The Verdict
n8n is the open-source alternative to Zapier and Make.com, offering self-hosted workflow automation with native AI agent capabilities. For teams that need data sovereignty, unlimited executions, and the ability to build AI agent workflows without per-task pricing, n8n provides the most flexible and cost-effective option — especially at the self-hosted free tier.
What It Does
n8n provides a visual workflow builder with 400+ integrations, custom code nodes (JavaScript/Python), AI agent nodes that connect to LLMs with tool use and memory, webhook triggers, and cron scheduling. Self-hosted installations run unlimited workflows with no execution limits. The cloud version starts at $24/month.
What We Liked
- Self-hosted option: Run unlimited workflows for free on your own infrastructure — no per-execution costs.
- AI agent nodes: Built-in support for creating AI agents with tool use, memory, and multi-step reasoning directly in workflows.
- Code flexibility: Custom JavaScript and Python nodes mean any automation is possible, not just what pre-built integrations support.
What We Didn’t Like
- Self-hosting complexity: Running n8n yourself requires server management, updates, and monitoring that managed platforms handle automatically.
- Fewer integrations: 400+ versus Zapier’s 7,000+ means more custom development for niche applications.
- Cloud pricing: The cloud version at $24/month offers limited executions, making it less competitive than Make.com for users who do not want to self-host.
Pricing Breakdown
Self-hosted: Free with unlimited executions. Cloud Starter at $24/month with 2,500 executions. Cloud Pro at $60/month with 10,000 executions. Enterprise pricing available.
The Bottom Line
n8n is the best choice for technical teams that want automation without vendor lock-in or per-execution costs. The self-hosted model with native AI capabilities makes it uniquely powerful for teams building AI agent workflows. Non-technical users should stick with Zapier or Make.com.
