A hosted changedetection.io alternative
changedetection.io is open source and very capable. If you like running your own software, it is hard to beat. Web Change Monitor is the opposite trade: a small hosted tool with nothing to set up. Here is how they compare.
changedetection.io is an open source change detection project that you can self-host, with a paid hosted service.
Side by side
| Feature | changedetection.io | Web Change Monitor |
|---|---|---|
| How you run it | Self-host the open source project, or use their hosted service | Hosted only, nothing to install |
| Cost | Free to self-host; hosted service $8.99/month | Free plan, then $4 or $8 a month |
| Number of pages | Up to 5,000 URL watches on the hosted service | Up to 25 monitors |
| Check speed | From about every 5 minutes | Every 15 minutes on Pro |
| Page automation | Browser Steps for logins, searches, forms and adding to cart | Not offered: public pages only |
| Notifications | 85+ notification types | Email, Slack, Discord and webhook |
| JavaScript pages | One real Chrome browser included, more as add-ons | Rendered automatically when needed, with a per-plan limit |
changedetection.io details come from the changedetection.io website as of October 2026 and may have changed since. Check it for current plans and prices.
Choose changedetection.io if…
- You want to self-host and control your own data and servers.
- You need to log in or fill in forms before the page you want to watch.
- You track many pages (hundreds or thousands) or want checks about every 5 minutes.
- You use a notification service we do not support.
Choose Web Change Monitor if…
- You want to start in a minute with no server, Docker or setup to maintain.
- You watch a small number of public pages and want a free plan to start.
- Email, Slack, Discord or a webhook is all the alerting you need.
Questions
Can I self-host Web Change Monitor?
No. Web Change Monitor is a hosted service only. If you want to run the software yourself, changedetection.io is an open source option built for that.
Which is cheaper?
changedetection.io is free if you host it yourself, though you pay for the server and your own time. Its hosted service is $8.99 a month. Web Change Monitor has a free plan for up to 5 monitors, and paid plans at $4 and $8 a month.
Can Web Change Monitor watch pages behind a login?
No. It checks public pages only. changedetection.io’s Browser Steps can automate logins and forms, so it is the better fit if you need that.