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12 picks · data-backed ranking

Best open source AI tools

The best open source AI tools you can self-host are Ollama, Langflow and RAGFlow. Ollama leads with 185,075 GitHub stars.

Candidates: the AI & LLM Tools category plus any app whose own description or topics mention AI, LLMs, RAG or agents (79 apps).

The ranking covers every AI app in the catalog. The sections after it show which tools fit a given kind of team, so one page answers both "which AI tools are best" and "which ones suit my industry".

Updated · data from GitHub, refreshed daily

Top picks

  1. Rank 1:

    Ollama

    ollama/ollama

    Get up and running with Llama 3.3, DeepSeek-R1, Phi-4, Gemma 3, and other large language models.

    Active · last commit Oct 28, 2026

    AI & LLM ToolsGoDocker

    AI-nativeStands out for the most GitHub stars. Ollama has 185,075 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 1,263 commits in the last year; it replaces ChatGPT.

  2. Rank 2:

    Langflow

    langflow-ai/langflow

    Visual framework for building and deploying AI agents and RAG workflows.

    Active · last commit Oct 28, 2026

    AI & LLM ToolsPythonDocker

    AI-nativeStands out for a permissive MIT license. Langflow has 156,084 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 2,758 commits in the last year.

  3. Rank 3:

    RAGFlow

    infiniflow/ragflow

    Open-source RAG engine with deep document understanding.

    Active · last commit Oct 28, 2026

    AI & LLM ToolsGoDocker

    AI-nativeStands out for a permissive Apache-2.0 license. RAGFlow has 92,997 GitHub stars, uses the Apache-2.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 6,295 commits in the last year.

At a glance

Open source AI tools compared

Ranked on GitHub stars, commits in the last year, Docker images, open-source licenses and recent commits. Projects with fewer than 12 commits in the last 12 months rank below every more active project.

Top 10 picks compared, data as of Oct 28, 2026
AppStands out forLicenseGitHub starsCommits (12 mo)Last commitDocker image
Ollamathe most GitHub starsMIT185,0751,263Oct 28, 2026Yes
Langflowa permissive MIT licenseMIT156,0842,758Oct 28, 2026Yes
RAGFlowa permissive Apache-2.0 licenseApache-2.092,9976,295Oct 28, 2026Yes
OpenHandsAI features named in its own descriptionMIT92,0673,361Oct 28, 2026Yes
Dify.aithe most commits in the last 12 months (6,840)source-available, Dify Open Source License (modified Apache 2.0)159,7806,840Oct 28, 2026Yes
Open-WebUI–source-available, Open WebUI License (BSD-3-Clause plus branding clause)157,0046,037Oct 28, 2026Yes
ComfyUI–GPL-3.0143,6622,109Oct 28, 2026No
AnythingLLM–MIT67,665998Oct 27, 2026Yes
LocalAI–MIT50,0193,909Oct 28, 2026Yes
Paperless-ngx–GPL-3.047,1761,786Oct 28, 2026Yes

1 of 10 · 12 picks

Ranked picks

  1. 1

    Ollama

    Get up and running with Llama 3.3, DeepSeek-R1, Phi-4, Gemma 3, and other large language models.

    AI-nativeStands out for the most GitHub stars. Ollama has 185,075 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 1,263 commits in the last year; it replaces ChatGPT.

  2. 2

    Langflow

    Visual framework for building and deploying AI agents and RAG workflows.

    AI-nativeStands out for a permissive MIT license. Langflow has 156,084 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 2,758 commits in the last year.

  3. 3

    RAGFlow

    Open-source RAG engine with deep document understanding.

    AI-nativeStands out for a permissive Apache-2.0 license. RAGFlow has 92,997 GitHub stars, uses the Apache-2.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 6,295 commits in the last year.

  4. 4

    OpenHands

    Platform for AI software development agents that write code and run commands.

    AI-nativeStands out for AI features named in its own description. OpenHands has 92,067 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 3,361 commits in the last year.

  5. 5

    Dify.ai

    Build, test and deploy LLM applications.

    AI-nativeStands out for the most commits in the last 12 months (6,840). Dify.ai has 159,780 GitHub stars, is source-available under the Dify Open Source License (modified Apache 2.0) (not an open-source license), ships a Docker image and had 6,840 commits in the last year.

  6. 6

    Open-WebUI

    User-friendly AI Interface, supports Ollama, OpenAI API.

    AI-nativeOpen-WebUI has 157,004 GitHub stars, is source-available under the Open WebUI License (BSD-3-Clause plus branding clause) (not an open-source license), ships a Docker image and had 6,037 commits in the last year; it replaces ChatGPT and Lovable.

  7. 7

    ComfyUI

    Node-based interface and engine for diffusion image and video generation.

    AI-nativeComfyUI has 143,662 GitHub stars, uses the GPL-3.0 license and had 2,109 commits in the last year.

  8. 8

    AnythingLLM

    All-in-one desktop & Docker AI application with built-in RAG, AI agents, No-code agent builder, MCP compatibility, and more.

    AI-nativeAnythingLLM has 67,665 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 998 commits in the last year; it replaces ChatGPT.

  9. 9

    LocalAI

    Run your AI models locally and generate images and audio (alternative to OpenAI and Claude).

    AI-nativeLocalAI has 50,019 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 3,909 commits in the last year; it replaces ChatGPT.

  10. 10

    Paperless-ngx

    Scan, index, and archive all of your paper documents with an improved interface (fork of Paperless).

    AI-nativePaperless-ngx has 47,176 GitHub stars, uses the GPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 1,786 commits in the last year.

  11. 11

    LobeHub

    Modern design AI chat framework supporting multiple AI providers, one click install MCP Marketplace and Artifacts / Thinking.

    AI-nativeLobeHub has 83,550 GitHub stars, is source-available under the LobeHub Community License (not an open-source license), ships a Docker image and had 8,610 commits in the last year; it replaces ChatGPT and Lovable.

  12. 12

    SiYuan

    A privacy-first personal knowledge management software, written in typescript and golang.

    AI-nativeSiYuan has 46,973 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 10,161 commits in the last year.

2 of 10 · 4 picks

Which open source AI tools suit hospitals and healthcare?

Run the model and chat tools on your own servers next to OpenEMR, OpenELIS Global and Paperless-ngx, and add whisper-asr-webservice for dictation, so patient data is not sent to an outside AI provider.

  1. 1

    OpenEMR

    Electronic health records and medical practice management solution.

    OpenEMR has 5,555 GitHub stars, uses the GPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 3,217 commits in the last year.

  2. 2

    OpenELIS Global

    Laboratory information system (LIS/LIMS) for clinical, public health, environmental and vector surveillance labs. FHIR-native, with analyzer integration (ASTM/HL7), quality control and…

    OpenELIS Global has 278 GitHub stars, uses the MPL-2.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 1,191 commits in the last year.

  3. 3

    Paperless-ngx

    Scan, index, and archive all of your paper documents with an improved interface (fork of Paperless).

    AI-nativePaperless-ngx has 47,176 GitHub stars, uses the GPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 1,786 commits in the last year.

  4. 4

    whisper-asr-webservice

    Speech recognition web service built on OpenAI Whisper.

    AI-nativewhisper-asr-webservice has 3,367 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 31 commits in the last year.

3 of 10 · 5 picks

Which open source AI tools suit law firms?

Pair a local model with a document-search tool such as RAGFlow or AnythingLLM and with Paperless-ngx, docassemble and Nextcloud, so client files stay on the firm's servers. Treat AI answers as drafts.

  1. 1

    RAGFlow

    Open-source RAG engine with deep document understanding.

    AI-nativeRAGFlow has 92,997 GitHub stars, uses the Apache-2.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 6,295 commits in the last year.

  2. 2

    AnythingLLM

    All-in-one desktop & Docker AI application with built-in RAG, AI agents, No-code agent builder, MCP compatibility, and more.

    AI-nativeAnythingLLM has 67,665 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 998 commits in the last year; it replaces ChatGPT.

  3. 3

    Paperless-ngx

    Scan, index, and archive all of your paper documents with an improved interface (fork of Paperless).

    AI-nativePaperless-ngx has 47,176 GitHub stars, uses the GPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 1,786 commits in the last year.

  4. 4

    docassemble

    System for guided interviews and document assembly, based on Python, YAML, and Markdown.

    docassemble has 994 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 275 commits in the last year.

  5. 5

    Nextcloud

    Access and share your files, calendars, contacts, mail and more from any device, on your terms.

    Nextcloud has 37,321 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license and had 8,046 commits in the last year; it replaces Google Drive and Dropbox.

4 of 10 · 4 picks

Which open source AI tools suit HR teams?

Keep the handbook in BookStack and connect a private chat interface to Frappe HR or OrangeHRM, so policy questions get answered without sending employee records to an AI vendor.

  1. 1

    Frappe HR

    Complete HRMS solution with over 13 different modules right from employee management, onboarding, leaves, to payroll, taxation, and more.

    Frappe HR has 8,970 GitHub stars, uses the GPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 2,970 commits in the last year; it replaces BambooHR and Workday.

  2. 2

    OrangeHRM

    Long-running open-source HR management system covering employee records, leave, time and recruitment.

    OrangeHRM has 1,157 GitHub stars, uses the GPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 36 commits in the last year; it replaces BambooHR and Workday.

  3. 3

    BookStack

    Simple, self-hosted, easy-to-use platform for organising and storing information.

    BookStack has 19,111 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 432 commits in the last year; it replaces Confluence.

  4. 4

    LibreChat

    Enhanced ChatGPT-compatible AI chat interface supporting multiple AI providers, with multi-user auth, message search, and plugin support.

    AI-nativeLibreChat has 46,409 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 3,220 commits in the last year; it replaces ChatGPT and Lovable.

5 of 10 · 7 picks

Which open source AI tools suit online stores and marketing teams?

Connect a local model to MedusaJs or Saleor, Chatwoot for support and Listmonk or Mautic for email; ComfyUI and InvokeAI generate images on your own GPU.

  1. 1

    MedusaJs

    Headless commerce engine that enables developers to create amazing digital commerce experiences.

    AI-nativeMedusaJs has 36,976 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license and had 1,957 commits in the last year; it replaces Shopify.

  2. 2

    Saleor

    GraphQL native, API-only platform for scalable composable e-commerce storefront.

    Saleor has 23,485 GitHub stars, uses the BSD-3-Clause license, ships a Docker image and had 508 commits in the last year; it replaces Shopify.

  3. 3

    Chatwoot

    Customer communication platform (alternative to Intercom and Zendesk).

    Chatwoot has 38,467 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 1,509 commits in the last year.

  4. 4

    Listmonk

    High performance, self-hosted newsletter and mailing list manager with a modern dashboard.

    Listmonk has 24,011 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 463 commits in the last year; it replaces Mailchimp and Substack.

  5. 5

    Mautic

    Marketing automation software (email, social and more).

    Mautic has 10,856 GitHub stars, uses the GPL-3.0 license and had 6,380 commits in the last year; it replaces Mailchimp and Substack.

  6. 6

    ComfyUI

    Node-based interface and engine for diffusion image and video generation.

    AI-nativeComfyUI has 143,662 GitHub stars, uses the GPL-3.0 license and had 2,109 commits in the last year.

  7. 7

    InvokeAI

    Creative engine for Stable Diffusion models with a polished web UI.

    AI-nativeInvokeAI has 28,896 GitHub stars, uses the Apache-2.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 4,999 commits in the last year.

6 of 10 · 6 picks

Which open source AI tools suit startups and SaaS teams?

Build AI features on Supabase or PocketBase with Langflow, then trace prompts and cost with Langfuse, Opik or Agenta once those features reach users.

  1. 1

    Supabase

    Postgres development platform with auth, realtime, storage and edge functions, the open-source Firebase alternative.

    Supabase has 114,226 GitHub stars, uses the Apache-2.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 6,324 commits in the last year; it replaces Firebase.

  2. 2

    Langflow

    Visual framework for building and deploying AI agents and RAG workflows.

    AI-nativeLangflow has 156,084 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 2,758 commits in the last year.

  3. 3

    Dify.ai

    Build, test and deploy LLM applications.

    AI-nativeDify.ai has 159,780 GitHub stars, is source-available under the Dify Open Source License (modified Apache 2.0) (not an open-source license), ships a Docker image and had 6,840 commits in the last year.

  4. 4

    Langfuse

    LLM engineering platform for model tracing, prompt management, and application evaluation. Langfuse helps teams collaboratively debug, analyze, and iterate on their LLM applications such as chatbots…

    AI-nativeLangfuse has 36,628 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 5,125 commits in the last year; it replaces Sentry.

  5. 5

    Opik

    Evaluate, test, and ship LLM applications with a suite of observability tools to calibrate language model outputs across your dev and production lifecycle.

    AI-nativeOpik has 22,980 GitHub stars, uses the Apache-2.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 4,455 commits in the last year.

  6. 6

    Agenta

    LLMOps platform for prompt management, LLM evaluation, and observability. Build, evaluate, and monitor production-grade LLM applications with collaborative prompt engineering.

    AI-nativeAgenta has 4,868 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 21,140 commits in the last year.

7 of 10 · 8 picks

Which open source AI tools suit a small business?

One server can run Ollama, LibreChat and AnythingLLM next to Paperless-ngx, Odoo or ERPNext and Twenty, with no per-seat AI subscription and no customer data sent to an AI vendor.

  1. 1

    Ollama

    Get up and running with Llama 3.3, DeepSeek-R1, Phi-4, Gemma 3, and other large language models.

    AI-nativeOllama has 185,075 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 1,263 commits in the last year; it replaces ChatGPT.

  2. 2

    LibreChat

    Enhanced ChatGPT-compatible AI chat interface supporting multiple AI providers, with multi-user auth, message search, and plugin support.

    AI-nativeLibreChat has 46,409 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 3,220 commits in the last year; it replaces ChatGPT and Lovable.

  3. 3

    AnythingLLM

    All-in-one desktop & Docker AI application with built-in RAG, AI agents, No-code agent builder, MCP compatibility, and more.

    AI-nativeAnythingLLM has 67,665 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 998 commits in the last year; it replaces ChatGPT.

  4. 4

    Paperless-ngx

    Scan, index, and archive all of your paper documents with an improved interface (fork of Paperless).

    AI-nativePaperless-ngx has 47,176 GitHub stars, uses the GPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 1,786 commits in the last year.

  5. 5

    Odoo

    Free open source ERP system.

    Odoo has 55,380 GitHub stars, uses the LGPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 17,454 commits in the last year; it replaces NetSuite and SAP Business One.

  6. 6

    ERPNext

    ERP system to help you run your business.

    ERPNext has 40,687 GitHub stars, uses the GPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 10,424 commits in the last year; it replaces NetSuite and SAP Business One.

  7. 7

    Twenty

    A modern CRM offering the flexibility of open source, advanced features, and a sleek design.

    Twenty has 59,965 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 9,000 commits in the last year; it replaces Salesforce and HubSpot.

  8. 8

    Docuseal

    Create, fill, and sign digital documents (alternative to DocuSign).

    Docuseal has 18,873 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 1,013 commits in the last year; it replaces DocuSign and Adobe Acrobat.

8 of 10 · 6 picks

Which open source AI tools suit schools and universities?

Give staff and students a private assistant next to Moodle, Open edX or Canvas LMS, plus Khoj or Local Deep Research for research, so student work stays off outside AI services.

  1. 1

    Open-WebUI

    User-friendly AI Interface, supports Ollama, OpenAI API.

    AI-nativeOpen-WebUI has 157,004 GitHub stars, is source-available under the Open WebUI License (BSD-3-Clause plus branding clause) (not an open-source license), ships a Docker image and had 6,037 commits in the last year; it replaces ChatGPT and Lovable.

  2. 2

    Moodle

    The world's most widely used open-source learning platform for schools, universities and companies.

    Moodle has 7,555 GitHub stars, uses the GPL-3.0 license and had 3,405 commits in the last year; it replaces Teachable and Thinkific.

  3. 3

    Open edX

    The LMS and Studio authoring platform behind edX, deployed with the Docker-based Tutor distribution.

    Open edX has 8,211 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 1,272 commits in the last year; it replaces Blackboard Learn and TalentLMS.

  4. 4

    Canvas LMS

    Learning management system (LMS) that is revolutionizing the way we educate.

    Canvas LMS has 6,889 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license and had 4,520 commits in the last year; it replaces Blackboard Learn.

  5. 5

    Khoj

    Your AI second brain. Get answers from the web or your docs. Build custom agents, schedule automations, do deep research. Turn any online or local LLM into your personal, autonomous AI.

    AI-nativeKhoj has 37,865 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 120 commits in the last year; it replaces ChatGPT.

  6. 6

    Local Deep Research

    AI-powered deep research tool with multi-source search (arXiv, PubMed, web), PDF text extraction, and encrypted local storage.

    AI-nativeLocal Deep Research has 9,433 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 5,994 commits in the last year.

9 of 10 · 6 picks

Which open source AI tools suit creators?

ComfyUI and InvokeAI generate images on your own GPU, whisper-asr-webservice transcribes audio, and Ghost, PeerTube or Postiz publish the result, with no per-image or per-minute fees.

  1. 1

    ComfyUI

    Node-based interface and engine for diffusion image and video generation.

    AI-nativeComfyUI has 143,662 GitHub stars, uses the GPL-3.0 license and had 2,109 commits in the last year.

  2. 2

    InvokeAI

    Creative engine for Stable Diffusion models with a polished web UI.

    AI-nativeInvokeAI has 28,896 GitHub stars, uses the Apache-2.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 4,999 commits in the last year.

  3. 3

    whisper-asr-webservice

    Speech recognition web service built on OpenAI Whisper.

    AI-nativewhisper-asr-webservice has 3,367 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 31 commits in the last year.

  4. 4

    Ghost

    Just a blogging platform.

    Ghost has 55,626 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license and had 6,762 commits in the last year; it replaces Medium.

  5. 5

    PeerTube

    Decentralized video streaming platform using P2P (BitTorrent) directly in the web browser.

    PeerTube has 15,371 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license and had 2,118 commits in the last year; it replaces YouTube and Loom.

  6. 6

    Postiz

    Schedule posts, track the performance of your content, and manage all your social media accounts in one place (Alternative to Buffer, Hootsuite, Sprout Social).

    Postiz has 39,708 GitHub stars, uses the AGPL-3.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 1,517 commits in the last year.

10 of 10 · 5 picks

Which open source AI tools suit a smart home?

Frigate and Viseron run camera object detection locally, Home Assistant and Node RED handle automations, and whisper-asr-webservice transcribes voice, so footage and voice stay in the house.

  1. 1

    Frigate

    Monitor your security cameras with locally processed AI.

    AI-nativeFrigate has 37,021 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 1,620 commits in the last year; it replaces Ring.

  2. 2

    Viseron

    Self-hosted, local-only NVR and AI Computer Vision software. With features such as object detection, motion detection, face recognition and more, it gives you the power to keep an eye on your home…

    AI-nativeViseron has 3,666 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 1,372 commits in the last year; it replaces Ring.

  3. 3

    Home Assistant

    Home automation platform.

    Home Assistant has 91,788 GitHub stars, uses the Apache-2.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 21,554 commits in the last year; it replaces Nest / SmartThings and Google Home.

  4. 4

    Node RED

    Browser-based flow editor that helps you wiring hardware devices, APIs and online services to create IoT solutions.

    Node RED has 23,789 GitHub stars, uses the Apache-2.0 license, ships a Docker image and had 985 commits in the last year; it replaces Nest / SmartThings and Google Home.

  5. 5

    whisper-asr-webservice

    Speech recognition web service built on OpenAI Whisper.

    AI-nativewhisper-asr-webservice has 3,367 GitHub stars, uses the MIT license, ships a Docker image and had 31 commits in the last year.

FAQ

Questions and answers

Still curious? Email info@appsgit.com.

Does self-hosted AI keep my data private?

It can. When the chat interface and document tools are pointed at a model on your own server, for example through Ollama or LocalAI, prompts and documents are not sent to an outside AI provider. Several of these tools can also call cloud APIs, so check each connection you configure.

What hardware do I need to run AI models myself?

Small open models run on a modern CPU with 16 GB of RAM, but a GPU with enough video memory for the model you pick makes answers much faster. Start with a small model in Ollama, measure the speed on your own hardware, then size up.

Is self-hosted AI safe for patient data?

Running the model, chat interface and document search on your own servers means patient data is not sent to an outside AI provider. You still need HIPAA, GDPR or local processes: access control, encryption, audit logs, a risk assessment and clinical review of AI output. This is not legal advice.

Should AI screen job applicants?

Be careful. Automated screening can be biased and is regulated in some places, for example under the EU AI Act and some US state laws. Use AI to summarise and draft, and keep hiring decisions with people.

Can I use AI-generated images commercially?

It depends on the model's license and your country's copyright rules, not on the interface. ComfyUI and InvokeAI run many models with different licenses, so check the model card before commercial use.

Is Ollama free?

Yes. Ollama is open-source software released under the MIT license, so you can self-host it at no cost. You only pay for the server it runs on, and some projects also offer an optional paid cloud plan.

Can I self-host these apps with Docker?

Yes, 11 of the 12 picks. Ollama, Langflow and RAGFlow publish Docker images, so you can run them on a VPS or home server with Docker Compose. The others install from their own packages or source; follow each project's install guide.

Are all of these apps open source?

9 of the 12 apps on this list are open source; 3 are source-available. Source-available licenses add conditions, such as limits on hosted or commercial use, so read them before you deploy.

How is this list ranked?

Ranked on GitHub stars, commits in the last year, Docker images, open-source licenses and recent commits. Projects with fewer than 12 commits in the last 12 months rank below every more active project.

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