OSI-licensed only · self-hostable
Zapier connects apps with triggers and actions so repetitive work runs on its own. Self-hosted alternatives give you the same idea without per-task pricing, and with data staying on your servers.
Every tool below has an OSI-approved licence (MIT, Apache-2.0 or AGPL-3.0) in its repository. n8n, the best-known name, is listed separately at the end: it describes itself as fair-code under the Sustainable Use License, which is not an open-source licence. Several tools here are open-core, so check the enterprise notes.
Licences checked against each repository on November 7, 2026.
| Tool | Best for | Licence | Runs as |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activepieces | The closest no-code Zapier replacement | MIT | Docker |
| Windmill | Code-first workflows with a visual flow editor | AGPL-3.0 | Docker |
| Node-RED | Event-driven flows and IoT | Apache-2.0 | Server |
| Huginn | Agents that watch and act on the web | MIT | Docker |
| Automatisch | A straightforward self-hosted Zapier clone | AGPL-3.0 | Docker |
| Kestra | Declarative orchestration for data and AI workflows | Apache-2.0 | Docker |
| Trigger.dev | Background jobs and AI workflows in TypeScript | Apache-2.0 | Docker |
Best for: The closest no-code Zapier replacement
Describes itself as an open source replacement for Zapier, with a builder for loops, branches and retries, a type-safe pieces framework in TypeScript, and AI pieces. Self-host with Docker.
Best for: Code-first workflows with a visual flow editor
Describes itself as an open-source, self-hostable code-first platform for workflows, apps and AI agents. Scripts in 20+ languages, a visual flow editor and Docker Compose or Helm deployment.
Best for: Event-driven flows and IoT
Low-code programming for event-driven applications, a project of the OpenJS Foundation. Install with npm and build flows in a browser editor, with a library of community nodes.
Best for: Agents that watch and act on the web
Describes itself as a system for building agents that monitor and act on your behalf, a self-hosted alternative to IFTTT or Zapier. Agents scrape sites, watch feeds and mailboxes, and post to services. Docker Compose is the recommended production route.
Best for: A straightforward self-hosted Zapier clone
Describes itself as the open source Zapier alternative: a business automation tool connecting services such as Twitter and Slack, self-hosted so data stays on your servers. Quick start is docker compose up.
Best for: Declarative orchestration for data and AI workflows
Describes itself as an open-source orchestration platform for data, AI and infrastructure workflows. Flows are declarative YAML with a no-code editor, scheduled and event-driven triggers, and a one-command Docker start.
Best for: Background jobs and AI workflows in TypeScript
Describes itself as the open-source platform for building AI workflows in TypeScript, with tasks that have no execution timeouts, retries, queues and run tracing. Self-host with Docker Compose or Helm.
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| If you need… | Start with |
|---|---|
| A no-code Zapier replacement for non-developers | Activepieces or Automatisch |
| Mixing scripts and visual flows | Windmill |
| Event-driven and IoT flows | Node-RED |
| Watching websites and feeds for changes | Huginn |
| Data and infrastructure pipelines | Kestra |
| Background jobs in a TypeScript codebase | Trigger.dev |
Public source code, but under licences the Open Source Initiative doesn't approve. Fine to use; read the terms first.
Source is public and self-hosting is allowed, but its README calls it fair-code, not open source. The Sustainable Use License limits commercial use.
Quick answers to common questions
Activepieces is the most direct match, describing itself as an open source replacement for Zapier. Windmill and Kestra suit more technical teams.
No. n8n's README calls it fair-code under the Sustainable Use License and an Enterprise License. The code is visible and self-hostable, but the licence is not OSI-approved.
Yes. Activepieces, Windmill, Huginn, Automatisch, Kestra and Trigger.dev all publish Docker-based setups, and Node-RED installs through npm.
No project here claims parity. Activepieces lists 200+ pieces, and the others vary. Check the connectors you need before choosing.
The main code is under an open-source licence while some features sit under a commercial licence. Activepieces, Windmill, Automatisch and Kestra all describe such enterprise parts.
List it on TechLogHub and we'll review it for this page.
