Reflet vs Fider: Two Open Source Feedback Tools Compared

Both Reflet and Fider are open source product feedback tools that you can self-host for free. While they share this fundamental philosophy, they differ significantly in their technology stacks, feature sets, and user experience. This comparison will help you decide which open source solution best fits your team's needs.

Quick Overview

Both tools are committed to the open source community, giving you full control over your data and deployment. The key differences lie in their technical architecture and feature depth.

Feature Comparison

Technology Stack Comparison

The most significant difference between Reflet and Fider lies in their technology stacks:

Reflet's Modern Stack

• Frontend: Next.js 16 with React 19
• Styling: Tailwind CSS 4 with modern design system
• Database: Convex (real-time sync built-in)
• Authentication: Better-Auth with multiple providers
• Language: TypeScript throughout

Reflet is built with the latest web technologies, offering instant real-time updates, modern React patterns, and a polished user interface. The Convex backend means data syncs automatically across all connected clients.

Fider's Proven Stack

• Backend: Go (Golang)
• Database: PostgreSQL
• Frontend: Server-rendered with some JavaScript
• Language: Go + TypeScript

Fider uses a more traditional server-rendered architecture. It's a mature project (started in 2017) with a focus on simplicity and reliability. The Go backend is efficient and easy to deploy.

User Experience

Reflet

Reflet offers a contemporary, app-like experience:

• Instant real-time updates across all views
• Smooth animations and transitions
• Kanban-style roadmap with drag-and-drop
• Dark mode support out of the box
• Mobile-responsive design

Fider

Fider provides a straightforward, functional interface:

• Clean and simple design
• Fast page loads with server rendering
• Focused on core feedback functionality
• Mobile-friendly layout
• Minimal JavaScript footprint

Pricing

When to Choose Reflet

Choose Reflet if you want:

• Real-time collaboration features
• A modern, polished user interface
• Built-in roadmap and changelog
• GitHub and Slack integrations
• The latest web technology stack
• More comprehensive product feedback features

Reflet is ideal for teams who want a full-featured feedback platform with modern UX and real-time capabilities.

When to Choose Fider

Choose Fider if you want:

• A simple, lightweight solution
• Minimal dependencies (just PostgreSQL)
• A mature, battle-tested codebase
• Easier self-hosting with fewer moving parts
• Lower resource requirements
• Focus purely on feedback collection

Fider is great for teams who want a straightforward feedback tool without additional complexity.

Self-Hosting Comparison

Self-Hosting Reflet

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/damien-schneider/reflet.git
cd reflet

# Install dependencies
bun install

# Set up Convex backend
bunx convex dev

# Start the development server
bun dev

Reflet requires a Convex backend, which can be self-hosted or used via Convex Cloud.

Self-Hosting Fider

# Using Docker
docker run -d -p 3000:3000 \
  -e DATABASE_URL=postgres://user:pass@host/fider \
  getfider/fider

Fider has a simpler deployment model with a single Docker container and PostgreSQL database.

Migrating from Fider to Reflet

If you're currently using Fider and want to migrate to Reflet for its additional features:

1. Export your data: Fider stores data in PostgreSQL, which you can query directly
2. Map status fields: Match Fider's statuses to Reflet's workflow
3. Import feedback items: Use Reflet's API to import your existing feedback
4. Migrate users: Set up SSO to allow users to sign in with the same providers
5. Redirect old URLs: Set up redirects from your Fider instance to Reflet

Community and Support

Reflet

• Active development with frequent updates
• GitHub discussions for community support
• Modern documentation

Fider

• Established community since 2017
• GitHub issues for support
• Proven track record with many users

Both projects benefit from open source communities who contribute code, report bugs, and help other users.

Conclusion

Reflet and Fider represent two philosophies in open source product feedback tools:

Reflet offers a feature-rich, modern experience with real-time collaboration, integrated roadmaps, changelogs, and third-party integrations. It's built for teams who want a comprehensive feedback platform.

Fider provides a focused, lightweight solution for teams who primarily need feedback collection and voting. Its simplicity is its strength.

Both are excellent open source options. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize feature depth (Reflet) or simplicity (Fider). The good news? Being open source, you can always switch if your needs change.