Lcly vs Nextdoor
Discover why Lcly is the better alternative to Nextdoor for UK communities, with a focus on privacy, open-source development, and community ownership.
While Nextdoor has established itself as a popular neighborhood platform, Lcly offers a fundamentally different approach to connecting local communities. We believe that digital infrastructure for communities should be open, transparent, and owned by the people who use it.
Unlike Nextdoor's profit-driven model that monetizes user data and attention through advertising, Lcly is built as a non-profit, open-source platform that prioritizes community needs and user privacy above all.
What truly sets Lcly apart is our deep integration with local government data and services. We actively promote civic engagement by connecting residents with information about local elections, council meetings, and MP activities. By making this information accessible and actionable, Lcly empowers communities to participate meaningfully in local democracy—something commercial platforms like Nextdoor simply don't prioritize.
How We Compare
| Feature | Lcly | Nextdoor |
|---|---|---|
| Open Source | Fully open source and transparent | Proprietary closed-source platform |
| Privacy Focus | Privacy-first approach with minimal data collection | Collects extensive user data for advertising |
| Business Model | Non-profit, community-focused | For-profit, advertising-driven |
| Local Government Integration | Integrates local government data to promote civic engagement | Limited focus on local democracy |
| Data Ownership | Users own their data | Company owns and monetizes user data |
| Local Community Focus | Focus on real towns and villages | Based on general proximity |
| Advertising | No intrusive advertising | Ad-supported platform |
Why Choose Lcly?
Open Source
The entire platform is open source and always will be, allowing for community contributions and transparency.
Non-Profit
We believe public infrastructure should never be a profit-making venture, ensuring decisions are made for communities, not shareholders.
Privacy First
We're committed to protecting your privacy and personal data, with minimal data collection and no data selling.
Civic Engagement
We integrate with local government data to keep you informed about elections, council meetings, and MP activities, empowering meaningful participation in local democracy.
UK Focused
Built specifically for UK communities, with features tailored to local needs and concerns.
Community Owned
Lcly is built by and for communities, ensuring the platform serves the people who use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lcly completely free to use?
Yes, Lcly is completely free to use. As a non-profit platform, we don't have shareholders to please or revenue targets to hit. Our focus is on building a sustainable community platform.
How does Lcly make money if it's non-profit?
Lcly operates on a sustainable funding model through community contributions, grants, and optional donations. We believe essential community infrastructure shouldn't be driven by profit motives.
How does Lcly integrate with local government?
We pull data from various government APIs and public sources to provide information about local elections, council meetings, MP voting records, and other civic activities. This helps residents stay informed about local democracy and encourages participation in community decision-making.
Can I migrate my Nextdoor community to Lcly?
While we don't have an automated migration tool yet, we're working on making it easier for communities to transition. You can start by inviting your neighbors to join Lcly and begin building your community.
How does Lcly protect my privacy?
Unlike Nextdoor, we collect minimal data, never sell your information to advertisers, and give you complete control over your privacy settings. Our open-source code means our privacy practices are transparent and verifiable.