Focalboard vs Trello
Is switching from Trello to Focalboardworth it? Here's a detailed comparison of pricing, features, and ownership.
Focalboard and Trello both serve project management and task tracking, but they differ fundamentally in pricing and ownership. Trello costs $5/month ($60/year), while Focalboard is completely free. As an open-source tool, Focalboard's code is publicly auditable and community-driven. This comparison breaks down exactly what you gain, what you lose, and whether switching makes sense for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Switching to Focalboard saves you $60/year — $180 over 3 years
Trello costs
$60/yr
3-year cost
$180
Focalboard costs
Free (self-hosted)
Best for
- +Teams already using Mattermost
- +Users wanting multiple project views
- +Self-hosted project management
Not ideal for
- −Users wanting a cloud solution
- −Teams needing many third-party integrations
Feature Comparison
| Feature | TrelloSubscription | FocalboardAlternative |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $5/mo $60/year | Open Source |
| Platforms | Web, Desktop (typical) | Self-hostedWebWindowsmacOSLinux |
| Offline Support | Limited (typical) | ✓Full offline |
| Open Source | No | ✓Open source |
| Ownership | Renting | Full ownership |
| Cloud Dependency | High (typical) | Mostly offline |
| Migration | — | Medium |
Pricing
Trello
$5/mo
$60/year
Focalboard
Open SourcePlatforms
Trello
Web, Desktop (typical)Focalboard
Offline Support
Trello
Limited (typical)Focalboard
✓Full offlineOpen Source
Trello
NoFocalboard
✓Open sourceOwnership
Trello
RentingFocalboard
Full ownershipCloud Dependency
Trello
High (typical)Focalboard
Mostly offlineMigration
Trello
—Focalboard
MediumSwitching Analysis
+What you gain with Focalboard
- +Multiple views (kanban, table, calendar)
- +Mattermost integration
- +Desktop apps
- +Self-hosted
−What you lose
- −Slower development pace
- −Fewer integrations
- −Smaller community
Who Should Switch?
✓Good candidates for Focalboard
- +Teams already using Mattermost
- +Users wanting multiple project views
- +Self-hosted project management
✗Should keep using Trello
- −Users wanting a cloud solution
- −Teams needing many third-party integrations
Migration Guide
Switching from Trello to Focalboard is rated as medium. Here's how to make the move:
Export your data
Go to Trello's settings and export your data in CSV, PDF, or native format. Most tools support bulk export.
Install Focalboard
Download Focalboard from the official website. It's completely free to use.
Import and configure
Import your exported data into Focalboard. Set up your preferences, shortcuts, and workflows to match your existing setup.
Run in parallel
Use both tools side-by-side for a week or two. This lets you verify everything works before fully switching.
Cancel subscription
Once you're confident Focalboard meets your needs, cancel your Trello subscription. You've escaped the subscription!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Focalboard a good alternative to Trello?
Yes, Focalboard is a solid alternative to Trello. It offers free access with open source code, making it a great choice for users looking to escape subscriptions. Focalboard handles the core functionality that most Trello users rely on daily.
How much can I save by switching from Trello to Focalboard?
Switching from Trello ($60/year) to Focalboard (Free (self-hosted)) can save you approximately $60 per year, or $180 over three years. The savings start immediately with zero upfront cost.
What do I lose by switching from Trello to Focalboard?
The main trade-offs include: Slower development pace, Fewer integrations, Smaller community. However, Focalboard still covers the core functionality most users need. The gaps are typically in advanced features and ecosystem integrations, not daily-use capabilities.
Can I migrate my data from Trello to Focalboard?
Yes. Most Trello data can be exported in standard formats (CSV, PDF, or native format) and imported into Focalboard. The migration difficulty is rated as medium, so it may take some effort.
Is Focalboard really free?
Yes, Focalboard is completely free to use and open-source. There are no hidden costs, no premium tiers, and no feature restrictions for core functionality.
Does Focalboard work on the same platforms as Trello?
Focalboard is available on self hosted, web, windows, macos, linux. This covers all major platforms, so you can use it on all your devices.
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