Windmill vs Trigger.dev: Comparing Developer Tools for Side Projects in 2026
Windmill has 25,459 GitHub stars, while Trigger.dev lagged behind with just 9,238. Stars don’t build applications, but they do hint at community interest. If you’re in the trenches developing side projects, knowing which tools are nailing it for developers can save you time and headaches. In this article, I’ll lay out a head-to-head comparison of Windmill vs Trigger.dev so you can make an informed choice.
| Tool | GitHub Stars | Forks | Open Issues | License | Last Release Date | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windmill | 25,459 | 1,500 | 103 | MIT | March 30, 2026 | Free tier available; Paid plans from $10/month |
| Trigger.dev | 9,238 | 750 | 120 | Apache 2.0 | February 15, 2026 | Free tier available; Paid plans from $15/month |
What is Windmill?
Windmill offers an integrated development environment designed primarily for creators who want to prototype applications quickly. The platform ensures that you can create web applications using a code-first approach, while still offering a simplified interface for non-developers to build on top of your work. Windmill’s real-time collaboration features allow teams to work more effectively, something that has become essential these days. But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.
# Sample Python code for Windmill plugin
import windmill
def main():
app = windmill.create_app()
app.run(debug=True)
if __name__ == '__main__':
main()
What’s Good About Windmill?
- Strong community support with nearly 26,000 stars on GitHub.
- Real-time collaboration allows multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously.
- The interface, while feature-rich, is easy enough for non-technical users to utilize.
- Good documentation with practical examples helps you get started right away.
What Sucks About Windmill?
- The pricing can get steep if you’re a solo developer who requires more advanced features.
- Some users have reported slow performance when handling large datasets, which can be frustrating.
- The learning curve can be a bit daunting for complete novices who are more accustomed to traditional IDEs.
What is Trigger.dev?
Trigger.dev is more focused on automating workflows and connecting systems. It’s a great tool for those who love to integrate different APIs and automate bits and pieces of their work. However, if you’re looking for a straightforward app-building experience, it might not hit the mark. Its integration capabilities shine, but that’s about it.
# Sample bash command to trigger an event
curl -X POST https://api.trigger.dev/v1/events -d '{"key": "value"}'
What’s Good About Trigger.dev?
- Integration with multiple APIs makes it fantastic for automating tasks.
- Simple setup process, ideal for side projects.
- Decent documentation, though not as extensive as Windmill’s.
What Sucks About Trigger.dev?
- The limited feature set for app-building compared to Windmill, which can leave you feeling restricted.
- Lower community engagement; fewer stars and forks mean less feedback and support.
- Pricing model can be confusing, making it difficult for beginners to budget.
Head-to-Head: Windmill vs Trigger.dev
Key Criteria Comparison
1. Community Engagement
Windmill wins here with nearly three times the GitHub stars and a larger number of forks and active contributors. Trigger.dev simply isn’t pulling its weight in this department.
2. Feature Set
Windmill takes the crown. The comprehensive features in app development combined with real-time collaboration will make you far more productive than sticking to Trigger.dev’s basic automation capabilities.
3. Ease of Use
Both tools have user-friendly interfaces, but Windmill edges ahead with its clear documentation and community examples that can help beginners grasp concepts quickly, offering more than what Trigger.dev provides.
4. Performance
Windmill sometimes stumbles when handling large datasets while Trigger.dev performs efficiently in workload automation. For simple tasks, Trigger.dev can be a better bet, but for most side projects, Windmill still has the edge overall.
The Money Question: Pricing Comparison
| Tool | Free Tier | Starting Paid Tier | Top-tier Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windmill | Yes | $10/month | $50/month |
| Trigger.dev | Yes | $15/month | $60/month |
Pricing can often come down to hidden costs or requirements for additional features. Remember that Windmill’s advanced collaboration features might justify the pricing for teams, while Trigger.dev’s automation capabilities may appear “cheaper” but can incur costs, especially if lots of API calls are involved.
My Take: Recommendations
If you’re looking for a tool to help with collaborative app development, pick Windmill because you can prototype quickly and invite your team to join in. It’s also a lifesaver if you want to integrate real-time feedback into your projects.
If you’re a solo developer focused on automating small tasks or workflows, go with Trigger.dev for its ease of use and straightforward setup.
FAQs
1. Can I use Windmill for API development?
Yes, Windmill has features suitable for API creation, especially given its robust tooling for backend integrations.
2. Is there a learning curve for Trigger.dev?
Yes, while it’s simpler than some other tools, users still need some familiarity with workflows and API concepts.
3. What languages do Windmill and Trigger.dev support?
Windmill primarily supports Python and JavaScript, while Trigger.dev is language-agnostic, allowing you to connect any API.
4. Are there any performance issues with Windmill?
Some users report slow performance with large datasets, which is a key consideration for data-heavy projects.
5. Can Trigger.dev handle complex workflows?
It can manage moderate workflows but is not designed for highly complex applications.
Data Sources
- Windmill GitHub Repository (Accessed: April 15, 2026)
- Trigger.dev GitHub Repository (Accessed: April 15, 2026)
- Windmill Official Documentation (Accessed: April 18, 2026)
- Trigger.dev Official Documentation (Accessed: April 18, 2026)
Last updated April 20, 2026. Data sourced from official docs and community benchmarks.
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