OpenProject vs Jira

Self-host swap-in for Jira. · Self-host Jira · OpenProject on os-alt

OpenProject is one of the open-source self-host replacements for Jira — license GPL-3.0, 20min docker-compose to stand up, and $10 vps for a 25-person team — postgres + the openproject app image. Compare against Jira's $8.15/user/mo on Standard tier below.

	OpenProjectopen-source	Jirapaid SaaS
Category	Issue tracking / agile boards	Issue tracking / agile boards
License / pricing	`GPL-3.0`	$8.15/user/mo on Standard tier
Starting price	$0 self-host	$8.15/user/mo
GitHub	opf/openproject ★ 15.1k · last commit todayalive	closed source
Setup time	20min docker-compose	SaaS — sign up + bill
Monthly cost	$10 VPS for a 25-person team — Postgres + the OpenProject app image.	from $8.15/user/mo ($8.15/user/mo on Standard tier)

Switching from Jira to OpenProject

Jira → Issues → Export → CSV. In OpenProject, use Modules → Work Packages → Import (CSV). Map status / assignee / priority columns by hand. Attachments do not transfer over CSV — re-attach the files that matter.

Full step-by-step migration guide →

Good fit for: Mixed eng + PM teams that want Gantt + boards in one tool.
Weak at: Free-tier (Community Edition) does not include the time-tracking and SAML modules that Enterprise has.

Other open-source self-host alternatives to Jira

Plane
AGPL-3.015min docker-compose$5 VPS handles a small team comfortably.
Redmine
GPL-2.030min (docker or bitnami stack)$5 VPS — small RAM footprint.

OpenProject also replaces

Asana— Project + task management
Linear— Issue tracker / project management

In a terminal? npx os-alt jira prints Jira's self-host options — how the CLI works →

FAQ

Is OpenProject a free alternative to Jira?

Yes — OpenProject is open source under GPL-3.0. Self-host cost: $10 VPS for a 25-person team — Postgres + the OpenProject app image.. Jira starts at $8.15/user/mo ($8.15/user/mo on Standard tier).

How long does OpenProject take to set up vs Jira?

Self-hosting OpenProject: 20min docker-compose. Jira is a hosted SaaS — sign up and you're in.

What is OpenProject good at, and what is it weak at?

Good fit for: Mixed eng + PM teams that want Gantt + boards in one tool.. Weak at: Free-tier (Community Edition) does not include the time-tracking and SAML modules that Enterprise has..