AlternativeTo platform

AlternativeTo is a well-known crowdsourced platform designed to help users find software alternatives for various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms. Launched in 2009, the site provides a unique approach to software discovery by allowing users to skip traditional search engine results in favor of community-vetted recommendations based on specific app similarities. Each listing includes user reviews, licensing information, and platform compatibility.

Founded by Ola Hallkvist, Markus Gustavsson, and Thomas Backlund, the platform remains headquartered in Sweden. Unlike many software directories that rely on paid placements, AlternativeTo is driven by its user community, who suggest new applications and vote on existing ones to determine the most relevant alternatives. The service is managed by the original founders through their Swedish-based operations, maintaining its status as an independent entity in the tech landscape.