3 Best Open Source Alternatives to Patreon

3 open source alternatives100% OSI-approved licensesUpdated June 2026

Looking to replace Patreon? These open source alternatives give you the same core workflow without the lock-in - free to use, often self-hostable, and auditable on GitHub. Compare licenses, languages and project activity, then switch on your own terms.

Ghost logo

1.Ghost

53.9kMITJavaScript Self-host
Ghost screenshot

Ghost is an open source publishing platform for blogs, newsletters, and membership sites. It is built for modern publishing workflows where a single site can handle articles, email distribution, and paid subscriptions without adding separate systems.

  • Built-in email newsletters
  • Paid subscriptions and memberships
  • Content API for publishing workflows
  • Theme development tools
Open Collective screenshot

Open Collective is an online funding platform for open and transparent communities. It provides tools to raise money and share finances in full transparency, aimed at groups that need a public way to manage funding for community work.

  • Raise money for open and transparent communities
  • Share finances in full transparency
  • Manage and disburse money through the platform
  • PDF export service for platform data
Castopod logo

3.Castopod

855AGPL-3.0PHP Self-host
Castopod screenshot

Castopod is a free and open-source podcast hosting platform for podcasters who want to engage and interact with their audience. It is made for hosting podcasts while keeping control over your content.

  • Podcast hosting for publishing podcast content
  • Audience engagement and interaction support
  • Pre-packaged static assets and dependencies
  • Analytics included in the project scope

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