# Orbital: Free Open Source Alternative to Apollo GraphQL, Kong

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

Orbital (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Apollo GraphQL, Kong. Automated data integration platform that connects APIs, databases, and event streams using semantic schemas. Deploy secure integrations in minutes with Git-based workflows.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Orbital
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://orbitalhq.com
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/orbitalapi/orbital
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 361
- **Runs On**: Local
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: desktop, cross-platform, one-click install
- **Data Storage**: All application data lives locally on your own machine.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/orbitalapi/orbital or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (2)
Replacing these paid tools with Orbital saves up to $50/mo ($600/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 Orbital](https://caniforkit.com/vs/apollo-graphql-vs-orbital) |
| [Kong](https://caniforkit.com/kong) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare Kong vs Orbital](https://caniforkit.com/vs/kong-vs-orbital) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Orbital free and open source?
Orbital is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on local. Automated data integration platform that connects APIs, databases, and event streams using semantic schemas. Deploy secure integrations in minutes with Git-based workflows.

### What is the trade-off or limitation of using Orbital?
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.

## 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)