For free digital signage, two paths exist, and they have little in common. On one side, an online tool with a free plan, ready to use (like MisterSignage). On the other, an open-source solution you host yourself (Xibo, Anthias, Screenly OSE on Raspberry Pi). Both are “free”, but not at the same hidden cost. Here is how to decide by profile.
What is open-source digital signage?
These are software packages whose code is free and open: you download, install and run everything yourself. The best known are Xibo (server + players, very complete) and Anthias (formerly Screenly OSE, minimalist, for one screen on a Raspberry Pi). You control everything: the server, the data, the updates, the players.
Is open source really free?
The license is free, but the total cost is not. You must: install and host a server (or pay for hosting), configure a Raspberry per screen, handle security updates, and fix outages yourself, often at the worst moment. It is not “free”, it is “free to license, paid in time”. For a technical team that time is a worthwhile investment; for a lone shopkeeper it is a time-sink trap.
What is a turnkey free plan worth?
A turnkey service like MisterSignage gives 1 free screen for life, with no server or credit card. You open an address on the screen, enter a code, it plays. Nothing to install, automatic updates, content editable remotely, backups and uptime handled for you. The “price” is the free plan's limit (usually 1 screen) and the subscription beyond, from €6/screen/month. Details on the pricing page.
Open source vs SaaS: the honest comparison
- Real cost: open source = €0 license + your time + hosting; SaaS = €0 for 1 screen, then a subscription.
- Skills: open source needs system administration; SaaS needs none.
- Data control: open source keeps everything in-house (useful for some internal constraints); SaaS hosts for you.
- Time to launch: open source = hours to days; SaaS = minutes.
- Maintenance: open source = on you; SaaS = included.
The real cost over a year (example)
Take 3 screens over one year:
- Open source — €0 license + 3 Raspberry Pi (~€150) + server hosting (~€60-120/year) + setup and upkeep (a few hours to launch, then updates and outages to handle). Low hardware/hosting cost, but recurring technical time.
- Turnkey SaaS — 1 free screen, the other 2 from €6/screen/month (~€144/year), no server, no maintenance, support included.
It comes down to one question: is your technical time worth more or less than the subscription? Below a few screens, turnkey almost always wins; with an IT team and many screens, open source can take back the edge.
So which should you choose?
Choose open source if you have a technical team, want full control and to host your data yourself. Choose a turnkey service if you want a screen that works today, with no server or maintenance, and someone to call if something breaks. To go further, read our guide to the best free software, device choice in Smart TV, Android or Raspberry Pi, and the comparison of solutions.