OpenReplay vs FullStory
Self-host swap-in for FullStory. · Self-host FullStory · OpenReplay on os-alt
OpenReplay is one of the open-source self-host replacements for FullStory — license Elastic-2.0, 1h docker-compose or k8s (multi-service: backend + Postgres + Redis + ClickHouse + MinIO) to stand up, and $30-80/mo vps — clickhouse + minio for session blobs are the cost line. Compare against FullStory's Custom pricing — typically $200-400/mo for small SMB; rises to thousands at scale below.
| OpenReplayopen-source | FullStorypaid SaaS | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Session replay + product analytics | Session replay + product analytics |
| License / pricing | Elastic-2.0 | Custom pricing — typically $200-400/mo for small SMB; rises to thousands at scale |
| Starting price | $0 self-host | $200/user/mo |
| GitHub | openreplay/openreplay | closed source |
| Setup time | 1h docker-compose or k8s (multi-service: backend + Postgres + Redis + ClickHouse + MinIO) | SaaS — sign up + bill |
| Monthly cost | $30-80/mo VPS — ClickHouse + MinIO for session blobs are the cost line. | from $200/user/mo (Custom pricing — typically $200-400/mo for small SMB; rises to thousands at scale) |
Switching from FullStory to OpenReplay
Use the official k8s helm chart at docs.openreplay.com (docker-compose available for dev/small). Replace the FullStory snippet with OpenReplay's tracker (`<script>` install, then `OpenReplay.start()`). Heatmaps, session replay, and event tracking are first-class; co-browse for live support sessions. FullStory historical data doesn't transfer (no public export).
- Good fit for
- Product teams that want pixel-perfect session replay + user analytics under their own infrastructure for privacy or cost reasons.
- Weak at
- Heavy stack — at least 4 services to run; not a 'docker run' replacement.
- License note
- Elastic License v2 allows self-host; restricts offering OpenReplay as a managed service.
Other open-source self-host alternatives to FullStory
In a terminal? npx os-alt fullstory prints FullStory's self-host options —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Is OpenReplay a free alternative to FullStory?
Yes — OpenReplay is open source under Elastic-2.0. Self-host cost: $30-80/mo VPS — ClickHouse + MinIO for session blobs are the cost line.. FullStory starts at $200/user/mo (Custom pricing — typically $200-400/mo for small SMB; rises to thousands at scale).
How long does OpenReplay take to set up vs FullStory?
Self-hosting OpenReplay: 1h docker-compose or k8s (multi-service: backend + Postgres + Redis + ClickHouse + MinIO). FullStory is a hosted SaaS — sign up and you're in.
What is OpenReplay good at, and what is it weak at?
Good fit for: Product teams that want pixel-perfect session replay + user analytics under their own infrastructure for privacy or cost reasons.. Weak at: Heavy stack — at least 4 services to run; not a 'docker run' replacement..