The best n8n alternatives in 2026
Open, self-hostable workflow automation with AI agent nodes, code steps and MCP. n8n scores 8.5/10 in our AI automation tools ranking. It's the top-rated app in this category, but these are the strongest alternatives. Every app below is scored with the same published rubric.
9 alternatives, best first
Full AI automation tools ranking →- 1
Make
Best forTeams who want complex, visual workflows at a much lower price than Zapier
Visual automation builder with AI agents, Maia assistant and 3,000+ apps
Has that n8n doesn't: 1,000+ app integrations
Free plan · paid from $9/month
8.4/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 2
Zapier
Best forNon-technical teams who want the widest app coverage and the fastest setup
No-code automation across 9,000+ apps, with AI agents, chatbots and Copilot
Has that n8n doesn't: 1,000+ app integrations
Free plan · paid from $19.99/month
8.2/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 3
Activepieces
Best forTeams who want n8n-style control and self-hosting with a simpler, Zapier-like builder
Open-source (MIT) automation and AI agent builder with 760+ integrations
Free plan · paid from $20/month
7.9/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 4
Lindy
Best forFounders and busy professionals who want an assistant to run email, calendar and admin
AI assistant that works across your apps from Slack, iMessage and email
Has that n8n doesn't: 1,000+ app integrations · Browser, desktop or computer-use automation
Free trial · from $29.99/month
7.4/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 5
Gumloop
Best forOps, sales and marketing teams building AI agents without engineers
Team AI agent builder that connects any model to company apps, with IT controls
Free trial · from $37/month
7.3/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 6
Microsoft Power Automate
Best forOrganisations already on Microsoft 365 that need governed automation and RPA
Microsoft 365 workflow automation and desktop RPA, with Copilot Studio agents
Has that n8n doesn't: Browser, desktop or computer-use automation
Free trial · from $15/user/month
Our Microsoft Power Automate verdict →n8n vs Microsoft Power Automate
7.1/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 7
Google Workspace Studio
Best forTeams that live in Gmail, Drive and Sheets and want simple agents at no extra cost
No-code Gemini agents that automate work across Gmail, Drive, Sheets and more
From £5.90/user/month
Our Google Workspace Studio verdict →n8n vs Google Workspace Studio
7.1/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 8
IFTTT
Best forIndividuals automating smart-home devices and personal notifications
Simple if-this-then-that automations for smart homes and personal apps
Free plan · paid from $2.99/month
6.4/10★★★★★Visit ↗ - 9
Bardeen
Best forSales and go-to-market teams automating prospecting in the browser
Browser automation for sales teams: AI scraping, enrichment and lead qualification
Has that n8n doesn't: Browser, desktop or computer-use automation
Free plan · paid from $10/month
6.3/10★★★★★Visit ↗
Quick answers
What is the best alternative to n8n?
In our AI automation tools ranking, Make scores highest among the alternatives (8.4/10). Best for: Teams who want complex, visual workflows at a much lower price than Zapier. n8n scores 8.5/10.
Is there a free alternative to n8n?
Yes. Make has a free plan (1,000 credits a month, 2 active scenarios, 15-minute minimum interval), and scores 8.4/10 in our ranking.
Why look for a n8n alternative?
Common reasons people switch: Steepest learning curve of the mainstream tools. Fewer pre-built integrations (500+) than Zapier or Make. Self-hosting means you handle updates and maintenance.