Dify vs 
Windmill
Dify vs Windmill compared for 2026 — features, license, ease of use, performance and which one to choose. Build and operate AI apps visually vs Turn scripts into workflows and UIs.
Updated regularly · curated by OpenSourceAI.tech
Dify vs Windmill at a glance
| Spec | Dify | Windmill |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Low-code AI builder | Low-code AI builder |
| Type | LLMOps platform | Workflow platform |
| License | Apache-2.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Runs locally | Self-hosted | Yes |
| Primary language | Python / TS | Rust |
| Ease of use | Beginner | Intermediate |
| Best for | teams shipping production AI apps with less code | developer-first internal tooling |
| GitHub stars | 149.1k | — |
How Dify and Windmill score
| Criterion | Dify | Windmill |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity | 5.0 | n/a |
| Maintenance | 5.0 | n/a |
| Ease of use | 5.0 | 3.5 |
| Privacy | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| License freedom | 5.0 | 3.5 |
Scores are computed automatically from public signals — GitHub stars (popularity), recent commit activity (maintenance), license type (freedom), local-first design (privacy) and onboarding complexity (ease of use). Indicative, not a verdict.
What each one is
Dify
Dify is an open-source LLMOps platform to visually build, deploy and operate AI applications and agents, with RAG, workflows and observability built in.
- Full LLMOps: build, deploy and monitor
- Visual workflows plus built-in RAG
- Production-oriented with observability
Windmill
Windmill turns Python, TypeScript or SQL scripts into workflows, schedules and internal apps, with AI steps as first-class citizens.
- Scripts first, UI generated for you
- Very fast execution engine
- Self-hosted, no vendor lock-in
Key differences
Dify is lLMOps platform, while Windmill is workflow platform. Their licenses differ (Apache-2.0 vs AGPL-3.0), which matters if you ship a commercial product. Dify leans more beginner-friendly, whereas Windmill is more suited to intermediate users. They also differ in how they run (Self-hosted vs Yes). In short, Dify fits teams shipping production AI apps with less code, and Windmill fits developer-first internal tooling.
Which should you choose?
Choose Dify for teams shipping production AI apps with less code. Choose Windmill for developer-first internal tooling.
There is rarely one winner — many setups use both. The right pick depends on your hardware, your team's skills, and whether you value simplicity or control.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dify or Windmill easier to use?
Dify is generally the easier of the two to get started with, while Windmill rewards more setup with more control.
Are Dify and Windmill free?
Dify is free and open source (Apache-2.0), and Windmill is free and open source (AGPL-3.0). Neither charges for the core software.
Can I run Dify and Windmill locally?
Dify: self-hosted · Windmill: yes. Both can be used without sending your data to a third-party cloud where their setup allows.
Dify vs Windmill — which should I pick in 2026?
Choose Dify for teams shipping production AI apps with less code. Choose Windmill for developer-first internal tooling.
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