Own your data again

Build your own cloud, at home.

Self Host Lab teaches you to install, secure and run your own services — media server, photos, passwords, automation — on hardware you control. Step by step, without the noise.

Start self-hosting Browse tutorials

Independent guides · Open-source first · No filler

~/stack $ covered on the lab

  • Docker
  • Proxmox
  • Jellyfin
  • Plex
  • TrueNAS
  • Linux
  • Raspberry Pi
  • Home Assistant

~/start $ choose your path

Where are you on the journey?

I’m just starting

Understand what self-hosting is and get your first service running this weekend.

Beginner≈ 2 h

Start the basics

I’m building my homelab

Pick the right hardware, hypervisor, storage layout and network for your needs.

Intermediate≈ 1 weekend

Plan my build

I’m leveling up

Security, backups, monitoring, high availability — make your stack production-grade.

Advancedongoing

Harden my setup

~/guides $ featured

Guides worth your weekend

~/apps $ self-hosted catalog

Apps that replace subscriptions

All Media Productivity Security Network Photos Home automation

Browse the full catalog

~/compare $ media servers

Jellyfin, Plex or Emby: which one should you run?

Jellyfin

Free
License
100% open source
Transcoding
Free, incl. hardware
Client apps
Good, community-driven
Setup
Easy
Privacy
No account, no tracking

Best for: privacy-first setups and full control.

Plex

Freemium
License
Proprietary
Transcoding
HW behind Plex Pass
Client apps
Excellent, everywhere
Setup
Easiest
Privacy
Account required

Best for: families and smart-TV comfort.

Emby

Freemium
License
Source-available
Transcoding
HW behind Premiere
Client apps
Very good
Setup
Medium
Privacy
Local accounts possible

Best for: live TV & DVR power users.

Read the full comparison

~/hardware $ example builds

Three homelabs, three budgets

~/tutorials $ latest

Fresh from the lab

All Docker Proxmox Media Network Storage