os-alt

self-host the SaaS you're paying for

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Chatwoot vs Erxes

Self-host pick — both replace Intercom (In-app messenger + customer support).

Both Chatwoot and Erxes self-host as a replacement for Intercom (In-app messenger + customer support). Pick Chatwoot if you want the lighter footprint — 20min docker-compose, $10 vps for a small/medium team. Pick Erxes if you need teams that want CRM + helpdesk + messenger in one stack — 30min docker-compose and $10 vps for the messenger + inbox plugins.

Chatwootopen-sourceErxesopen-source
LicenseMIT (Community)AGPL-3.0
Setup time20min docker-compose30min docker-compose
Monthly cost$10 VPS for a small/medium team.$10 VPS for the messenger + inbox plugins.
GitHubchatwoot/chatwoot ★ 29.2k · last commit todayaliveerxes/erxes ★ 3.98k · last commit todayalive
ReplacesIntercom + 2 otherIntercom

Good fit for

Chatwoot

Teams that want a unified inbox (chat + email + social) with no per-message AI fees.

Weak at:Outbound product tours / banners are thinner than Intercom's.

Erxes

Teams that want CRM + helpdesk + messenger in one stack.

Weak at:Heavier setup than Chatwoot.

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

FAQ

Which is easier to self-host, Chatwoot or Erxes?

Chatwoot: 20min docker-compose. Erxes: 30min docker-compose.

What does each cost to run?

Chatwoot: $10 VPS for a small/medium team.. Erxes: $10 VPS for the messenger + inbox plugins.. Both projects are free and open source.

Do Chatwoot and Erxes replace the same SaaS?

Yes — both are open-source alternatives to Intercom.