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n8n alternatives

Top Workflow Automation like n8n

The most popular alternative to n8n is Make, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to n8n are Zapier, Activepieces, Pipedream, and Gumloop.

Most alternatives to n8n are in the Workflow Automation category, compared here by price, platform and features.

n8n alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
9 apps

All n8n alternatives

  1. Make

    Make, formerly Integromat and now part of Celonis, is a visual automation platform where workflows are built as scenarios on a canvas of connected modules. It handles routers, iterators, error handling and data mapping for complex processes across thousands of apps, plus HTTP calls, webhooks and AI agents. A free plan includes a monthly allowance of operations, with paid plans for more volume.

    8 Make alternatives

    Pros

    • Visual canvas handles routers, iterators and error handling
    • Finer data mapping than simpler automation tools
    • HTTP module and webhooks connect to almost any API

    Cons

    • Steeper learning curve than Zapier for simple automations
    • Operation counts add up quickly on complex or frequent scenarios
    • Cloud only, with no self-hosting option
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Platforms
  2. Zapier

    Zapier is a no-code automation platform that connects thousands of web apps so that a trigger in one, such as a new form entry, starts actions in others. Beyond multi-step Zaps with filters and branching, it includes tables, interfaces, AI steps and agents that work across connected tools. A free plan covers simple workflows, and paid plans are priced by task volume.

    8 Zapier alternatives

    Pros

    • Connects thousands of apps, so most tools are already supported
    • Very easy to start with for non-technical users
    • Tables, interfaces and AI agents go beyond simple Zaps

    Cons

    • Costs rise quickly as task volume grows
    • Complex logic is clumsier to build than on a visual canvas like Make
    • Cloud only, with no self-hosting option
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Platforms
  3. Activepieces is an open source automation platform positioned as an alternative to Zapier, with a visual flow builder, hundreds of integrations called pieces and AI agent steps. Pieces are written in TypeScript and are also exposed as MCP servers for AI assistants. The community edition is MIT-licensed and can be self-hosted; a hosted cloud version and an enterprise edition are also offered.

    8 Activepieces alternatives

    Pros

    • MIT-licensed community edition can be self-hosted
    • Pieces double as MCP servers for AI assistants
    • Clean visual builder that is approachable for non-developers

    Cons

    • Smaller integration catalog than Zapier or Make
    • Some enterprise features are reserved for paid editions
    • Self-hosting means handling updates and scaling yourself
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
  4. Pipedream is an integration platform for developers that runs event-driven workflows mixing prebuilt actions for thousands of apps with custom Node.js, Python, Go or Bash code. It also provides managed authentication and MCP servers so AI agents can call third-party APIs, and Workday announced its acquisition of the company in late 2025. A free tier with limited credits sits alongside paid plans.

    8 Pipedream alternatives

    Pros

    • Mixes prebuilt actions with Node.js, Python, Go or Bash code
    • Managed authentication for thousands of APIs
    • MCP servers let AI agents call third-party apps

    Cons

    • Aimed at developers, less approachable for non-technical teams
    • Free tier credits run out quickly on busy workflows
    • The Workday acquisition adds uncertainty about the product’s direction
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Platforms
  5. Gumloop is a no-code platform for building AI workflows and agents on a visual canvas, connecting language models from OpenAI, Anthropic and Google to business apps, web scraping and data enrichment nodes. An assistant can draft flows from a description, and a Chrome extension records browser actions for sites without an API. A free plan with monthly credits is available.

    8 Gumloop alternatives

    Pros

    • Visual canvas connects AI models to business apps without code
    • Assistant drafts flows from a plain-language description
    • Chrome extension automates sites that have no API

    Cons

    • Credit-based usage can be hard to predict for heavy workflows
    • Fewer app integrations than long-established automation platforms
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
  6. Power Automate is Microsoft's automation service, part of the Power Platform, for building cloud flows between Microsoft 365, Dynamics, Azure and hundreds of third-party connectors. Its desktop app adds robotic process automation for Windows applications and websites, and Copilot can draft flows from a description. Basic use is included in many Microsoft 365 plans, with premium licences for advanced connectors.

    8 Power Automate alternatives

    Pros

    • Deep integration with Microsoft 365, Teams, SharePoint and Dynamics
    • Desktop RPA automates Windows apps and websites without APIs
    • Basic use is included in many Microsoft 365 plans

    Cons

    • Licensing is complex, with premium connectors behind extra licences
    • The flow designer can feel clunky and errors are hard to debug
    • Less convenient outside the Microsoft ecosystem
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
  7. Relay.app is a workflow automation tool that mixes app integrations, AI steps and human-in-the-loop checkpoints, where a teammate can review, edit or approve output before the workflow continues. It targets business teams automating processes such as lead handling, content review or onboarding without code. A free plan includes a monthly allowance of runs and AI credits.

    8 Relay.app alternatives

    Pros

    • Human approval steps let teammates review output before a run continues
    • AI steps are built in, with credits included in the free plan
    • Clean interface designed for business teams who do not code

    Cons

    • Smaller integration catalog than Zapier or Make
    • Younger product with fewer advanced options than established platforms
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Platforms
  8. IFTTT, short for If This Then That, links apps, web services and smart home devices through small automations called applets, such as saving social posts to a spreadsheet or turning on lights at sunset. It is aimed at consumers and creators more than complex business processes, with mobile apps that provide location and phone triggers. A free plan allows a few applets; paid plans add more and multi-step logic.

    7 IFTTT alternatives

    Pros

    • Very simple applets that anyone can set up in minutes
    • Strong smart home support and phone triggers such as location
    • Large library of ready-made applets

    Cons

    • The free plan allows only a few applets
    • Multi-step logic requires a paid plan and stays basic for business use
    • Some triggers fire with a noticeable delay
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
  9. Retool

    Retool is a developer-focused platform for building internal tools such as admin panels, dashboards and back-office apps. You drag components onto a canvas, connect them to databases and APIs, and write JavaScript or SQL where needed, with AI that can generate apps and agents that automate tasks. It runs in the cloud or self-hosted, with SSO and audit logs for enterprises and a free plan for small teams.

    11 Retool alternatives

    Pros

    • Fast way to build admin panels and dashboards on your data
    • Connects to most databases and APIs, with JavaScript and SQL as needed
    • Self-hosting option plus enterprise controls like SSO and audit logs

    Cons

    • Aimed at developers, so non-technical users may struggle
    • Costs rise quickly as more users need access
    • Limited design control beyond the standard components
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories

n8n vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of n8n, compared with its most popular alternatives.

n8n vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsAI agentsAPI accessIntegrationsMulti-step workflowsTemplates
n8nFreemiumSource availableWeb, Self-hosted
MakeFreemiumWeb
ZapierFreemiumWeb
ActivepiecesFreemiumOpen sourceWeb, Self-hosted
PipedreamFreemiumWeb
GumloopFreemiumWeb, Browser extension

n8n alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to n8n?

The most popular alternative to n8n is Make: Visual automation platform for complex multi-app scenarios. Other great alternatives are Zapier, Activepieces, Pipedream, and Gumloop.

Is there a free alternative to n8n?

Yes, 9 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Make, Zapier, Activepieces, and Pipedream.

Is there an open source alternative to n8n?

Yes, one open source alternative is listed: Activepieces.

Is n8n free?

n8n has a free plan, with paid plans that unlock more features.

Compare n8n with its alternatives

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