Twenty
FreeOpen-source modern CRM alternative to Salesforce built with a clean UI, API-first approach, and self-hosting option for developers and startups.
What does this tool do?
Twenty is a GPL-licensed, open-source CRM platform positioned as a modern alternative to Salesforce and HubSpot. It emphasizes self-hosting capabilities, API-first architecture, and customizable data models, allowing teams to avoid vendor lock-in while maintaining SaaS-like usability. The platform includes core CRM features like contact/company management, kanban boards for pipeline visualization, task tracking, email synchronization, and rich note-taking. Its primary differentiator is the open-source model combined with customizable objects and fields, permissioning systems, and workflow automation through APIs and webhooks. The interface appears clean and developer-friendly, with keyboard shortcuts and a command palette for navigation.
AI analysis from Feb 23, 2026
Key Features
- Customizable data models and objects with flexible field creation to adapt CRM structure to unique business needs
- Kanban board views for pipeline visualization and sales process management
- Task management and follow-up tracking with rich note support and markdown formatting
- Email synchronization and integration to keep communications logged within the CRM
- Permissioning and access control system for managing user roles and data visibility
- API and webhook support for custom integrations and workflow automation
- Keyboard shortcuts and command palette (⌘K) for rapid navigation and task creation
- Dark mode support for user preference and accessibility
Use Cases
- 1Early-stage startups and growth companies seeking CRM functionality without long-term vendor lock-in or per-seat SaaS costs
- 2Development teams and technical founders who need API-first architecture and the ability to customize or extend CRM functionality
- 3Organizations requiring self-hosted or on-premise deployment for data privacy, compliance, or security reasons
- 4Companies with unique sales processes that need highly customizable object models and workflows rather than rigid out-of-the-box sales pipelines
- 5Teams prioritizing data ownership and wanting to avoid proprietary data formats or cloud dependency
- 6Community-driven open-source enthusiasts and enterprises willing to contribute to product roadmap and development
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- True data ownership through open-source GPL licensing eliminates vendor lock-in and provides long-term cost predictability compared to per-seat SaaS models
- Self-hosting and API-first design appeal to technical teams requiring customization, integration flexibility, and deployment control
- Clean, intuitive UI with keyboard shortcuts and command palette makes navigation faster and more efficient than many enterprise CRM platforms
- Customizable data models and field management allow adaptation to unique business workflows without forcing standardization
- Y Combinator backing and active community contributions suggest ongoing development momentum and viability
Limitations
- No visible pricing or monetization model on website; unclear how the project sustains development and what support/SLA guarantees exist for self-hosted instances
- Open-source projects often require technical expertise to deploy, maintain, and troubleshoot—higher barrier for non-technical small teams compared to SaaS alternatives
- Limited integration ecosystem compared to established platforms like Salesforce; reliance on community-contributed integrations introduces potential gaps and maintenance uncertainty
- Self-hosting introduces infrastructure, security, and backup responsibilities that SaaS users delegate to vendors; this overhead may negate cost savings for resource-constrained teams
- No mention of advanced features like predictive analytics, AI-driven insights, or advanced reporting that premium CRM platforms offer
Pricing Details
Pricing details not publicly available on the website. The platform is open-source under GPL license, suggesting a freemium or community-supported model, but no specific pricing tiers, feature limitations, or commercial support options are disclosed.
Who is this for?
Technical founders, early-stage startups (seed to Series A), development teams, and privacy-conscious enterprises seeking CRM functionality with full control and customization. Best suited for teams with engineering resources or willingness to invest in self-hosting infrastructure. Not ideal for non-technical small businesses seeking plug-and-play solutions with managed support.