n8n is source-available workflow automation that combines visual building with custom code and AI agents. If it doesn't fit your pricing, workflow, or feature needs, here are 5 alternatives worth comparing — including options with a free plan and open-source picks.
Looking for the original? See the full n8n listing.
| Tool | Best for | Pricing | Free plan | Open source | vs n8n |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-technical teams automating everyday workflows | Freemium · from $19.99/mo | Fully hosted with 9,000+ integrations and easier for non-technical users, but no self-hosting and per-task pricing. | |||
| — | — | Visual scenario builder with cheaper per-operation pricing, but closed source and cloud-only. | |||
 Activepieces | Companies that need self-hosted, open-source automation | Freemium · from $25/mo | MIT-licensed open-source alternative with a simpler, more business-friendly builder. | ||
| Developers who want code-level control without infrastructure | Freemium · from $29/mo | Developer-first with real code steps in Node/Python and instant webhooks, but no visual self-hosted canvas. | |||
| Operations, sales, and support teams adopting AI agents | Freemium · from $97/mo | AI-native hosted canvas focused on agent-style automations rather than general integration plumbing. |
Fully hosted with 9,000+ integrations and easier for non-technical users, but no self-hosting and per-task pricing.
MIT-licensed open-source alternative with a simpler, more business-friendly builder.
The most connected automation platform — build AI workflows and agents across 9,000+ apps without code.
Advanced automation platform for connecting apps and automating workflows with visual scenario building.
Open-source, AI-first business automation you can self-host — an MIT-licensed alternative to Zapier.
Zapier is the top-listed n8n alternative on this page — fully hosted with 9,000+ integrations and easier for non-technical users, but no self-hosting and per-task pricing. The right choice depends on your budget, workflow, and required integrations, so compare the table above before deciding.
Yes. Zapier offers a free plan, with paid plans from $19.99/mo. Other listings may also include free tiers — check the Free plan column in the comparison table.
Yes. Activepieces is open source (source code available on GitHub), which makes it a good fit if you want self-hosting or full control.
Each alternative solves a similar core task and is an active listing in the directory. The one-line difference next to each tool summarizes how it diverges from n8n in pricing, focus, or capability.