Should you build your own Slab?
Internal knowledge base with search, integrations, and verification
The visible team knowledge base loop is buildable, but a credible replacement needs more than the first screen. Slab earns its keep through collaboration, integrations, polish, so expect a weekend or multi-day build and a narrower personal scope.
ENOriginal research content in English. Original prompt preserved in English.
Build a deliberately narrow personal substitute for Slab, not a full clone.
Use exactly this stack: Next.js 15 + TypeScript + SQLite.
Primary job: Build a single-user team knowledge base workspace with projects, tasks, statuses, filters, recurring items, and JSON export.
Start from an empty folder and create the complete working project.
Make the default mode single-user and private.
Store user data locally unless the core job requires the declared self-hosted database.
Do not add analytics, telemetry, ads, or third-party accounts.
Put every secret and external credential in .env and provide .env.example.
Use realistic sample data that is clearly labelled and easy to delete.
Implement the smallest polished interface that completes the core loop end to end.
Include clear empty, loading, validation, success, and failure states.
Add import and export so the user is not trapped in the app.
Use accessible keyboard navigation, labels, focus states, and sensible contrast.
Validate untrusted input and never log secrets or private file contents.
Deliberately exclude these paid-product advantages: large integration catalog; mobile capture and notifications; real-time multiplayer.
Do not fake integrations, network effects, proprietary data, model quality, compliance, or security claims.
Where an external API is optional, keep the app useful without it and explain the degraded mode.
Write focused unit tests for the data model and the most important workflow.
Add one end-to-end smoke test that proves the core loop works.
Create a README with setup, permissions, architecture, data location, backup, and limitations.
Add scripts for install, development, test, build, and a production-style local run.
Run the tests and build before finishing, then fix errors rather than merely describing them.The prompt opens pre-filled in your agent. Review it before running. · this prompt is generated from the build plan · improve it via PR
What would building your own look like?
Build a single-user team knowledge base workspace with projects, tasks, statuses, filters, recurring items, and JSON export.
What you will need
- Node.js 22
- local or self-hosted runtime
- SQLite database
Slab: Teams pay because shared state, notifications, permissions, and migrations are harder than the visible board or list.
xlarge integration catalog
xmobile capture and notifications
xreal-time multiplayer
xenterprise permissions
How much does Slab cost?
No public price. Check the official site.
Saved to My list. You will see a notice on this site when the price changes.
You complete the purchase on Slab’s site. Vibe Radar does not handle payments.
| Plan | Monthly | Annual (per month) | What is included |
|---|---|---|---|
| free | $0/user | $0/user | Up to 10 users; 10 MB attachment limit; 90-day version history; 30-day analytics; 10 integrations. |
| startup | - | $6.67/user≈ $6.67 | Unlimited users; 3 guests/user; 25 MB attachments; 365-day history; 90-day analytics. |
| business | - | $12.50/user≈ $12.50 | 5 guests/user; 100 MB attachments; unlimited history; 365-day analytics; 3 premium integrations. |
| enterprise | custom | - | Minimum 100 users; unlimited guests; custom security, support, and terms. |
Free tierUp to 10 users; 10 MB attachment limit; 90-day version history; 30-day analytics; 10 integrations.
Billing termsmonthly + annual; exact monthly prices were not exposed by the live static page; Enterprise custom
Additional costsEvery user who can log in is billable, there is no free read-only seat; Enterprise has a 100-user minimum.
verified 2026-08-14 · source ↗
Is it cheaper to build or buy Slab?
Adjust the numbers: hours to build, your hourly rate, running costs and the subscription price.
Over 24 months, subscribing is cheaper.
Starting hours estimated from the analysis (multi-day). Does not price what you give up (support, integrations, security).
Can I rebuild Slab?
Kinda. The core of Slab is buildable in a weekend with the prompt on this page, but there are real gaps: large integration catalog, mobile capture and notifications. Read the honest list above before committing.
How much does Slab cost?
Slab’s pricing is usage-based or varies by plan · The official pricing URL is recorded, but a stable current amount was not safely recoverable in this pass. Do not publish a number until rechecked..
What do I lose by replacing Slab?
Honestly: large integration catalog; mobile capture and notifications; real-time multiplayer; enterprise permissions. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.
Is there an open-source alternative to Slab?
Yes: Vikunja (Open-source task manager with lists, boards, and collaboration.), Plane (Open-source issue and project tracker.). Using prior art is also vibecoding; the prompt is for when you want it exactly your way.