Monica is an open-source personal CRM that you use in the browser. If you want the same idea as an app on your iPhone, iPad and Mac, with nothing to host and no account, Starrise Contacts is built for that.
Updated October 2026
Two different approaches
Monica is an open-source personal CRM. It runs as a web app, either on a server you set up yourself or as the hosted version. According to monicahq.com in October 2026, native apps for iOS and Android are planned after Monica v3.
Starrise Contacts is a native app for iPhone, iPad and Mac. It works on the iCloud, Google and Exchange contacts you already have, needs no account, and your contacts are never sent to us. Read more about the private personal CRM.
Side by side
| Starrise Contacts | Monica | |
|---|---|---|
| Native app for iPhone | Yes | Planned after Monica v3 |
| Setup | Install from the App Store | Your own server, or the hosted version |
| Where your data lives | Your device and your own iCloud | On the Monica server you use |
Monica facts from monicahq.com, October 2026.
What a native app gives you
- Your address book, not a copy: Starrise works directly on the contacts on your device, so the Phone and Messages apps see the same people.
- Dated notes, birthday reminders and gift ideas, free, as notifications on your iPhone. More on the birthday reminder app.
- Widgets, Siri, Shortcuts and Spotlight, free, so the people you care about are one glance away.
- Keep in Touch reminders, to-dos with reminders and name days with Pro.
No server to look after
With a native app, there is nothing to install on a server, update or back up yourself. Your contacts stay in your own iCloud, Google or Exchange account, and with Pro, iCloud Sync keeps notes, gift ideas and to-dos in step on iPhone, iPad and Mac through your own iCloud.
Sources
Facts about other apps were checked on 11 October 2026 on the pages below.
Related
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Monica have an iPhone app?
According to monicahq.com in October 2026, native iOS and Android apps are planned after Monica v3. Until then, Monica runs as a web app.
Is there a Monica alternative that needs no server?
Yes. Starrise Contacts is a native app for iPhone, iPad and Mac. It needs no server and no account, and it works on the contacts already on your device.
Is Starrise Contacts free?
Starrise Contacts is free to download, and notes, birthday reminders, gift ideas and the map are free. Pro costs $0.99 per month or $5.99 per year in the US.
GET STARRISE CONTACTS
Try Starrise Contacts for free
Starrise Contacts works on the contacts already on your iPhone, iPad and Mac. No account, nothing to import. Free to download, with an optional Pro subscription.
Free on iPhone, iPad and Mac. Pro costs $0.99 per month or $5.99 per year in the US.