WeKan vs Trello
Is switching from Trello to WeKanworth it? Here's a detailed comparison of pricing, features, and ownership.
WeKan and Trello both serve project management and task tracking, but they differ fundamentally in pricing and ownership. Trello costs $5/month ($60/year), while WeKan is completely free. As an open-source tool, WeKan'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 WeKan saves you $60/year — $180 over 3 years
Trello costs
$60/yr
3-year cost
$180
WeKan costs
Free (self-hosted)
Best for
- +Privacy-focused teams
- +Self-hosting enthusiasts
- +Organizations with data sovereignty requirements
Not ideal for
- −Teams wanting zero-setup solutions
- −Mobile-first users
Feature Comparison
| Feature | TrelloSubscription | WeKanAlternative |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $5/mo $60/year | Open Source |
| Platforms | Web, Desktop (typical) | Self-hostedWeb |
| Offline Support | Limited (typical) | Requires internet |
| Open Source | No | ✓Open source |
| Ownership | Renting | Full ownership |
| Cloud Dependency | High (typical) | Mostly offline |
| Migration | — | Medium |
Pricing
Trello
$5/mo
$60/year
WeKan
Open SourcePlatforms
Trello
Web, Desktop (typical)WeKan
Offline Support
Trello
Limited (typical)WeKan
Requires internetOpen Source
Trello
NoWeKan
✓Open sourceOwnership
Trello
RentingWeKan
Full ownershipCloud Dependency
Trello
High (typical)WeKan
Mostly offlineMigration
Trello
—WeKan
MediumSwitching Analysis
+What you gain with WeKan
- +Fully self-hosted
- +Swimlanes
- +No user limits
- +Full data control
−What you lose
- −No cloud convenience
- −Smaller community
- −Mobile experience limited
Who Should Switch?
✓Good candidates for WeKan
- +Privacy-focused teams
- +Self-hosting enthusiasts
- +Organizations with data sovereignty requirements
✗Should keep using Trello
- −Teams wanting zero-setup solutions
- −Mobile-first users
Migration Guide
Switching from Trello to WeKan 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 WeKan
Download WeKan from the official website. It's completely free to use.
Import and configure
Import your exported data into WeKan. 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 WeKan meets your needs, cancel your Trello subscription. You've escaped the subscription!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WeKan a good alternative to Trello?
Yes, WeKan 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. WeKan handles the core functionality that most Trello users rely on daily.
How much can I save by switching from Trello to WeKan?
Switching from Trello ($60/year) to WeKan (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 WeKan?
The main trade-offs include: No cloud convenience, Smaller community, Mobile experience limited. However, WeKan 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 WeKan?
Yes. Most Trello data can be exported in standard formats (CSV, PDF, or native format) and imported into WeKan. The migration difficulty is rated as medium, so it may take some effort.
Is WeKan really free?
Yes, WeKan is completely free to use and open-source. There are no hidden costs, no premium tiers, and no feature restrictions for core functionality.
Does WeKan work on the same platforms as Trello?
WeKan is available on self hosted, web. Check the official website for the most up-to-date platform support.
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Ready to stop renting Trello?
WeKan is a one-time purchase alternative that lets you own your tools.