n8n
Workflow and AI agent automation, open source and self-hostable.
What is n8n?
n8n is the open source alternative to Zapier: a visual automation platform with more than 500 integrations and native AI nodes for building agents and workflows with LLMs. You can use its cloud or self-host it for free on your own server, with full control of your data. A favourite among developers and technical teams.
Pros
- Free and unlimited if you host it yourself (open source Community edition)
- Charges per workflow execution, not per step: far cheaper at scale
- Native AI nodes for building agents with any LLM
- Full control of your data: ideal for GDPR compliance
Cons
- Steeper learning curve than Zapier
- Self-hosting requires technical knowledge and a server
- Fewer integrations than Zapier (500+ against 7,000+)
Frequently asked questions
Is n8n free?
The self-hosted Community edition is free and open source with every integration. The managed cloud starts at €24/month.
How is it different from Zapier?
It is open source and self-hostable, charges per full execution (not per task) and is more flexible for complex AI workflows, at the cost of being more technical.
Is it any good for building AI agents?
Yes, it has dedicated nodes for LLMs, memory and tools, and it is one of the most widely used platforms for running AI agents in production.