This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Nomadev
Hey everyone – I’m a dev who got hit hard by subscription fatigue. You know the feeling: every cool AI tool wants a monthly fee, and before you know it, you’re juggling a dozen paid plans. I reached a point where I thought, there has to be a free, open-source way to do this stuff. Good news – there usually is! Open-source AI tools are not just about saving money; they give you control over your data, the ability to self-host, and often a whole community adding new features.
In this post, I’ll share seven open-source tools that have replaced big chunks of my paid stack. These tools boost productivity, automate tedious workflows, and just make life easier – all without the recurring bills.
Let’s dive in!
1. Eigent – open-source replacement for Manus AI
Manus is a powerful multi-agent AI tool, but it’s proprietary and pricey: it charges $39 per month for its starter plan and $199 per month for pro, has no free tier and is available only through an invite-only beta. It’s closed-source, so you can’t audit or modify the code.
Eigent flips that model on its head. Built on the OWL framework from CAMEL-AI, it’s the world’s first multi-agent workforce desktop application. Visit the Eigent GitHub repository to learn more. Eigent lets you build, manage and deploy a custom AI workforce that breaks complex tasks into smaller jobs and runs them in parallel. According to its GitHub documentation, it offers:
- Multi-agent collaboration: you can deploy multiple specialized agents that work together on tasks.
- Parallel execution: agents can work on several subtasks simultaneously to speed up workflows.
- Full customisation: tune your AI workforce to match your specific needs.
- Privacy-first design: Eigent runs locally; your data stays on your machine with no cloud dependency.
- 100% open source: all code is available, so you can audit, contribute or modify.
For developers and power-users, Eigent is a compelling alternative to Manus—no subscription fees, no waiting list, and full control of your agent workflows.
2. n8n – free workflow automation instead of Make or Zapier
Automation platforms like Make, Zapier or Pipedream are great, but their paid plans add up quickly. n8n is a flexible, open-source automation tool trusted by enterprises like Cisco and Microsoft. It combines a visual no-code builder with full JavaScript and Python support, so technical teams can add custom logic. The platform offers:
- AI integration and business process automation on equal footing.
- On-premises or cloud deployment and over 1,200 pre-built integrations.
- Advanced debugging and testing features to ensure workflows work as expected.
n8n is licensed under the GNU Affero GPL and can be self-hosted, making it a solid replacement for Make or Zapier if you need enterprise-grade automation without the subscription.
3. RustDesk – remote desktop without AnyDesk’s price tag
Remote desktop software like AnyDesk and TeamViewer charge per seat and often require cloud accounts. RustDesk is a cross-platform, open-source remote desktop solution that gives you complete control over your connections. Check out the RustDesk GitHub repository. It offers:
- Cross-platform support across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android.
- Zero configuration and unattended access, so you can connect with just an ID/password.
- File transfer, multi-monitor support and low latency for smooth remote control.
- Custom server deployment and end-to-end encryption for privacy and security.
As a result, RustDesk is a robust alternative to AnyDesk, TeamViewer or Splashtop—especially if you need self-hosting or extra privacy.
4. AppFlowy – replace Notion with a local-first workspace
Notion is popular for note-taking and project management, but it’s closed-source and stores your data on its servers. AppFlowy recreates the Notion experience in an open-source, privacy-first package. Visit the AppFlowy GitHub repository to explore the project. It combines note-taking and project management features into one flexible workspace, with:
- A customisable interface tailored to your workflow.
- Rich-text editing, supporting Markdown and media.
- Powerful databases and boards for organising tasks and data.
- Task management with to-do lists and Kanban boards.
- Cross-platform apps for desktop and mobile and full self-hosting capabilities.
AppFlowy is a great replacement for Notion, Obsidian or OneNote if you prefer to keep your second brain on your own devices.
5. Penpot – a designer’s alternative to Canva and Figma
If you create graphics or UX designs, chances are you’ve used Figma or Canva. Penpot is an open-source design and prototyping platform that brings professional-grade tools to teams at zero cost. Check out the Penpot GitHub repository. Penpot stands out with:
- A vector-first approach that lets you design once and scale anywhere.
- Code-friendly output with clean SVG and CSS for easy developer handoff.
- Browser-based collaboration, so there’s nothing to install and everyone stays in sync.
- Customisable design systems and real-time comments.
Because it’s open source and self-hostable, Penpot frees your design workflow from platform lock-in and makes a compelling alternative to proprietary tools like Canva, Figma, InVision or Miro.
6. Notesnook – encrypted notes without Obsidian’s lock-in
Note-taking tools often store your data on their servers and charge for sync. Notesnook is an end-to-end encrypted note-taking app that works offline and syncs across all your devices. Explore the Notesnook GitHub repository. Its key features include:
- Client-side encryption, so only you can read your notes.
- Cross-platform sync on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android.
- Rich-text editing with Markdown and code blocks.
- Offline access and organisation via notebooks, tags and powerful search.
Notesnook is a strong open-source alternative to Obsidian, Notion or OneNote when privacy is non-negotiable.
7. LocalSend – peer-to-peer file sharing instead of AirDrop
AirDrop is convenient for Apple devices, but it doesn’t work across platforms and it’s closed. LocalSend is a free, open-source file-sharing tool that works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. Visit the LocalSend GitHub repository to learn more. It uses peer-to-peer transfers with end-to-end encryption, meaning your files never touch a third-party server. Highlights include:
- Cross-platform support so you can share files between any combination of devices.
- Automatic device discovery and a simple, no-login interface.
- Complete privacy because transfers are direct and encrypted.
- Zero cost and no ads, with transparent source code and community contributions.
If you’ve ever been frustrated by AirDrop’s platform limitations, LocalSend will quickly become your go-to for secure file sharing.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re a developer, designer, marketer or just a productivity nerd, these open-source tools prove you don’t have to sacrifice quality for freedom. Eigent shows that multi-agent AI workflows can run locally and privately. n8n replaces costly automation services. RustDesk makes remote desktop yours to control. AppFlowy and Notesnook give you secure workspaces and notes. Penpot brings professional design to the browser. LocalSend lets you share files without platform barriers. By adopting open-source alternatives, you cut subscription costs, protect your data and gain the power to customise your tools.
Stay tuned for more updates on the latest in AI and open-source!
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This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Nomadev