical expertise required
⊕ 100% open-source with GPL license
⊕ Low hardware cost (uses affordable SBCs)
⊕ Replaces proprietary SaaS tools (Google Workspace, Dropbox)
⊕ Full control over personal data

Cons

⊖ Requires physical hardware (no cloud deployment option)
⊖ Limited to supported single-board computer models
⊖ Bandwidth depends on home internet connection
⊖ Some advanced app settings may need manual adjustments