MantisBT

Self-Hosted

Open-source issue tracking system for software development teams

Overview

MantisBT is an open-source issue tracking system designed for software teams to manage bugs, tasks, and project workflows efficiently. It offers customizable issue states, role-based permissions, email alerts for updates, and integration with Git, Slack, and other dev tools. Deployment is flexible: self-host via Docker, traditional LAMP/WAMP stacks, or use third-party cloud hosts. Lightweight and scalable, it supports small startups to large enterprises, with multi-language support for global teams. Ideal for teams wanting a cost-effective alternative to proprietary ticketing tools without sacrificing core functionality.

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

Key Features

Customizable workflows and issue states
Role-based access control for team members
Integration with Git, Slack, and Jira
Email notifications for issue updates
Multi-language support for global teams

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is MantisBT hard to install?

No—MantisBT offers simple deployment options: Docker (one-click setup) or traditional installation on Apache/Nginx with PHP and MySQL/MariaDB. Detailed documentation guides users through both processes, making it accessible to teams with basic technical skills.

? Is it a good alternative to Jira?

Yes—MantisBT excels at core issue tracking and bug management for small to mid-sized teams. While Jira offers more advanced project management features, MantisBT is a cost-effective, lightweight alternative for teams focused on bug tracking without unnecessary complexity.

? Is it completely free?

Yes—MantisBT is open-source under the GPLv2 license, so it’s free to use, modify, and self-host. Third-party cloud-hosted instances may charge fees, but the core software remains free for all users.

Top Alternatives

Jira Compare

Zendesk Ticketing Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Ticketing

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Free and open-source (GPLv2 license)
⊕ Lightweight and easy to deploy via Docker or traditional stacks
⊕ Extensible with plugins for additional functionality
⊕ Strong community support and regular updates

Cons

⊖ Outdated user interface compared to modern ticketing tools
⊖ Requires basic technical knowledge for self-hosting setup
⊖ Limited advanced analytics and reporting features
⊖ Fewer native integrations than proprietary alternatives