ntfy

Self-Hosted

Open-source self-hosted push notification service

Overview

ntfy is an open-source self-hosted push notification service that lets you send and receive alerts without relying on third-party providers. It supports cross-platform clients (web, iOS/Android mobile, desktop) and topic-based subscriptions. Deploy easily via Docker, binary, or Kubernetes—no complex dependencies. Key features include end-to-end encryption, file attachments, webhook integrations, and compatibility with tools like Prometheus or Zapier. Ideal for self-hosters wanting full control over their notification pipeline, it replaces proprietary services with a privacy-focused, customizable solution.

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

Key Features

Topic-based subscription model for targeted alerts
End-to-end encryption for secure notifications
Cross-platform support (web, mobile, desktop)
Easy deployment via Docker, binary, or Kubernetes
Webhook and script integrations for automation

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is ntfy hard to install?

No—deploying ntfy is straightforward. Use a single Docker command like `docker run -p 80:80 -p 443:443 binwiederhier/ntfy serve` or download pre-built binaries for your OS. Kubernetes deployments are also supported for scalable setups.

? Is ntfy a good alternative to Pushover or Pushbullet?

Yes—ntfy offers similar push functionality but with self-hosted control, no paid tiers for self-hosted use, and end-to-end encryption. It integrates better with custom scripts and tools, making it ideal for self-hosters wanting to avoid proprietary lock-in.

? Is ntfy completely free?

Yes—ntfy is open-source under the MIT license, so self-hosting it costs nothing beyond your server resources. The public ntfy.sh instance has free tiers with optional paid plans for higher limits, but self-hosted instances have no restrictions.

Top Alternatives

Pushover Search Google

Pushbullet Search Google

Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Communication - Custom Communication Systems

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (self-hosted, no third-party tracking)
⊕ Simple one-command Docker deployment
⊕ No recurring subscription fees for self-hosted use
⊕ Open-source with MIT license for full customization

Cons

⊖ Requires a server for self-hosting (or use public instance)
⊖ Mobile app may need manual configuration for self-hosted instances
⊖ Limited enterprise-grade features compared to paid tools