Langflow vs 
Windmill
Langflow vs Windmill compared for 2026 — features, license, ease of use, performance and which one to choose. Visual builder for agents and RAG vs Turn scripts into workflows and UIs.
Updated regularly · curated by OpenSourceAI.tech
Langflow vs Windmill at a glance
| Spec | Langflow | Windmill |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Low-code AI builder | Low-code AI builder |
| Type | Visual LLM builder | Workflow platform |
| License | MIT | AGPL-3.0 |
| Runs locally | Self-hosted | Yes |
| Primary language | Python | Rust |
| Ease of use | Beginner | Intermediate |
| Best for | Python teams who want a visual flow canvas | developer-first internal tooling |
| GitHub stars | 151.9k | — |
How Langflow and Windmill score
| Criterion | Langflow | 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
Langflow
Langflow is a visual, Python-based builder for agentic and RAG applications, with a node canvas and an API to deploy your flows.
- Python-native visual flow canvas
- Agent and RAG components out of the box
- Deploy flows as APIs
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
Langflow is visual LLM builder, while Windmill is workflow platform. Their licenses differ (MIT vs AGPL-3.0), which matters if you ship a commercial product. Langflow 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, Langflow fits Python teams who want a visual flow canvas, and Windmill fits developer-first internal tooling.
Which should you choose?
Choose Langflow for Python teams who want a visual flow canvas. 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 Langflow or Windmill easier to use?
Langflow is generally the easier of the two to get started with, while Windmill rewards more setup with more control.
Are Langflow and Windmill free?
Langflow is free and open source (MIT), and Windmill is free and open source (AGPL-3.0). Neither charges for the core software.
Can I run Langflow and Windmill locally?
Langflow: self-hosted · Windmill: yes. Both can be used without sending your data to a third-party cloud where their setup allows.
Langflow vs Windmill — which should I pick in 2026?
Choose Langflow for Python teams who want a visual flow canvas. Choose Windmill for developer-first internal tooling.
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