# Semaphore: Free Open Source Alternative to CircleCI, GitHub Actions, Jenkins

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

Semaphore (Open Source, Open Source) replaces CircleCI, GitHub Actions, Jenkins. Continuous integration and delivery platform offering faster builds, lower costs, and maintenance-free operations. Cut build times dramatically while reducing CI/CD expenses by 50%.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Semaphore
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://semaphore.io
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/semaphoreio/semaphore
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 1.6k
- **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/semaphoreio/semaphore 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 CircleCI.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (3)
Replacing these paid tools with Semaphore saves up to $45/mo ($540/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [CircleCI](https://caniforkit.com/circleci) | [forms](https://caniforkit.com/category/forms) | $15/mo | [Compare CircleCI vs Semaphore](https://caniforkit.com/vs/circleci-vs-semaphore) |
| [GitHub Actions](https://caniforkit.com/github-actions) | [forms](https://caniforkit.com/category/forms) | $15/mo | [Compare GitHub Actions vs Semaphore](https://caniforkit.com/vs/github-actions-vs-semaphore) |
| [Jenkins](https://caniforkit.com/jenkins) | [forms](https://caniforkit.com/category/forms) | $15/mo | [Compare Jenkins vs Semaphore](https://caniforkit.com/vs/jenkins-vs-semaphore) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Semaphore free and open source?
Semaphore is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. Continuous integration and delivery platform offering faster builds, lower costs, and maintenance-free operations. Cut build times dramatically while reducing CI/CD expenses by 50%.

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

## 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)