n8n alternatives that are open source: 5 tools and their licenses
If you are looking for n8n alternatives that are open source, the first thing to check is the license. n8n itself publishes its source code, but under its own fair-code licenses, which is a different thing from an OSI open-source license.
If you searched for n8n open source alternatives, this guide explains that difference, lists five open-source tools that cover similar jobs, and gives you a short test to pick one. Every license below links to the project's own license file or repository.
- Node-RED for event-driven flows and device or API glue. Apache-2.0.
- Activepieces for a no-code builder that feels closest to n8n and Zapier. MIT for the code outside its enterprise folders.
- Windmill for code-first workflows, scripts and internal apps. AGPLv3 with proprietary enterprise parts.
- Kestra for declarative YAML workflows and data pipelines. Apache-2.0.
- Huginn for agents that watch sources and act on changes. MIT.
Is n8n open source?
n8n describes itself as fair-code. Its README says it is distributed under the Sustainable Use License and the n8n Enterprise License, with source code that is always visible and self-hostable.
You can self-host the free Community edition.
n8n docs: Choose how to use n8n
For many builders that is enough. The license question matters when you want to resell the tool, host it for clients or embed it in a product. Read the license text and decide with that use in mind.
The five alternatives
Node-RED
Node-RED calls itself low-code programming for event-driven applications. You wire nodes together in a browser editor, and each flow reacts to the messages that arrive at its first node.
It is licensed under Apache-2.0.
Good fit if you work with hardware, home automation or lots of small event handlers.
Activepieces
Activepieces is a visual workflow builder with a focus on AI agents and MCP servers, going by its own repository description.
Its license file states that content outside the enterprise directories is MIT, and the enterprise directories have their own license.
Good fit if you want an n8n-style builder for non-developers on your team.
Windmill
Windmill is code-first. Its repository describes it as a platform for workflows, apps and AI agents, where you write scripts and chain them into flows.
Its license file says most of the code is AGPLv3, some parts are Apache-2.0, and enterprise features are under a proprietary license.
AGPLv3 has obligations if you modify it and offer it as a network service. Check them before you host it for clients.
Good fit if your team already writes scripts and wants them scheduled, versioned and shared.
Kestra
Kestra defines workflows in declarative YAML. Its repository describes it as event-driven and Git-versioned, covering data, infrastructure, business processes and AI agents.
It is licensed under Apache-2.0.
Good fit if you want workflows reviewed in pull requests like any other code.
Huginn
Huginn lets you create agents that monitor and act on your behalf, in its own words. Agents watch feeds and websites, create events and pass them to other agents.
It is licensed under MIT.
Good fit for monitoring jobs such as watching a page for changes and sending an alert.
Comparison table
| Tool | License (from project files) | Style | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| n8n | Sustainable Use License and n8n Enterprise License | Visual nodes plus code | Mixed teams, AI workflows |
| Node-RED | Apache-2.0 | Visual flows | Events, devices, API glue |
| Activepieces | MIT outside enterprise folders | Visual, no-code | Non-developers |
| Windmill | AGPLv3, Apache-2.0 parts, proprietary enterprise | Code-first | Script-heavy teams |
| Kestra | Apache-2.0 | Declarative YAML | Git-reviewed pipelines |
| Huginn | MIT | Agents and events | Monitoring and alerts |
Licenses change between versions. Check the license file in the exact release you deploy.
How to choose in one afternoon
Step 1: Write down the reason you are leaving n8n
Common reasons are the license, the hosting model or the builder style. The reason decides which column of the table matters.
Step 2: Pick one workflow you run today
Choose a real one with a trigger, two or three steps and a clear result. A webhook that writes a row and sends a message works well.
Step 3: Shortlist two tools
Use the table. Two is enough. More turns the test into a research project.
Step 4: Install each one locally
Each project's docs cover self-hosting. Use Docker where the docs offer it, so you can delete everything afterwards.
Step 5: Rebuild the workflow
Time how long it takes. Note anything you could not do.
Step 6: Check the result
Send the same three test inputs to both builds. Confirm each produces the same output as your current n8n workflow.
Step 7: Check the operations side
Look at how each tool handles credentials, logs, retries and upgrades. These matter more after month one than the builder does.
When to stay on n8n
If your reason for leaving was cost on a cloud plan, self-hosting the n8n Community edition may solve it without a migration.
For a recorded walkthrough of self-hosting n8n on Coolify, watch this.
Watch: self-host n8n on Coolify
If you are still weighing hosted tools, compare the big three first.
What this guide does not cover
This guide does not rank the tools on speed or reliability, and it gives no legal advice. Read the license and talk to a lawyer if you plan to resell or host any of these for others.
Sources
- n8n on GitHub: license
- n8n docs: Choose how to use n8n
- Node-RED on GitHub
- Activepieces license
- Windmill license
- Kestra on GitHub
- Huginn on GitHub
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