Radicale
Self-HostedLightweight open-source CalDAV/CardDAV server for self-hosted calendars and contacts
Overview
Radicale is a lightweight open-source CalDAV/CardDAV server for self-hosted calendar and contact sync. It supports standard protocols, working with clients like Apple Calendar, Thunderbird, and Android’s DAVx5. Deployment options include Docker, pip, or system packages. Features: granular access control, multiple storage backends (files, SQLite, PostgreSQL), WebDAV extensions. It prioritizes privacy by keeping data on your server, avoiding third-party services. Ideal for users wanting control without heavy resource usage.
Self-Hosting Resources
Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml.
⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.
version: '3'
services:
radicale:
image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
container_name: radicale
ports:
- "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
volumes:
- ./data:/app/data
restart: unless-stopped Key Features
- Supports CalDAV/CardDAV standard protocols
- Lightweight low-resource footprint
- Granular access control permissions
- Multiple storage backends (files, SQLite, PostgreSQL)
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Radicale hard to install?
Radicale is relatively easy to install. Options include Docker (official images), pip (Python package), or system packages (Debian/Ubuntu repos). A simple Docker command gets it running quickly, and configuration (like user setup) uses a clear config file with detailed documentation. Basic server knowledge helps but isn’t mandatory for basic deployment.
? Is it a good alternative to Google Calendar/Contacts?
Yes! Radicale is a privacy-focused alternative that keeps your data under your control. It supports standard CalDAV/CardDAV protocols, so you can sync with clients like Apple Calendar, Thunderbird, or DAVx5 (Android). Unlike Google, there’s no data mining or ads—your data stays on your server.
? Is it completely free?
Absolutely. Radicale is open-source software licensed under GPLv3. It’s free to use, modify, and self-host with no paid tiers, hidden costs, or subscription fees.
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Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Privacy-focused (self-hosted data control)
- ⊕ Compatible with most calendar/contact clients
- ⊕ Flexible deployment options (Docker, pip, system packages)
Cons
- ⊖ No built-in web interface (third-party UIs available)
- ⊖ Limited advanced features vs SaaS tools
- ⊖ Requires basic server configuration knowledge