You don’t have to depend on third-party servers or cloud services to run your apps, websites, or tools. Instead, you can use your old computer, laptop, Raspberry Pi, or a small server to self-host and manage everything yourself. This approach gives you freedom, privacy, and full control over your data.
Self-hosting indicates setting up software on your own hardware instead of working with a service provided by another company. For example, instead of using Notion or Evernote, you could host a note-taking app like Joplin on your laptop or Raspberry Pi. When you self-host, you manage everything – from how the app functions to where your data is stored.
Why You Need to Self-Host
While most online services are easy to use, they come with downsides. Third-party companies may collect, share, or store your data in ways you don’t fully understand. Self-hosting puts you in charge; you decide where your data goes, who can see it, and how it’s used.
If you value privacy or handle sensitive information, self-hosting keeps your data secure and private. You can also tweak applications to suit your preferences. Although setting everything up is relatively straightforward, you’ll need time and willingness to learn.
How to Self-Host any Application
So, how do you get started? If you’re an individual, begin by setting up a home lab server—a personal server you keep at home. This could be as basic as an old laptop or as advanced as a custom-built mini server.
- Choose Your Hardware: Use what you already have, like a Raspberry Pi or an unused laptop.
- Choose an Operating System: Linux distributions such as Ubuntu Server or Debian are popular choices for self-hosting.
- Install the Required Software: The easiest and most recommended method is using Docker and Docker Compose. Docker is an open-source tool that help you create, deploy, and run any self-hosted services in isolated containers.
You can self-host a wide variety of applications in your home lab. For instance, if you want cloud storage, install Nextcloud. If you’re interested in setting up a password manager, blog, or email server, many open-source tools are available for these purposes.
If you set up your server locally, you’ll only be able to access your apps from devices connected to your local network. To access them remotely over the internet, configure a reverse proxy server using tools like Nginx or Apache. You can also host your applications on a specific domain for better access.
Pros and Cons of Self-Hosting
Pros:
- Complete control and privacy over your data
- No recurring monthly fees
- Full customization of apps and services
- Offline access is possible
- No dependence on external servers
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Full responsibility for maintenance, updates, and security
- No official support team
- Requires regular attention and upkeep
Things You Can Self-Host on Your Homelab
Once your home lab is ready, you can run various self-hosted apps 24/7. Here are some widely used examples:
- Nextcloud: Your personal cloud storage—an alternative to Google Drive or Dropbox.
- Bitwarden: A secure password manager that lets you organize and record credentials.
- Jellyfin: A media server for streaming movies, TV shows, and music—your personal Netflix.
- Pi-hole: A network-wide ad blocker that improves speed and removes unwanted trackers.
- Paperless-ngx: A document management system for organizing bills, receipts, and paperwork.
- Vaultwarden: A lightweight Bitwarden alternative, ideal for low-resource devices.
- Home Assistant: A platform to manage and automate smart home devices with privacy in mind.
These apps run continuously on your server, and managing them yourself gives a sense of control and accomplishment.
Is self-hosting worth it
Self-hosting is more than just setting up software—it’s a way of thinking about your online choices. It’s about shifting from being a passive user of online services to becoming the one in control. When you self-host, you take ownership of your digital environment and learn how things work behind the scenes.
The process may seem challenging at first, but once you get started, you’ll gain hands-on experience that builds confidence and technical skills over time.