Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Readymag · 🧱 website builders
Readymag vs Silex
Freeform stories, portfolios and magazines exported as ordinary HTML; less theatrical, more portable. Here is how Silex ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Readymag ($20/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Readymag vs Silex Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-08-10
| Dimension | Readymag (Paid) | Silex (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $20 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $240 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $240) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $1,200 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,200) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $2,400 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $2,400) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source AGPL-3.0+ |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Local or hosted (your machine or their cloud) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hostedthey host it |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 2.9k (active aug 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Readymag to Silex
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Silex lacks Readymag's polished editorial, presentation and motion-design conveniences.
How to deploy Silex
Use the hosted editor with a GitLab login, install the desktop alpha, or run the official Docker setup
What it takes to run
The stable hosted route starts with a GitLab account; the desktop build is still labelled alpha
Where your data lives
Project JSON and assets in GitLab, FTP or local storage; publishing produces ordinary static HTML, CSS and JavaScript
Why fork Silex instead of vibe-coding a Readymag clone?
The visible editorial website builder loop is buildable, but a credible replacement needs more than the first screen. Readymag earns its keep through editor, CMS, hosting, polish, so expect a weekend or multi-day build and a narrower personal scope.
Readymag vs Silex FAQ
Is Silex a good free alternative to Readymag?+
Yes. Silex is a verified open-source (AGPL-3.0+) replacement for Readymag. Freeform stories, portfolios and magazines exported as ordinary HTML; less theatrical, more portable.
What is the catch when switching from Readymag to Silex?+
Silex lacks Readymag's polished editorial, presentation and motion-design conveniences.
How much do you save switching from Readymag to Silex?+
Readymag costs $20/mo ($240/yr) per seat, whereas Silex is $0/mo. Switching saves $240/yr for a solo user, $1,200/yr for a 5-person team, and $2,400/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Silex instead of Readymag?+
Install: Use the hosted editor with a GitLab login, install the desktop alpha, or run the official Docker setup. Setup: The stable hosted route starts with a GitLab account; the desktop build is still labelled alpha
