Kolab Groupware vs Nextcloud Deck
A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted groupware options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.
Not the right match-up?
Kolab Groupware
Open-source groupware server with mail and calendaring
VS
Nextcloud Deck
Kanban-style project planning inside Nextcloud
| Feature | Kolab Groupware | Nextcloud Deck |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Groupware | Groupware |
| License | AGPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Language | PHP | JavaScript |
| Setup difficulty | Hard | Easy |
| Min. RAM | 2,048 MB | 512 MB |
| Deployment | bare-metal, docker | source |
| GitHub stars | ★ 200 | ★ 1,410 |
| First released | 2002 | 2018 |
| Replaces | Microsoft Exchange, Zimbra | Trello |
Why pick each one
Choose Kolab Groupware if…
- Built on proven components
- Strong standards support
Choose Nextcloud Deck if…
- Released under the AGPL-3.0 license
- Easy to set up — beginner-friendly
- Active community (1.4k GitHub stars)
- Written in JavaScript
Frequently asked questions
Is Kolab Groupware or Nextcloud Deck better?
Nextcloud Deck is the stronger all-round pick: it has both the larger community and the simpler easy setup. Consider Kolab Groupware if its specific feature set fits your needs better.
Are Kolab Groupware and Nextcloud Deck free and open-source?
Yes. Kolab Groupware is licensed under AGPL-3.0 and Nextcloud Deck under AGPL-3.0. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.
Can I run Kolab Groupware and Nextcloud Deck with Docker?
Kolab Groupware: yes. Nextcloud Deck: check the project docs for container support.