HomelabOS

Self-Hosted

All-in-one self-hosted app management platform

Overview

HomelabOS simplifies deploying and managing 100+ self-hosted applications using Docker and Ansible. It offers one-click installation for apps like Nextcloud, Plex, and Vaultwarden, plus automated SSL via Let's Encrypt, scheduled backups, and a centralized dashboard for monitoring. Deployable on Raspberry Pi, VPS, or local servers, it reduces technical overhead while letting users control their data. Ideal for anyone wanting to replace SaaS tools with self-hosted alternatives without complex manual setup.

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:
  homelab_os:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: homelab-os
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

One-click deployment of 100+ self-hosted apps
Automated SSL certificates and backup management
Centralized monitoring dashboard

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is HomelabOS hard to install?

HomelabOS uses Ansible and Docker, so basic SSH and server knowledge is helpful. The setup involves running a few commands, and detailed documentation guides you through server prep, configuration, and deployment—manageable for beginners with some tech background.

? Is it a good alternative to SaaS services?

Yes! It replaces SaaS tools like Google Drive (Nextcloud) or Netflix (Plex) with self-hosted alternatives, giving you full data ownership. However, it requires maintaining your server, unlike SaaS which handles infrastructure for you.

? Is it completely free?

HomelabOS is open source (MIT license) with no hidden costs. All included apps are free or open source, so you only pay for your server hardware or hosting (if using a VPS) — no subscription fees apply.

Top Alternatives

AWS Managed Services Search Google

Google Cloud Run Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Self-hosting Solutions

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Full control over personal data
⊕ No recurring subscription fees
⊕ Curated app list with compatibility checks

Cons

⊖ Requires basic server administration skills
⊖ Occasional compatibility issues with newer app versions
⊖ Limited official support compared to SaaS platforms