Free, open-source alternatives to Threads
Meta's text-based social network. 4 apps you can run yourself instead of Threads, sorted by how well they replace it. Each one is open source, so your data stays with you.
MastodonBest match
Federated microblogging server.
Misskey
Decentralized app-like microblogging server/SNS for the Fediverse, using the ActivityPub protocol like GNU social and Mastodon.
GoToSocial
ActivityPub federated social network server implementing the Mastodon client API.
Akkoma
Federated microblogging server with Mastodon, GNU social, and ActivityPub compatibility.
Side by side
| App | Stars | License | Activity | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mastodon | 50,376 | AGPL-3.0 | Ruby | |
| Misskey | 11,337 | AGPL-3.0 | Node.js, Docker | |
| GoToSocial | - | AGPL-3.0 | Docker, Go | |
| Akkoma | - | AGPL-3.0 | Elixir, Docker |
Why replace Threads?
Threads works, but your data lives in someone else's account, the price can change at any time, and features can disappear. An open-source app you run yourself is yours: you choose where it runs, who can see the data, and when to update.
Questions
What is the best free alternative to Threads?
Mastodon is the closest open-source replacement for Threads in our list. Misskey and GoToSocial are worth a look too, depending on what you need.
Can I self-host an alternative to Threads?
Yes. All 4 apps on this page are open source and can run on your own server, usually with Docker, or on a managed host that installs them for you.