# Kestra: Free Open Source Alternative to Astronomer, AWS Step Functions, Azure Data Factory

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

Kestra (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Astronomer, AWS Step Functions, Azure Data Factory, Google Cloud Composer. YAML-based orchestration platform with 1400+ plugins for running data pipelines, AI workflows, and infrastructure automation across teams at scale.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Kestra
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://kestra.io/
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/kestra-io/kestra
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 30.2k
- **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/kestra-io/kestra 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 Astronomer.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (5)
Replacing these paid tools with Kestra saves up to $75/mo ($900/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Astronomer](https://caniforkit.com/astronomer) | [automation](https://caniforkit.com/category/automation) | $15/mo | [Compare Astronomer vs Kestra](https://caniforkit.com/vs/astronomer-vs-kestra) |
| [AWS Step Functions](https://caniforkit.com/aws-step-functions) | [automation](https://caniforkit.com/category/automation) | $15/mo | [Compare AWS Step Functions vs Kestra](https://caniforkit.com/vs/aws-step-functions-vs-kestra) |
| [Azure Data Factory](https://caniforkit.com/azure-data-factory) | [automation](https://caniforkit.com/category/automation) | $15/mo | [Compare Azure Data Factory vs Kestra](https://caniforkit.com/vs/azure-data-factory-vs-kestra) |
| [Google Cloud Composer](https://caniforkit.com/google-cloud-composer) | [automation](https://caniforkit.com/category/automation) | $15/mo | [Compare Google Cloud Composer vs Kestra](https://caniforkit.com/vs/google-cloud-composer-vs-kestra) |
| [Relay.app](https://caniforkit.com/relay-app) | [automation](https://caniforkit.com/category/automation) | $15/mo | [Compare Relay.app vs Kestra](https://caniforkit.com/vs/relay-app-vs-kestra) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Kestra free and open source?
Kestra is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. YAML-based orchestration platform with 1400+ plugins for running data pipelines, AI workflows, and infrastructure automation across teams at scale.

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

## 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)