Kan

Kan is what Trello looked like before it got bought, locked down, and re-priced one too many times. It's an open-source kanban board you can self-host on your own server or run on Kan's cloud, import your existing Trello workspaces into, and actually own — invite controls, admin roles, activity logs, the lot.

What Kan actually does

Functionally it's a no-frills kanban tool: cards, lists, comments, assignees, due dates. The difference is what's underneath, and what you can do with it: open-source code, self-hosting, granular roles, and a built-in Trello import.

• Organize tasks on drag-and-drop kanban boards with customizable lists
• Track progress through status columns that match your workflow, from Under Review to Done
• Import your existing Trello boards and pick up exactly where you left off
• Set due dates, labels, and assignees on every card, with comments for context
• Filter and search across cards by label, member, or text
• See live updates as teammates move, edit, and close cards without refreshing
• Review detailed activity logs for every change made to any card or board
• Invite workspace members, assign roles, and set per-board visibility
• Self-host on your own server or use Kan's cloud

How it fits in your stack

Kan replaces Trello for teams who've outgrown the price hike, the platform lock-in, or the slow grind toward 'Premium-only' features that used to be free. The open-source side means you can clone the repo, audit the code, and self-host on a VPS instead of paying per-seat for the privilege of looking at a few boards. The cloud option is there for teams who'd rather not run their own server, with the same feature set in a hosted form.

Who it's built for

Kan is built for small teams who like Trello's shape but want either the bill to stop growing or the data to live on hardware they control. Agencies running client boards, small product teams, freelance collectives, internal IT teams, and self-hosting enthusiasts: anyone who already knows how a kanban should feel and just wants one that respects ownership. If your team has never used Trello, Kan is still a soft landing because the cards-and-lists metaphor is intuitive within a few minutes of clicking around.

The deal

License Tier 1 starts at $59 and covers 5 members with open-source access, Trello imports, Google SSO, unlimited boards, board templates, board visibility, and the full feature core. Tier 2 jumps to $119 for 15 members plus custom branding, custom usernames, and granular roles and permissions. Tier 3 at $199 makes the seat count unlimited with the same expanded feature set. [Pick up Kan on AppSumo](https://www.grabltd.com/recommends/appsumo-kan/).