> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.emplio.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Emplio Cloud or self-hosted: which to choose

> Compare Emplio Cloud with running Emplio yourself: cost, the computer and browser, links to apps Emplio starts, and who handles keys and setup.

Emplio is the same product either way. Emplio Cloud is run for you. Self-hosted is free and runs on your own computer or server.

| | Self-hosted | Emplio Cloud |
| - | - | - |
| Cost | Free, plus your own AI and other provider bills | Paid plans |
| Computer | A container on your machine | Managed for you |
| Browser | Plain Chromium; some sites will block it | Managed, with protection against blocking |
| Links to apps Emplio starts | Not available yet | Yes |
| Keys and setup | Yours | Done for you |

## Pick Emplio Cloud if

* You want to start in minutes, with nothing to install.
* Emplio needs to use websites that block ordinary browsers.
* You want links to apps Emplio builds and starts on its computer.

## Pick self-hosted if

* You want everything on your own machine.
* You're happy to set up and pay for your own AI and app keys.
* You want to change the code. It's open source under AGPL-3.0.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Self-hosted Emplio has no billing and is never paused. You pay your AI and other providers directly.

> [card] [Plans and usage](https://docs.emplio.app/cloud/plans.md)
>
> What Emplio Cloud costs.

> [card] [Run it yourself](https://docs.emplio.app/self-host/index.md)
>
> Install Emplio on your computer or server.


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