Self-hosting
Start with apps that make your life easier.
The best self-hosted apps are the ones that solve real pain points and give you immediate value without turning the lab into a maintenance burden.
Good first apps
Syncthing
Simple, private sync for files across devices and trusted machines without depending on a hosted provider.
Pi-hole
A practical way to block ads and tracking before they ever reach your devices.
Home Assistant
A powerful platform for automations, smart home control, and local-first device management.
Nextcloud
Useful for private cloud storage, document sync, and a self-hosted alternative to public services.
Why these come first
These services provide immediate benefit: better privacy, central storage, less noise on the network, and more control over how your home systems communicate. Once the basics are stable, you can expand into more advanced or experimental services.