What is OpenAlternative?

OpenAlternative acts as a bridge for developers who build open-source software and want to reach users looking to migrate away from expensive, closed-source SaaS. The platform organizes tools specifically as direct alternatives to proprietary giants, mapping listings to competitors like Airtable, Asana, Auth0, and Cloudflare.

With over 12,000 trusted newsletter subscribers and a mission to help users replace proprietary tools with open-source software, the platform offers significant exposure. It is built on Dirstarter and supported by notable industry sponsors, making it a highly active hub for developer tools and open-source applications.

How to submit to OpenAlternative

To submit your tool to OpenAlternative, you must first navigate to their submission page and sign in or create an account. The directory is entirely free to submit to, making it highly accessible for independent open-source developers. During the submission process, you will specify which popular proprietary software your product replaces, such as 1Password, ActiveCampaign, or Airtable. You will provide key details about your open-source tool, including its name, repository link, and core features. No image is strictly required to complete your submission, though having a clean logo or visual asset ready is always helpful. Once submitted, your tool enters a curation queue where it is reviewed for quality before going live.

What you'll need to submit

Have these ready before you start so you can fill the form in one pass:

  • Your product name
  • A live, public URL (your real landing page)
  • A one-line tagline
  • A short description (a few sentences)
  • A free account on OpenAlternative
  • The category or tags that best fit your product

Tips to get listed on OpenAlternative

  • Clearly identify which specific proprietary SaaS products your tool replaces to match the directory's filtering system.
  • Ensure your open-source repository is well-documented and active, as this directory curates hand-picked, reliable tools.
  • Write a concise description that highlights how your tool saves users money or offers better privacy compared to the proprietary alternative.
  • Make sure your account profile is fully set up before submitting to ensure a smooth review process by the curators.

Is OpenAlternative worth it?

For open-source developers and creators of developer tools, listing on OpenAlternative is highly worth the effort since submission is completely free. With an Open PageRank domain rank of 42/100, the site carries respectable authority, though the exact link type is unknown and should be viewed as a potential bonus rather than a guaranteed SEO boost. The true value lies in the highly targeted audience of over 12,000 subscribers who are actively seeking open-source alternatives. If your product is not open-source or does not directly replace a well-known proprietary tool, this directory will not be a good fit. However, for qualifying projects, the potential for direct referral traffic from users looking to switch software is excellent.