Monica
Self-HostedOpen-source personal CRM to manage your relationships privately
Overview
Monica is an open-source personal CRM designed to track contacts, log interactions (calls, emails), store key dates (birthdays, anniversaries), and set reminders for follow-ups or gifts. It supports self-hosting via Docker (simplified one-click setup) or manual installation on your server, with PostgreSQL as the preferred database. Features include contact grouping, activity logs, note-taking, and privacy controls—your data remains on your infrastructure, ensuring confidentiality. Ideal for individuals or small teams needing a customizable alternative to cloud-based CRMs.
Self-Hosting Resources
Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml.
⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.
version: '3'
services:
monica:
image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
container_name: monica
ports:
- "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
volumes:
- ./data:/app/data
restart: unless-stopped Key Features
- Track contacts, interactions, and important dates (birthdays, anniversaries)
- Set reminders for follow-ups, gifts, or events
- Self-host via Docker or manual deployment (full data ownership)
- Store notes, communication history, and contact groupings
- Privacy-focused (no third-party data sharing)
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Monica hard to install?
Monica offers Docker Compose for simplified setup—beginners can deploy it with a few commands. Manual installation requires setting up a server, PostgreSQL database, and PHP, which may be technical, but the official documentation provides step-by-step guides.
? Is it a good alternative to HubSpot CRM?
Yes, for personal or small team use where privacy is critical. Unlike HubSpot (cloud-based with paid enterprise tiers), Monica is self-hosted and free, though it lacks advanced features like marketing automation or large-team collaboration tools.
? Is it completely free?
Yes—Monica is open source under the AGPLv3 license. You can use, modify, and self-host it without any cost. There are no hidden fees or subscription plans for core features.
Top Alternatives
People Also Ask about Monica
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Privacy-first (data stays on your server)
- ⊕ Completely free and open source (AGPLv3 license)
- ⊕ Flexible deployment options (Docker, manual setup)
- ⊕ Customizable to fit personal/ small team needs
Cons
- ⊖ Requires basic server setup knowledge (manual install)
- ⊖ Lacks enterprise CRM features (e.g., marketing automation)
- ⊖ Needs regular updates for security and feature improvements