Jenkins
Reviewed by Alexis Morain · Updated July 14, 2026
Jenkins is an open-source automation server for continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD), extensible by thousands of plugins. Free.
The long-standing open-source CI/CD server, ultra-flexible and free, best kept for teams wanting control and accepting the maintenance.
- Maximum flexibility and extensibility
- Thousands of plugins
- Heavy maintenance and configuration
Jenkins is the long-standing open-source automation server for continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD). Self-hosted, it runs pipelines that build, test and deploy code on every change, with an ecosystem of several thousand plugins that connects it to almost every tool.
What is Jenkins used for?
Jenkins is used to automate the software delivery chain: as soon as a developer pushes code, Jenkins runs the tests, builds artifacts and triggers deployments. Its flexibility and extensibility make it a pillar for many teams, especially where self-hosting and customization matter more than simplicity.
Jenkins or integrated CI/CD?
Against the integrated CI/CD of GitLab or GitHub, Jenkins offers full control and maximum flexibility, at the price of maintenance and configuration to handle. Integrated platforms are simpler; Jenkins stays relevant for sharp needs and self-hosting.
How much does Jenkins cost?
Jenkins is entirely free and open source, under the MIT license. The software and its plugins are free. The only real costs are self-hosting infrastructure and maintenance time, which can be significant on large installations.
Pros & Cons
- Maximum flexibility and extensibility
- Thousands of plugins
- Entirely free and open source
- Self-hosting and full control
- Heavy maintenance and configuration
- Dated interface
- Less simple than integrated CI/CD
Key features of Jenkins
CI/CD pipelines
Automated build, test and deploy
Plugins
Thousands of extensions
Self-hosting
Full infrastructure control
Integrations
Connect to almost every tool
Jenkins pricing
Jenkins is entirely free and open source, under the MIT license. The software and its plugin ecosystem are free, with no paid tier. The only real costs are self-hosting infrastructure (servers) and above all maintenance and configuration time, which can become significant on large or complex installations.
Free plan / trial
Entirely free and open source, costs on self-hosting.
Open source
Complete CI/CD · Thousands of plugins · Full control
Free self-hosted
Pricing verified on July 14, 2026
Try JenkinsWho is Jenkins for?
Best for
- Teams wanting control and customization
- Self-hosting CI/CD
- Sharp automation needs
Not recommended for
- Teams seeking turnkey simplicity
- Projects without maintenance resources
Want to try Jenkins?
Head to the official site and the current offer.
Frequently asked questions about Jenkins
Is Jenkins free?▼
Jenkins or integrated CI/CD?▼
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