7 Best Open-Source Low-Code Platforms in 2026
Teams usually look at open-source low-code for one of three reasons: data has to stay inside their network, they do not want per-seat pricing, or they want to avoid lock-in. Open source answers all three, but it adds a fourth question: who runs, upgrades and secures the platform itself. It is worth knowing which of the three reasons actually matters to you, because some can be met without taking on the platform.
Below are seven options: six open-source or source-available platforms, plus one self-hosted commercial option, with the point where each one stops. For a deeper look at running apps inside your network, see on-premise low-code platforms.
Why teams choose open-source low-code
- Data residency: apps and data stay on your own infrastructure.
- Cost: no license fee for the community edition.
- Control: you can read, fork and extend the code.
- The trade-off: hosting, upgrades, backups and security patches are yours, and SSO or audit logs are often in paid editions.
The seven options at a glance
| Option | License | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Jet Admin | Commercial, not open source; self-hosted on Enterprise | Self-hosted apps and agents without running an OSS stack |
| Appsmith | Apache 2.0 community edition | Developer-built internal tools |
| Budibase | Open-source core (GPL); paid tiers | Forms, CRUD apps and workflows |
| ToolJet | AGPL community edition | Internal tools with many data sources |
| NocoDB | Open source | Spreadsheet interface on SQL databases |
| Directus | Source-available (BSL) | Data platform and admin app on SQL |
| Refine | MIT | React admin panels in code |
Self-hosted, not open source
1. Jet Admin
Jet Admin is not open source. It belongs on this list because many teams searching for open-source low-code actually need self-hosting, no per-seat pricing and control over their code, and Jet covers those three. On the Enterprise plan, Jet runs on-premise with self-hosted AI models, so apps, data and prompts stay inside your network. Users are unlimited on every plan, and 2-way GitHub sync keeps app code in your own repository, where engineers edit it in their IDE.
You connect existing databases and APIs from 200+ integrations, describe the app, and Jet generates it; permissions, SSO and audit logs are on Business and above.
Where it stops: you cannot fork or modify the platform source, and self-hosting requires the Enterprise plan.
Open-source and source-available platforms
2. Appsmith
Appsmith offers a drag-and-drop builder with JavaScript everywhere, and its community edition is Apache 2.0 licensed.
Where it stops: most logic needs JavaScript, and some governance features are in paid editions.
3. Budibase
Budibase builds forms, CRUD apps and automations quickly, with a built-in database and external sources.
Where it stops: complex custom UIs are harder, and advanced features are on paid tiers.
4. ToolJet
ToolJet connects to many data sources and adds AI app generation to a visual builder.
Where it stops: enterprise features such as fine-grained permissions sit in paid editions.
5. NocoDB
NocoDB puts a spreadsheet-style interface on existing SQL databases.
Where it stops: a data interface rather than a full app builder.
6. Directus
Directus wraps a SQL database with APIs and a configurable admin app.
Where it stops: it is source-available under the BSL rather than OSI open source, and it suits data management more than workflow apps.
7. Refine
Refine is an MIT-licensed React framework for building admin panels and internal tools in code.
Where it stops: it is a framework, so it needs React developers.
Which to use
- You need self-hosting and no per-seat cost, but do not want to run an open-source stack: Jet Admin.
- Developers will build internal tools on an OSS platform: Appsmith or ToolJet.
- You want quick forms and CRUD apps: Budibase.
- You want a spreadsheet view on SQL: NocoDB.
- You want APIs and an admin app on your database: Directus.
- You want full control in React: Refine.
Frequently asked questions
Is open-source low-code free?
The community edition usually is. Hosting, maintenance and paid features such as SSO and audit logs are real costs.
Is open source required to self-host?
No. Several commercial platforms offer on-premise deployment, typically on enterprise plans.
What is the difference between open source and source-available?
Open-source licenses such as MIT or Apache allow broad use and modification. Source-available licenses such as BSL let you read the code but restrict some uses.
Self-hosting without the upkeep
Talk to Jet Admin about running apps and AI inside your own network.