# Choosing between Zulip Cloud and self-hosting

This page will help you decide whether [signing up for Zulip
Cloud](https://zulip.com/new/) or [self-hosting
Zulip](https://zulip.com/self-hosting/) best fits the needs of your
organization. For additional guidance, reach out to
[sales@zulip.com](mailto:sales@zulip.com).

!!! tip ""
    If your needs change, you can always move [to a self-hosted
    installation](https://zulip.readthedocs.io/en/stable/production/export-and-import.html#import-into-a-new-zulip-server)
    or [to Zulip Cloud](/help/move-to-zulip-cloud).

## Advantages of Zulip Cloud

{!advantages-of-zulip-cloud.md!}

[Sign up](https://zulip.com/new/) with just a few clicks.

## Advantages of self-hosting Zulip

* **Under your control**: Retain full control over your data and simplify
  compliance by self-hosting Zulip behind your firewall.
* **Access to all of Zulip's features**: All [self-hosted
  plans](https://zulip.com/plans/#self-hosted) offer the same [100% open-source
  software] [zulip-github]. Organizations that do not require support with their
  installation can always use Zulip for free with no limitations.
* **Simple set-up process**: It's easy to [install][install-zulip] Zulip
  directly on Ubuntu or Debian Linux, in <a
  href="https://github.com/zulip/docker-zulip">Docker</a>, or with prebuilt
  images for <a href="https://marketplace.digitalocean.com/apps/zulip">Digital
  Ocean</a> and <a href="https://render.com/docs/deploy-zulip">Render</a>.
* **Easy to maintain**: Zulip offers convenient tools for [backing
  up][back-up-zulip], and [maintaining][maintain-zulip] a self-hosted Zulip
  server.
* **Customizable**: Customize Zulip for all your needs. It's easy to develop and
  maintain [custom integrations](/api/incoming-webhooks-overview) and
  [features][modify-zulip].
* **Budget option**: For organizations with expertise in self-hosting their
  tools and a tight budget, the [Zulip Basic
  plan](https://zulip.com/plans/#self-hosted) can be a great choice.

Learn more about [self-hosting Zulip](https://zulip.com/self-hosting/).

[zulip-github]: https://github.com/zulip/zulip#readme
[install-zulip]: https://zulip.readthedocs.io/en/stable/production/install.html
[back-up-zulip]: https://zulip.readthedocs.io/en/stable/production/export-and-import.html#backups
[maintain-zulip]: https://zulip.readthedocs.io/en/stable/production/upgrade.html
[modify-zulip]: https://zulip.readthedocs.io/en/stable/production/modify.html

## Plans and pricing

Compare [Zulip Cloud](https://zulip.com/plans#cloud) and [self-hosted
Zulip](https://zulip.com/plans#self-hosted) pricing.

Free or heavily discounted pricing is available for most non-business uses.
Learn how to apply for a sponsored
[Cloud](https://zulip.com/help/zulip-cloud-billing#free-and-discounted-zulip-cloud-standard) or
[self-hosted](https://zulip.com/help/self-hosted-billing#apply-for-community-plan) plan.

## Related resources

* [Sign up for Zulip Cloud](https://zulip.com/new/)
* [Self-hosting Zulip](https://zulip.com/self-hosting/)
* [Trying out Zulip](/help/trying-out-zulip)
* [Plans and pricing](https://zulip.com/plans/)
* [Zulip Cloud billing](/help/zulip-cloud-billing)
* [Self-hosted billing](/help/self-hosted-billing)