# Hive: Free Open Source Alternative to Apollo GraphQL, Hasura, Stepzen

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/hive
Last updated: 2026-11-07

Hive (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Apollo GraphQL, Hasura, Stepzen. A fully open-source schema registry, analytics, and gateway for GraphQL federation and APIs

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Hive
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://the-guild.dev/graphql/hive
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/graphql-hive/console
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 482
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/graphql-hive/console or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Apollo GraphQL.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (3)
Replacing these paid tools with Hive saves up to $75/mo ($900/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Apollo GraphQL](https://caniforkit.com/apollo-graphql) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare Apollo GraphQL vs Hive](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apollo-graphql-vs-hive) |
| [Hasura](https://caniforkit.com/hasura) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare Hasura vs Hive](https://caniforkit.com/vs/hasura-vs-hive) |
| [Stepzen](https://caniforkit.com/stepzen) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare Stepzen vs Hive](https://caniforkit.com/vs/stepzen-vs-hive) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Hive free and open source?
Hive is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. A fully open-source schema registry, analytics, and gateway for GraphQL federation and APIs

### What is the trade-off or limitation of using Hive?
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Apollo GraphQL.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)