2 Best n8n Alternatives in 2025
Last updated: February 2026 • 7 min read
n8n is a popular tool for developers wanting self-hosted automation. While it offers a free tier (Free (self-hosted)), its paid plans start at $20/mo (cloud). Whether you're looking for a cheaper option, better features, or an open-source solution, we've compiled the 2 best n8n alternatives to help you find the right fit.
📋 Quick Summary
- Total alternatives: 2
- Free alternatives: 2 (Zapier, Make (Integromat))
- Best overall: Zapier
- Best free: Zapier
Why Look for n8n Alternatives?
People commonly look for n8n alternatives for several reasons:
- Cost: While n8n has a free tier, its paid plans starting at $20/mo (cloud) can add up quickly for growing teams.
- Feature gaps: Technical setup and fair-code license are common complaints.
- Simplicity: Some users find n8n overly complex for their needs and prefer simpler solutions.
- Better fit: Different tools excel at different use cases — you may find a tool that's specifically built for your workflow.
📊 Quick Comparison Table
| Tool | Free Tier | Starting Price | Rating | Open Source | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| n8n | ✓ Free (self-hosted) | $20/mo (cloud) | ⭐ 4.3 | ✓ Yes | Developers wanting self-hosted automation |
| Zapier | ✓ 100 tasks/mo, 5 Zaps | $19.99/mo | ⭐ 4.4 | No | Non-technical users automating workflows |
| Make (Integromat) | ✓ 1,000 ops/mo | $9/mo | ⭐ 4.3 | No | Power users wanting visual, complex automation |
Detailed Reviews of Each Alternative
Zapier
No-code automation platform connecting 6,000+ apps.
Zapier is the leading no-code automation platform that connects over 6,000 apps and allows users to create automated workflows (called Zaps) without coding. From simple two-step automations to complex multi-step workflows, Zapier helps businesses save time by automating repetitive tasks.
Pros
- ✓ Huge app library
- ✓ Easy to use
- ✓ Reliable
- ✓ Good documentation
Cons
- ✗ Expensive at scale
- ✗ Limited free plan
- ✗ Slow execution
- ✗ Complex for power users
Make (Integromat)
Visual automation platform for designing complex workflows.
Make (formerly Integromat) is a visual automation platform that allows users to design, build, and automate complex workflows. Unlike Zapier's linear approach, Make uses a visual canvas that enables branching, loops, and complex logic, making it more powerful for advanced automations.
Pros
- ✓ Visual workflow builder
- ✓ More powerful than Zapier
- ✓ Better pricing
- ✓ Complex logic
Cons
- ✗ Steeper learning curve
- ✗ Fewer apps than Zapier
- ✗ Can be confusing
- ✗ Support varies
🏆 Our Recommendations
❓ FAQ
What is the best free alternative to n8n?
The best free alternative to n8n is Zapier, which offers 100 tasks/mo, 5 Zaps.
Is there an open-source alternative to n8n?
There are no widely-used open-source alternatives to n8n at this time, but several affordable options exist.
What is the cheapest alternative to n8n?
The cheapest alternatives are the free options: Zapier, Make (Integromat). For paid alternatives, prices start from as low as $9/mo.
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