Launch catalog / Playbook
OpenAlternative
Free route directory
Researched from public pages — no submission was run · sources read 2026-09-25. Rules change — recheck the platform's own pages before submitting.
Requirements
- Product must be open source — the directory only lists open-source alternatives to proprietary software
- Sign-in required before the submit form is shown (email magic link, Google, or GitHub OAuth)
- Listings are framed as alternatives to named proprietary tools and display GitHub stars, last-commit date, and license
Prepare before opening the form
- Product name, website URL, and public GitHub repository URL
- Open-source license identifier (e.g. MIT, AGPL-3.0)
- Short description and the list of proprietary products it replaces
- Relevant categories/tags; logo/favicon is auto-fetched or uploaded in dashboard
Workflow
- Open https://openalternative.co/submit — you are redirected to the sign-in screen
- Create an account via magic link, Google, or GitHub to reach the submission dashboard
- Submit the tool with repo URL and metadata from the dashboard
- Await manual review; the tool page appears under the directory once approved
Watch for
- The /submit URL renders a sign-in wall — there is no anonymous submission form
- Paid tiers on /advertise are site ads/sponsorships, not required for a listing — do not buy them expecting a listing
- Closed-source or proprietary products do not belong here
What counts as live
A public tool page exists on openalternative.co (reachable without login) showing stars, license, and 'Open Source Alternative to' links
Not verified
- Exact review criteria and turnaround time — the submission form sits behind login and was not inspected
- Whether any paid listing tier exists; only advertising packages are published