I like Umbrel’s technical approach: Its apps are just docker compose files with a little extra, making it very easy to support. The UI layer is Next JS, which gives tight coupling with the backend (so good state sync).

I also like their marketing approach: They really have a nice app store and a nice page for each app.

I did not like the reliability around app installations and the disappointment that it’s actually quite proprietary.

I wish there was a standard „server app“ format similar to what Umbrel uses with a strong ecosystem and multiple solutions. It‘s a key missing piece to self hosting stuff, IMO.

A format to easily wrap containerized applications in an app store or like a package manager? Sort of like a lightweight proxmox?

I’ve had the same idea. It’s the missing piece to beautiful UI wrapping around a homelab. I think this is one of the cooler pieces of what Umbrel is providing.

Nice breakdown.