Something happened to the software we use every day.
We used to buy software. Whether it was on your desktop or a mobile device, it felt like you were in charge. And you were. The software did what you told it to do, and it kept to itself.
Today, most software you use runs in the cloud. Often, it doesn't cost anything, but it's far from free. It's actively watching you. It's not owned, but rented with your data and attention. You're the product, a product sold to advertisers.
Using modern apps enters you into an agreement with a hidden surveillance clause that most people avoid thinking about. You use these apps every day while the platform quietly harvests your habits, your inputs, and your attention. And since you didn't pay for it and you don't own it, your favorite tools might disappear when they cease to be profitable.
Community-built, open-source software is the escape hatch, but its adoption has stagnated. It just isn't easy enough to get started. Often, taking back control has meant becoming a part-time system administrator or software engineer. Setting up servers, managing databases, and running security updates is just not something the average person wants to do. You shouldn't have to learn command-line interfaces just to use a decent app without being tracked. And it's tedious and time-consuming for techies too. Wouldn't it be great to get help?
Once upon a time, you controlled the tools you depended on, and your digital life was your own private business. We think it's time for that again.
Introducing CloudBreak
Pay with your money, not with your data.
We believe in a simple trade. You pay a fair price for a subscription, and you get the world's best open-source software within minutes. No selling of your data, no proprietary lock-in, no algorithmic nonsense.
The Code is Open
Anyone gets to inspect it. You can know exactly what the software is—and isn't—doing. You can even take it and host it yourself. It's yours. It can't be taken away.
We Host It, You Own What's Inside
We handle the details: the servers, the specs, the uptime, and the updates. You retain ownership of your data. Export it and walk away whenever you want, the way it should be.
A Fair, Transparent Subscription
Pay with your money, keep your privacy. Sign up with just your phone, just like you'd expect. Choose a favorite compatible app like NetNewsWire or Capy Reader and sign in.
To reclaim the software that runs our lives, we're starting with something everyone does every single day: consuming media. It's a universal desire, and it's where Big Tech's grip on our attention is the tightest.
News & Feeds
Clean, powerful news and feed readers. Read the articles, blogs, and newsletters you care about using the open RSS standard. No algorithms, no promoted content, no hidden trackers.
FreshRSS · Feedbin · MinifluxBookmarking & Read-it-Later
Keep your content organized with tags and notes. Make it available offline so you can read it later, on your own terms and without ads or distractions.
Wallabag · Linkding · ReadeckPodcasts & Audiobooks
Listen to your favorite podcasts and audiobooks. Easily switch devices and continue listening without someone tracking what you skip and listen to daily.
PinePods · PodFetch · AudiobookshelfNot long ago, software was on our side. Slowly, we entered an era where privacy was an afterthought and ads took over. Now, our goal is to help lead the way to a brighter future. We're closer than you think.
Join us.
Benjamin Oakes
Founder, Space Bar Labs
cloudbreak@spacebarlabs.com
See What We Offer
Simple, transparent pricing. No hidden fees, no data selling.
A La Carte
- Pick only the apps you need
- Full data ownership & export
- Fully managed hosting
- 30-day money-back guarantee
All-Access Pass
- Every app, one subscription
- Full data ownership & export
- Fully managed hosting
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Priority support