os-alt

self-host the SaaS you're paying for

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Buku vs Karakeep

Self-host pick — both replace Raindrop.io (Bookmark manager / collection-organized).

Both Buku and Karakeep self-host as a replacement for Raindrop.io (Bookmark manager / collection-organized). Pick Buku if you want the lighter footprint — 2min `pip install buku` or distro package, $0 — runs locally as a cli; sync via syncthing or git on the sqlite file. Pick Karakeep if you need raindrop power users who valued the rich previews and want them upgraded to full-page archival snapshots — 20min docker-compose (app + Meilisearch + headless Chrome worker) and $10 vps — chrome worker bumps memory.

Bukuopen-sourceKarakeepopen-source
LicenseGPL-3.0AGPL-3.0
Setup time2min `pip install buku` or distro package20min docker-compose (app + Meilisearch + headless Chrome worker)
Monthly cost$0 — runs locally as a CLI; sync via Syncthing or git on the SQLite file.$10 VPS — Chrome worker bumps memory.
GitHubjarun/buku ★ 7.13k · last commit 3w agoalivekarakeep-app/karakeep ★ 25.1k · last commit todayalive
ReplacesRaindrop.ioRaindrop.io + 1 other

Good fit for

Buku

Terminal-first users; minimal install; great for shell-centric workflows where bookmarks live next to dotfiles.

Weak at:No web UI by default; mobile is awkward without a wrapper.

Karakeep

Raindrop power users who valued the rich previews and want them upgraded to full-page archival snapshots.

Weak at:Heavier than Raindrop; the LLM-tagging step requires running Ollama somewhere.

In a terminal? npx -y github:SolvoHQ/os-alt-cli raindrop prints Raindrop.io's self-host options including both — how the CLI works →

FAQ

Which is easier to self-host, Buku or Karakeep?

Buku: 2min `pip install buku` or distro package. Karakeep: 20min docker-compose (app + Meilisearch + headless Chrome worker).

What does each cost to run?

Buku: $0 — runs locally as a CLI; sync via Syncthing or git on the SQLite file.. Karakeep: $10 VPS — Chrome worker bumps memory.. Both projects are free and open source.

Do Buku and Karakeep replace the same SaaS?

Yes — both are open-source alternatives to Raindrop.io.