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Heimdall
MITHeimdall is an open-source startpage that replaces cloud bookmark managers with a private, self-hosted dashboard featuring live service API tiles.
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Overview
start.me stores bookmarks in cloud accounts that cannot reach private IP addresses without internet exposure. Heimdall runs inside your local network to turn disparate container endpoints into an organized application launcher. It operates as an internal startpage with direct access to local APIs and zero external dependencies.
Why Heimdall instead of start.me
start.me aggregates public bookmarks, RSS feeds, and web widgets inside a hosted profile. For homelab operators running services like Pi-hole, Plex, or torrent clients, cloud bookmarking cannot query internal subnets or display live telemetry from private APIs without routing credentials off-site. Heimdall runs directly within your private network or Docker bridge. Its Enhanced Apps connect directly to native service APIs behind your firewall, surfacing live metrics such as active download queues or blocked DNS queries directly on launcher tiles.
The trade-off centers on hosted convenience versus local integration. Migrating from start.me surrenders automatic browser sync and team boards. In exchange, Heimdall eliminates recurring subscription fees and keeps internal addresses private. Administrators maintain an SQLite container and handle reverse proxy routing for remote access. Compared to code-driven dashboards like Homepage or Dashy, Heimdall offers a simpler point-and-click interface, providing an accessible launchpad managed entirely through a browser UI rather than manual YAML editing.
What it does well
- Enhanced Apps integration: Connects directly to native APIs for services like Pi-hole, Transmission, and NZBGet, displaying live statistics on service tiles.
- Foundation Apps library: Automatically applies matching icons and background colors when typing the name of recognized applications.
- Generic link support: Handles custom shortcuts with uploaded icons and hex colors to catalog switches, documentation, and external sites together.
- Multi-user profiles and tags: Groups services into categorized tags or separate user accounts, separating administrative tools from shared household links.
- Integrated search bar: Embeds configurable search engines alongside a local tile filter that narrows displayed services by name.
- Lightweight operational footprint: Runs as a PHP application with an SQLite backend, avoiding heavy build steps or message brokers during deployment.