New License and Pricing

Klaas van Schelven
Klaas van Schelven; January 15 - 5 min read
Terms

TL;DR: We’re switching to the Polyform Shield License, making Bugsink free for non-competing uses, and we’re introducing a hosted option.

 

When I started Bugsink, I had one simple goal: build a self-hosted error tracking solution that’s private, simple, and under your control. Bugsink was meant to answer the needs of developers who care about data sovereignty and don’t want the complexity of bloated solutions. That hasn’t changed. But there will be some changes to how Bugsink is licensed and priced.

Building on the feedback I’ve received from users, I’m introducing a new license (Polyform Shield) that makes Bugsink free for all non-competing uses, and the introduction of Hosted Bugsink – a managed option for those who prefer convenience over self-hosting.

Why Change?

The feedback I’ve received from users has been clear:

  • Licensing was confusing. The old “production use requires a license” model wasn’t straightforward enough. Developers didn’t always know if their use was free or paid, and that uncertainty turned people away.

  • Flexibility matters. While many love self-hosting, others prefer the simplicity of a managed service. Bugsink needed to offer both without compromising its values.

  • Protection is important. Bugsink needs to remain developer-friendly while also safeguarding itself from competitors who might fork the product and rebrand it.

I’ve taken all this feedback to heart and made decisions to address these points while keeping Bugsink’s core strengths intact.

The New License: Polyform Shield

Bugsink is now licensed under the Polyform Shield License. Here’s what that means:

  • Free for all non-competing uses. Bugsink is free to self-host for (almost) any purpose.
  • Protection against competitors. The Shield part of the license ensures that competitors can’t use Bugsink to build a competing product. This protects the sustainability of the project while keeping it free for developers.

This new licensing model is simple and clear: Bugsink is free for you to use, whether you’re an individual developer, a team, or a business, as long as you’re not trying to compete with it.

Hosted Bugsink: A Managed Option

While self-hosting remains Bugsink’s core focus, I’ve heard from plenty of developers who would prefer a managed option. This is why, starting today, Bugsink will be available as a “managed” (SaaS) offering as well as a self-hosted option.

Hosted Bugsink is everything you love about Bugsink – privacy-focused error tracking, simplicity, and control – without the need to manage your own infrastructure. You get a managed Bugsink instance, with updates, maintenance, and hosting handled for you.

For individual developers, hosted Bugsink will be available for free; for teams, Hosted Bugsink is available for €15/month. Check the pricing page for more details.

Will Self-Hosting Always Be Free?

Before today’s changes, Self-hosting “in production” required a paid subscription. With the new licensing model, that is no longer the case.

Does this mean self-hosting will always be free? Not necessarily. I’m keeping the door open for an Enterprise Edition (EE) in the future.

This would include things like LDAP/SSO, advanced reporting, or compliance-specific tools – features that are more relevant to larger businesses. Think of it as “where the boring features go.” If this happens, it will be separate from the free core, so small teams and individuals can always use Bugsink without worrying about losing core functionality.

Why These Changes?

These changes allow Bugsink to meet developers where they are:

  1. Simplicity and clarity. The Polyform Shield License eliminates confusion around licensing. Free means free, and there’s no ambiguity.

  2. Flexibility for growth. Hosted Bugsink lets me serve teams that value convenience while keeping self-hosting free for those who want it.

  3. Future-proofing. By protecting Bugsink from competitors, the Polyform Shield License ensures its sustainability and growth potential.

  4. Room for evolution. With this structure in place, I can continue to explore feedback and add paid options—like an Enterprise Edition or other premium features—only if and when they make sense.

The Road Ahead

Bugsink is evolving, but its core remains the same: a developer-focused error tracking solution that puts privacy and simplicity first. The new licensing and pricing open up new possibilities, whether you prefer to self-host for free or pay for the convenience of a managed SaaS option.

As always, I’ll continue listening to your feedback and refining Bugsink to better meet your needs. Whether you’re self-hosting or trying out Hosted Bugsink, I’m excited to see how these changes improve your experience.

If you have thoughts, questions, or ideas, I’d love to hear from you. The discord channel is a great place to chat, or you can reach me directly at klaas@bugsink.com.