Best open source
Jira alternative

Choose an open source on-premises project management software as best Jira alternative.

  • Test 14 days for FREE
  • Open source
  • Available on-premises

More than 20+ Mio downloads of the leading open source project management software

#1 open source project management software

OpenProject is the best open source Jira alternative for project management

Jira is an established player for issue tracking and project management. First released by Atlassian in 2002, the application offers many features and plugins. Jira mainly targets software development projects. Let’s take a look at why OpenProject is the best Jira alternative.

Jira is a proprietary software. Therefore, users run the risk of depending solely on the vendor. Making code adjustments or implementing features is nearly impossible. Jira will be shifting its focus to the cloud solutions and will end its self-hosted support in 2024. Then you will only be able to use the Cloud or Data Center products and depend solely on Atlassian.

What does OpenProject offer?

OpenProject and Jira both offer similar functionalities for classic and agile task management and project management. However, the main difference is that OpenProject is open source software. You have full control of the source code, you are not bound to any specific vendor and you can run the software on-premises.

OpenProject vs. Jira

Compare both tools side by side and decide for yourself

Features OpenProject Jira
Open source software
OpenProject
Jira
Available on-premises
OpenProject
Jira
End of support in 2024
Available in the cloud
OpenProject
Jira
Comprehensive project management features
OpenProject
Jira
Data server in EU/Germany
OpenProject
Headquarters in the EU.
Data stored in EU/Germany on request.
Jira
Data is stored within AWS, regional storage within European region is possible, but must be actively requested.

Secure Open Source Alternative

Why is OpenProject better than Jira for project management

If you are especially looking for an open source alternative to Jira which you can also use self-hosted, take a look at the following advantages and learn why OpenProject is the best Jira alternative.

We are open source

Jira is a proprietary software. Therefore, users run the risk of depending solely on the vendor to make code adjustments and implement feature requests. OpenProject is an open source software and as such it can be the more secure and more cost efficient option. It provides absolute transparency and high flexibility. This article on choosing an open source software further elaborates on the advantages over a proprietary solution.

Host your own on-premises edition

Jira is focusing on the cloud and will stop support for the on-premises solutions in February 2024. They already incentivize the migrating to the cloud version. OpenProject on the other hand intends to keep the choice between a cloud-based and on-premises solutions entirely in the hands of our clients.

No compromises in data protection

If you decide to go with the cloud edition, you can be sure that your data is secure. OpenProject has its headquarters in the EU, is GDPR compliant by default and stores all of the data in the EU. When using Jira you have to proactively request using that option.

Everything from a single source

While Jira offers a lot of features, many functionalities are only available through integrating external plugins. These external plugins may need to be purchased. OpenProject even offers a free of charge Community edition with the core functionalities.

Not sure yet?

Try OpenProject for free

You can test the OpenProject Enterprise cloud 14 days for free, or you can get a 14 days free trial license key to upgrade your self-hosted Community edition to the Enterprise on-premises – risk-free without cancellation.

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Enterprise add-on

The OpenProject Enterprise add-ons are part of our Enterprise on-premises and cloud plans. With the upgrade to a paid version, you will support the development and maintenance of the open source project.