Redmine alternative: self-hosted bug tracking without the Ruby stack
Redmine is a capable project management tool. But if you're maintaining a Ruby runtime, Bundler, a database server, and a Redmine configuration just to track bugs for a small team, the operational overhead has outgrown the job. BugTrack is self-hosted bug tracking that installs in 15 minutes with Node.js only — no Ruby, no database server.
Choose Redmine if you need time tracking, Gantt charts, a project wiki, or custom fields — Redmine's depth is real and it earns its complexity. Choose BugTrack if your team uses Redmine as a bug tracker and nothing else, and the Ruby + database stack has become more trouble than it's worth.
Why teams leave Redmine
Redmine's issue tracker is excellent. The reasons teams migrate away are almost always about the surrounding infrastructure, not the tracker itself:
- The Ruby stack. Running Redmine means running a Ruby version manager, Bundler, Puma or Passenger, and keeping them aligned. On a dedicated server managed by a developer, this is manageable. On shared hosting, it often isn't.
- The database server. Redmine requires MySQL or PostgreSQL. That's a separate service to install, configure, monitor, and back up alongside the app.
- Initial configuration. A fresh Redmine install involves creating a database, running migrations, configuring email, and setting up the web server before the first project exists.
- The interface. Redmine's UI is functional but dated. Power users navigate it fine; everyone else needs a longer onboarding.
What BugTrack does differently
| Redmine | BugTrack | |
|---|---|---|
| Runtime | Ruby + Bundler + app server | Node.js 18+, nothing else |
| Database | MySQL or PostgreSQL required | SQLite file, no server |
| Install time | 45–90 min for a fresh server | ~15 min (download, install, start) |
| Interface | Dense, feature-rich, dated | Focused, modern, dark mode included |
| Mobile | Limited responsiveness | Responsive by default |
| Slack | Via plugin | Built in, per-project webhook |
| Updates | Manual (git pull + bundle + migrate) | One-click from admin panel, with backup |
| Time tracking | Yes | No |
| Gantt charts | Yes | No |
| Custom fields | Yes | No |
| Price | Free | Free |
What you give up
If your team uses Redmine as a full project management platform — time tracking, Gantt charts, a wiki, custom fields, multiple issue types — BugTrack is not a drop-in replacement. It covers bugs, priorities, assignments, comments, and image attachments. Everything beyond that, it deliberately doesn't offer.
If you use Redmine as a bug tracker that happens to have all those other features sitting unused, BugTrack is likely a better fit for the actual job you're doing.
How to switch
There is no automated migration. Redmine's data model (custom fields, time entries, issue relations) doesn't map directly to BugTrack's simpler structure. The path most teams take:
- Export your open issues from Redmine as CSV for reference.
- Download BugTrack, unzip,
npm install. - Run
npm start. Sign in as admin. - Create your projects, invite your team.
- Re-file open in-progress bugs. Most teams skip the closed history.
Frequently asked questions
Can I import my Redmine issues into BugTrack?
There is no automated import. Redmine's data model doesn't map cleanly to BugTrack's simpler structure — custom fields, relations, and time entries have no equivalent. Most teams export their open issues as a reference list and start fresh.
Does BugTrack need Ruby?
No. BugTrack runs on Node.js 18 or later. There is no Ruby runtime, no Bundler, no Rails, and no separate database server required.
Does BugTrack support multiple projects?
Yes, with per-project membership and roles. Each project has its own bug list, members, and Slack webhook configuration.
Is BugTrack less powerful than Redmine?
In some ways, deliberately. BugTrack has no time tracking, no Gantt charts, no project wiki, and no custom fields. Teams that need those features should stay on Redmine — it earns its complexity for that use case.
Try BugTrack
Free, self-hosted, and needs only Node.js. No Ruby, no database server. Running in about 15 minutes.
Download free →