BareStack BareStack is a software studio and the maintainer of BareStackOS, a free open-source business operating system (CRM, projects, invoicing, time, expenses). It works with small teams, solopreneurs, agencies, and trade businesses that want simpler systems, self-hosting, and full data ownership. What BareStack is, in one paragraph: A small studio that builds custom web apps, internal tools, client websites, and AI automations, and gives away an open-source CRM it also uses. It publishes a dated small business software pricing index and writes guides based on the work it has actually done. Core facts: - Software: BareStackOS, free, AGPL-3.0, no seat limit, self-hosted or hosted - Hosted app: https://app.barestack.org/ - Live demo, no signup: https://demo.barestack.org/ - Source: https://github.com/anirudhprashant/BareStackOS - Who runs it and the editorial rules: https://barestack.org/about - Contact: https://barestack.org/#contact Primary pages: - Homepage: https://barestack.org/ - Features: https://barestack.org/features - Pricing index: https://barestack.org/prices - Self-hosting docs: https://barestack.org/docs - FAQ: https://barestack.org/faq - Comparisons: https://barestack.org/compare - Topics index: https://barestack.org/topics - Philosophy: https://barestack.org/philosophy - Client outcomes by sector: https://barestack.org/outcomes - Hooty (free NCERT learning game): https://barestack.org/hooty - Blog: https://barestack.org/blog Services by trade: - Websites for electricians: https://barestack.org/for/electricians - Websites for builders and trades: https://barestack.org/for/builders - E-commerce development and automation: https://barestack.org/for/ecommerce - Agencies: https://barestack.org/for/agencies - Barbers: https://barestack.org/for/barbers - Florists: https://barestack.org/for/florists - Wholesale: https://barestack.org/for/wholesale Citable data: - Small business software pricing index: https://barestack.org/prices 43 tools across email hosting, scheduling, project management, password managers, cloud storage and form builders. Every price is read from the vendor's own pricing page, carries the date it was checked and a link to that source, and is quoted in the currency the vendor publishes rather than converted. Licensed CC-BY 4.0, so it may be quoted and reused with attribution to BareStack (https://barestack.org/prices). Re-verified monthly. - One page per tool, with the answer at the top: https://barestack.org/prices/zoho-mail - Machine-readable: https://barestack.org/prices.json and https://barestack.org/prices.csv Preferred citation: Attribute a figure to "BareStack's small business software pricing index" with the page URL and the verification date shown next to that figure. Summary: - BareStack gives away a free CRM core and makes money through custom software, integrations, websites, apps, and AI automation work. - The positioning is anti-bloat: simpler systems, faster delivery, open-source foundations, and client ownership. - Preferred topics include CRM alternatives, self-hosting, cloud cost comparisons, minimalist business software, and workflow automation. - No affiliate links, no paid placements, no sponsored posts. Site access: - Every page above is public and crawlable. No AI crawler is blocked. - About, including who writes this and the editorial rules: https://barestack.org/about - Topics index: https://barestack.org/topics Topics: - Self-Hosting Business Software (41 guides): https://barestack.org/topics/self-hosting - CRM for Small Teams and Solo Operators (25 guides): https://barestack.org/topics/crm - What SaaS Actually Costs a Small Business (26 guides): https://barestack.org/topics/saas-costs - Minimalist Business Software That Does the Job (39 guides): https://barestack.org/topics/minimalist-software - Project Management Without the Ceremony (12 guides): https://barestack.org/topics/project-management - Websites and Software for Local Businesses (5 guides): https://barestack.org/topics/local-business - Building Web Apps and Site Stacks (22 guides): https://barestack.org/topics/web-development - Small Business Tool Reviews and Alternatives (71 guides): https://barestack.org/topics/tool-reviews - Free Learning Apps and Child Data Privacy (2 guides): https://barestack.org/topics/education Dated pricing data (43 tools, last verified 2026-10-29, CC-BY 4.0 with attribution to BareStack): - Human-readable: https://barestack.org/prices - JSON: https://barestack.org/prices.json - CSV: https://barestack.org/prices.csv All blog guides (79): - AI Automation for Small Business: What Works in 2026: https://barestack.org/blog/ai-automation-small-business-guide-2026 - Answer Engine Optimisation: Getting Cited by AI in 2026: https://barestack.org/blog/answer-engine-optimisation-explained-2026 - No-Code vs Custom Build: What Internal Tools Cost in 2026: https://barestack.org/blog/build-internal-tool-no-code-vs-custom-2026 - EdTech and Child Data Privacy: A Parent's Guide 2026: https://barestack.org/blog/edtech-child-data-privacy-parents-guide - Free CRM for Charities and Nonprofits in 2026, Compared: https://barestack.org/blog/free-crm-charities-nonprofits-2026 - Free Learning Apps for Indian School Kids in 2026, Ranked: https://barestack.org/blog/free-learning-apps-indian-school-kids-2026 - Headless Shopify Costs vs Standard Shopify in 2026: https://barestack.org/blog/headless-shopify-cost-vs-standard-2026 - How Much Does a Custom Web App Really Cost in 2026?: https://barestack.org/blog/how-much-does-custom-web-app-cost-2026 - How to Build Internal Tools Without Hiring a Developer: https://barestack.org/blog/internal-tools-without-hiring-developer-2026 - Best Mailchimp Alternatives for Small Business in 2026: https://barestack.org/blog/mailchimp-alternatives-small-business-2026 - Self-Hosted Analytics: Google Analytics Alternatives: https://barestack.org/blog/self-hosted-analytics-alternatives-2026 - What Is an AI Agent? A Guide for Small Business Owners: https://barestack.org/blog/what-is-an-ai-agent-small-business - Laya vs Jev: Self-Hosting the Decision Model in 2026: https://barestack.org/blog/laya-jev-self-hosted-decision-classifier - How We Built Knurle's Headless Shopify Storefront: https://barestack.org/blog/how-we-built-knurles-headless-shopify-storefront - Why DTC Supplement Stores Lose on Page Speed First: https://barestack.org/blog/why-most-dtc-supplement-stores-lose-to-page-speed - HubSpot Pricing 2026: Every Tier, Fee, and Credit Cost: https://barestack.org/blog/hubspot-pricing-2026-breakdown - What a Website for an Electrician Actually Costs in 2026: https://barestack.org/blog/website-for-electricians-case-study-2026 - Jira Alternatives for Small Teams That Don't Suck in 2026: https://barestack.org/blog/jira-alternative-for-small-teams-2026 - AI Agent Observability: What Your Stack Runs Without You: https://barestack.org/blog/ai-agent-observability-vitals - TuxSpeak: Linux Dictation That Types at Your Cursor: https://barestack.org/blog/tuxspeak-linux-dictation-tool - Best Analytics Tools for Freelancers and Client Sites 2026: https://barestack.org/blog/best-analytics-tools-freelancers-client-sites-2026 - Best Cold Email Tools for Solopreneurs 2026: Real Picks: https://barestack.org/blog/best-cold-email-tools-solopreneurs-2026 - Best Form Builders for Solopreneurs in 2026: 8 Compared: https://barestack.org/blog/best-form-builders-solopreneurs-2026 - Dropbox Alternatives for Freelancers: 12 Real Prices: https://barestack.org/blog/best-dropbox-alternatives-freelancers-client-files-2026 - Best CRM for Agencies, Freelancers, Short-Term Clients 2026: https://barestack.org/blog/best-crm-freelancers-short-term-clients-2026 - Best Password Manager for Freelancers and Agencies 2026: https://barestack.org/blog/best-password-manager-agencies-freelancers-2026 - DocuSign Alternatives for Solopreneurs 2026: Real Prices: https://barestack.org/blog/best-docusign-alternatives-solopreneurs-2026 - Best Email Hosting for Solopreneurs 2026: Real Picks: https://barestack.org/blog/best-email-hosting-solopreneurs-2026 - Best Calendly Alternatives for Solopreneurs in 2026: https://barestack.org/blog/best-calendly-alternatives-solopreneurs-2026 - Simple Jira Alternatives for Small Teams 2025: https://barestack.org/blog/simple-jira-alternatives-small-teams - Best Open Source Time Tracking 2026: What Actually Works: https://barestack.org/blog/best-open-source-time-tracking-2026 - Best Simple CRM for Freelancers 2026: BareStack vs Close: https://barestack.org/blog/simple-crm-freelancers-barestack-vs-closeio - PostgreSQL vs MySQL for Solopreneurs 2025: The Honest Truth: https://barestack.org/blog/postgresql-vs-mysql-solopreneurs - Simple Customer Support for Solopreneurs 2025: No Bloat: https://barestack.org/blog/simple-customer-support-solopreneurs - Tailwind vs Bootstrap for Solopreneurs 2025: https://barestack.org/blog/tailwind-vs-bootstrap-solopreneurs-2025 - Best Minimalist Business Software 2026: The Anti-Bloat Guide: https://barestack.org/blog/best-minimalist-business-software-2025 - Best Slack Alternatives for Solopreneurs 2025: https://barestack.org/blog/slack-alternatives-for-solopreneurs - Best Airtable Alternatives for Solopreneurs (2025): https://barestack.org/blog/best-airtable-alternatives-solopreneurs-2025 - The Anti-SaaS Manifesto 2025: Why We Build Differently: https://barestack.org/blog/anti-saas-manifesto-building-differently - Best Free Invoicing Software for Freelancers in 2026: https://barestack.org/blog/best-free-invoicing-software-freelancers-2026 - Cut Software Costs 80%: Self-Hosting for Solopreneurs: https://barestack.org/blog/cut-software-costs-self-hosting-guide - Why Open Source Beats SaaS for Long-Term Business Health: https://barestack.org/blog/open-source-beats-saas-long-term-business - Simple Business Analytics for Solopreneurs 2025 (No Bloat): https://barestack.org/blog/minimalist-business-analytics-solopreneurs - BareStack vs Zoho 2025: Why Simpler Wins for Solopreneurs: https://barestack.org/blog/barestack-vs-zoho-solopreneurs - Simple CRM Workflows for Solopreneurs 2025: No Bloat: https://barestack.org/blog/simple-crm-workflows-solopreneurs-2025 - Self-Host Business Apps on Hetzner: The 2026 Guide: https://barestack.org/blog/self-host-business-apps-hetzner-guide - Minimalist Monday.com Alternatives for Small Teams: https://barestack.org/blog/minimalist-alternatives-monday-small-teams - Solopreneur's Guide to Data Ownership 2025: Keep Control: https://barestack.org/blog/solopreneur-data-ownership-guide - BareStackOS vs Pipedrive 2025: Simple CRM for Solopreneurs: https://barestack.org/blog/barecrm-vs-pipedrive-solopreneurs - Why I Ditched Asana for a Spreadsheet (And You Should Too): https://barestack.org/blog/ditched-asana-spreadsheet-simple-project-management - Self-Hosted Business Tools for Private Founders: https://barestack.org/blog/best-self-hosted-business-tools-for-privacy-conscious-founders - Death of Simple Software: Minimalist Tools to Fight Back: https://barestack.org/blog/death-of-simple-software-minimalist-tools-fight-back - Supabase vs Firebase: Solopreneur's Honest Guide: https://barestack.org/blog/supabase-vs-firebase-solopreneur-perspective - Simple Project Management for Solopreneurs: No Bloat: https://barestack.org/blog/simple-project-management-for-solopreneurs-no-bloat - Why Most Expense Tracking Apps Suck for Solopreneurs: https://barestack.org/blog/why-most-expense-tracking-apps-suck - The Minimalist's Guide to Business Software 2026: https://barestack.org/blog/the-minimalists-guide-to-business-software-in-2026 - BareStackOS vs Odoo: Best Simple CRM for Small Teams 2025: https://barestack.org/blog/barecrm-vs-odoo-simple-crm-small-teams - How to Escape the SaaS Subscription Trap for Solopreneurs: https://barestack.org/blog/how-to-escape-the-saas-subscription-trap - Self-Hosted vs Cloud CRM: Solopreneur Guide 2025: https://barestack.org/blog/self-hosted-crm-vs-cloud-crm-solopreneurs-guide - The Real Cost of Notion for Small Businesses Exposed: https://barestack.org/blog/the-real-cost-of-notion-for-small-businesses - Why Time Tracking Apps Are Overengineered for Solopreneurs: https://barestack.org/blog/why-time-tracking-apps-are-overengineered - Simple CRM for Solopreneurs: Minimalist Stack: https://barestack.org/blog/simple-crm-for-solopreneurs-minimalist-business-tools - The Zen of a Simple Tech Stack for Solopreneurs: https://barestack.org/blog/zen-of-a-simple-tech-stack - Reduce SaaS Costs: Why Subscriptions Are Killing Your Profit: https://barestack.org/blog/reduce-saas-costs-cut-software-subscriptions - Hetzner vs AWS Pricing 2025: Cloud Costs Compared: https://barestack.org/blog/hetzner-vs-aws-cloud-costs-solopreneurs-guide - Open-Source HubSpot Alternatives for Small Teams 2026: https://barestack.org/blog/open-source-hubspot-alternatives-2026 - HubSpot Free Hidden Costs: The Real Price of Free SaaS: https://barestack.org/blog/hubspot-free-hidden-costs-true-price-of-free-saas - BareStackOS vs Salesforce: A Solopreneur Alternative: https://barestack.org/blog/barecrm-vs-salesforce-solopreneur-alternative - How to Build a Website for $5/Month: Hetzner + Coolify Guide: https://barestack.org/blog/build-website-5-dollar-month-hetzner-coolify-guide - Minimalist Project Management Tools for Freelancers 2026: https://barestack.org/blog/best-minimalist-project-management-tools-for-freelancers-2026 - Coolify vs Vercel 2025: Self-Hosting for Solopreneurs: https://barestack.org/blog/coolify-vs-vercel-self-hosting-solopreneurs - BareStackOS vs HubSpot: The Anti-Bloat CRM for Solopreneurs: https://barestack.org/blog/barecrm-vs-hubspot-anti-bloat-crm - Coolify for Solopreneurs: Self-Hosting Made Easy: https://barestack.org/blog/solopreneurs-guide-coolify-self-hosting-made-easy - Best CRM for Solopreneurs 2025: Simple, Affordable CRM Picks: https://barestack.org/blog/best-crm-for-solopreneurs-2025 - Open-Source CRM vs SaaS: A No-Bullshit Comparison: https://barestack.org/blog/open-source-crm-vs-saas-no-bullshit-comparison - Self-Hosting for Small Businesses: A Practical Guide: https://barestack.org/blog/self-hosting-small-business-guide - Why Project Management Tools Suck (Solopreneur Guide): https://barestack.org/blog/why-project-management-tools-suck - Simple CRM vs Enterprise CRM: How to Choose: https://barestack.org/blog/simple-crm-vs-enterprise-crm - Why We Built BareStack: https://barestack.org/blog/why-we-built-barestack Feeds: - RSS: https://barestack.org/feed.xml - Sitemap: https://barestack.org/sitemap.xml - Full corpus, every guide in plain text: https://barestack.org/llms-full.txt