Top 10 Open Source Alternatives to Flow in 2025

As the need for workflow automation tools continues to grow, various open-source alternatives have surfaced, providing robust features and flexibility. Here’s a detailed look at the top 10 open-source alternatives to Flow in 2025, each with specific capabilities to suit different use cases.

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1. n8n

Description: A highly extendable open-source workflow automation tool with a node-based architecture.
Key Features:
Visual interface for creating complex workflows.
Connects to 200+ cloud-based apps and services.
Node-based system.
Offers customizable workflow templates.
Self-hostable for complete control and privacy.
Data Points:
Architecture: Node-based.
Integrations: 200+ apps and services.
Customization: Highly flexible workflows.
Hosting: Desktop, hosted, and self-hosted options.
Use Case: Suitable for developers and teams needing precise workflow control.
Website: n8n.io

2. Camunda

Description: Open-source platform for end-to-end business process and decision workflow automation.
Key Features:
Drag-and-drop interface for workflow modeling.
Java and REST APIs for integration.
Flexible deployment (on-premises, cloud, hybrid).
Suitable for large-scale, enterprise-level workflows.
Strong in managing complex business logic.
Data Points:
Interface: Drag-and-drop process builder.
Integrations: Java and REST APIs.
Deployment: On-premises, cloud, or hybrid.
Scalability: Suitable for large enterprise workflows.
Use Case: Effective for managing large-scale workflows in banking, insurance, and telecommunications.
Website: camunda.com

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3. Appsmith

Description: Open-source, low-code platform for building and deploying internal business applications rapidly.
Key Features:
Drag-and-drop widgets.
In-line JavaScript customization.
Integration with databases and APIs.
Ideal for creating AI-powered apps (chatbots, analytics).
Self-hosted option for full data control.
Data Points:
Development: Low-code, drag-and-drop.
Customization: JavaScript.
Integrations: Databases, APIs, LLMs.
Hosting: Self-hosted and open-source.
Use Case: Good for enterprises needing to scale with enterprise features.
Website: appsmith.com

4. Budibase

Description: Open-source platform for quickly building internal applications by connecting to various data sources.
Key Features:
Combines databases, spreadsheets, and APIs.
Hosting on-premise with Docker and K8s.
Offers rapid application development.
Suitable for creating custom internal tools.
Free to use for unlimited apps.
Data Points:
Development: Low-code.
Integrations: Databases, spreadsheets, and APIs.
Hosting: On-premise with Docker and K8s.
Scalability: Deploy unlimited apps for free.
Use Case: Ideal for businesses to create custom internal tools quickly.
Website: budibase.com

5. ToolJet

Description: Open-source platform for building custom internal tools and dashboards with drag-and-drop components.
Key Features:
Full-stack capabilities.
JavaScript and Python support.
Customizable internal tool building.
Open source.
Drag and drop functionality.
Data Points:
Development: Full-stack, open-source, drag-and-drop.
Customization: JavaScript and Python support.
Use Case: Ideal for building internal dashboards and applications.
Flexibility: Good for custom internal tool building.
Hosting: Self-hosted.
Website: tooljet.com

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6. Joget

Description: Open-source workflow automation software that includes business process automation and no-code/low-code application development.
Key Features:
Drag-and-drop interface.
Business process automation.
Web-based and mobile application development.
No-code/low-code development capabilities.
Compatible with multiple cloud platforms and databases.
Data Points:
Interface: Drag-and-drop.
Development: No-code/low-code.
Compatibility: Cloud platforms, databases, operating systems.
Functionality: Business process automation and workflow management.
Use Case: Rapid application development for both web and mobile.
Website: joget.org

7. Bonita

Description: A leading open-source BPM software for process improvement and optimization through workflow automation.
Key Features:
Low-code platform for process design.
Process modeling capabilities.
Enhances data management.
Separates visual programming from coding.
Versatile and allows detailed process modeling.
Data Points:
Development: Low-code.
Capabilities: Process modeling and automation.
Versatility: Supports detailed process modeling.
Functionality: Streamlining business operations.
Use Case: Process improvement and optimization through workflow automation.
Website: bonitasoft.com

8. Huginn

Description: System for building agents that perform automated tasks, like a personal assistant.
Key Features:
Automated tasks without coding.
Can be extended with agent gems.
Self-hosted solution.
Like creating your own personal assistant.
Open source.
Data Points:
Development: No-code needed.
Customization: Extensible with agent gems.
Hosting: Self-hosted.
Use Case: Automating simple tasks, such as travel deals or scanning for sensitive data.
Functionality: Perform automated tasks for you.
Website: Huginn (Source: Reddit discussions)

9. Activiti

Description: Open-source platform for business process management (BPM) and workflow automation.
Key Features:
Tailored for developers and business users.
Scalable and offers seamless integration.
Suitable for a variety of business applications.
Good for complex business logic.
Robust open-source workflow solution.
Data Points:
Use Case: Ideal for various business applications.
Scalability: Highly scalable.
Integration: Seamless integration with external systems.
User base: Tailored for developers and business users.
Functionality: Workflow automation and business process management.
Website: Activiti (source: thedigitalprojectmanager.com)

10. Node-RED

Description: Browser-based, flow-editing tool on Node.js for connecting hardware, APIs, and online services, especially in IoT projects.
Key Features:
Flow editing using a browser.
Node-based tool.
Connects hardware devices, APIs, and online services.
Suitable for IoT projects.
Visual interface to create complex workflows.
Data Points:
Interface: Browser-based, flow-editing.
Tech Stack: Built on Node.js.
Use Case: Perfect for IoT projects.
Functionality: Connecting devices and services.
Customization: Allows you to create customized workflows.
Website: nodered.org

These 10 options provide a solid starting point for exploring open-source alternatives to Flow in 2025. Each offers unique strengths and is suitable for different use cases and technical skill levels. Remember to evaluate each tool based on your specific needs and requirements.

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FAQ

1. What is n8n and its key features?

n8n is a highly extendable open-source workflow automation tool with a node-based architecture. It connects to over 200 cloud-based apps and services, offers a visual interface for creating complex workflows, and is self-hostable for complete control and privacy. Explore n8n

2. What makes Camunda suitable for large enterprises?

Camunda is an open-source platform for end-to-end business process and decision workflow automation. It features a drag-and-drop interface for workflow modeling, Java and REST APIs for integration, and flexible deployment options, making it suitable for large-scale, enterprise-level workflows. Learn more about Camunda

3. How does Appsmith help in building AI-powered applications?

Appsmith is a low-code platform for building and deploying internal business applications rapidly. It features drag-and-drop widgets, in-line JavaScript customization, and integration with databases and APIs, making it ideal for creating AI-powered apps like chatbots and analytics. Discover Appsmith

4. What can Budibase be used for?

Budibase is an open-source platform for quickly building internal applications by connecting to various data sources. It combines databases, spreadsheets, and APIs, and allows on-premise hosting with Docker and Kubernetes, making it suitable for creating custom internal tools. Learn more about Budibase

5. What distinguishes ToolJet in building custom internal tools?

ToolJet is an open-source platform for building custom internal tools and dashboards with drag-and-drop components. It supports full-stack development, JavaScript and Python customization, and is ideal for creating internal dashboards and applications. Explore ToolJet

6. What makes Joget beneficial for businesses?

Joget is an open-source workflow automation software that includes business process automation and no-code/low-code application development through a drag-and-drop interface. It supports multiple cloud platforms and databases, suitable for rapid web and mobile app development.

7. How does Bonita aid in process improvement and optimization?

Bonita is a leading open-source BPM software for process improvement and optimization through workflow automation. It offers a low-code platform for process design, process modeling capabilities, and versatility in enhancing data management and streamlining business operations. Discover Bonita

8. What is Huginn and how does it automate tasks?

Huginn is a system for building agents that perform automated tasks, similar to a personal assistant. It enables automated tasks without coding and can be extended with agent gems, offering a self-hosted solution for task automation.

9. What makes Activiti ideal for various business applications?

Activiti is an open-source platform for business process management (BPM) and workflow automation, tailored for developers and business users. It's highly scalable, integrates seamlessly with external systems, and is robust enough for complex business logic.

10. How does Node-RED facilitate IoT projects?

Node-RED is a browser-based, flow-editing tool built on Node.js, designed for connecting hardware, APIs, and online services. It provides a visual editor for creating workflows, making it perfect for IoT projects. Learn more about Node-RED

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.

About the Publication

Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.

Mission and Purpose

Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.

Key Features

The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:

Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:

3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written

Partnerships

Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.

Recognition

Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.