5 Awesome n8n Alternatives

n8n is the hottest "ai native" automation tool on the market right now. Basically no-code for AI workflows, BUT the pricing can be a bit daunting, with the cheapest paid plan starting at 24/month with a lot of limitations. If you're not confident enough in self-hosting n8n you might be looking for an alternative to n8n. In this blog post we're going to take a look at 5 of the most relevant alternatives to n8n!

Let's automate some stuff!:D

1. Zapier

Zapier is a widely-used, cloud-based automation tool that connects over 7,000 apps with a user-friendly interface, enabling no-code workflows called "Zaps"

• Features: Multi-step workflows (Zaps), conditional logic, data formatting, and a vast library of pre-built integrations.
• Why You Should Use It: Its simplicity and extensive app ecosystem make it ideal for non-technical users who need quick, reliable automations without coding.
• Why Not: Limited customization for advanced users, and pricing can escalate quickly with higher usage, making it less cost-effective for complex or high-volume workflows.
• Pricing: Free tier (100 tasks/month, single-step Zaps); paid plans start at $19.99/month (750 tasks) up to $69/month (2,000 tasks), with enterprise options available.

2. Make (formerly Integromat)

Make is a visual, no-code automation platform that offers detailed control over workflows with a drag-and-drop interface, suitable for both simple and complex automations.

• Features: Visual workflow builder, advanced conditional logic, error handling, data transformation, and over 1,500 app integrations.
• Why You Should Use It: Offers granular control and flexibility, making it great for users who want to design intricate workflows without coding.
• Why Not: Steeper learning curve than Zapier, and pricing is based on "operations," which can become expensive for heavy users.
• Pricing: Free tier (1,000 operations/month); paid plans start at $9/month (10,000 operations) up to $29/month (40,000 operations), with custom enterprise pricing.

3. Latenode

Latenode is an emerging automation tool that blends no-code and low-code capabilities with AI-driven features, offering a flexible alternative to n8n.

• Features: Visual editor, AI copilot for code generation, custom JavaScript/TypeScript nodes, and a growing library of integrations.
• Why You Should Use It: Combines ease of use with powerful customization, including AI enhancements, at a transparent, usage-based price—ideal for tech-savvy users or businesses seeking innovation.
• Why Not: Smaller integration library compared to Zapier or Make, and requires some technical knowledge for advanced features.
• Pricing: Free tier (limited usage); paid plans start at $17/month (10,000 scenarios), with pricing based on real resource usage rather than tasks or operations.

4. Pipedream

Pipedream is a developer-focused, cloud-based platform that combines pre-built integrations with custom code (JavaScript, Python, etc.) for highly customizable workflows.

• Features: Code-level customization, 1,000+ integrations, event-driven triggers, and a free self-hosting option via open-source code.
• Why You Should Use It: Perfect for developers who need flexibility and control, with a generous free tier and cost-effective scaling.
• Why Not: Requires coding skills for full potential, and the interface may feel less intuitive for non-technical users.
• Pricing: Free tier (10,000 credits/month, ~10,000 invocations); paid plans start at $19/month (20,000 credits) up to $99/month (100,000 credits).

5. Node-RED

Node-RED is an open-source, low-code tool designed for IoT and API-driven workflows, using a flow-based visual editor that appeals to developers and hobbyists.

• Features: Flow-based programming, custom JavaScript functions, extensive community-contributed nodes, and self-hosting capability.
• Why You Should Use It: Free, highly customizable, and ideal for IoT projects or users comfortable with self-hosting and some coding.
• Why Not: Steep learning curve, limited native integrations (relies on community nodes), and requires setup/maintenance for self-hosting.
• Pricing: Completely free (open-source, self-hosted).

Conclusion

Each tool caters to different needs: Zapier for simplicity, Make for control, Latenode for innovation, Pipedream for developers, and Node-RED for cost-free customization. Choose based on your technical skill, budget, and workflow complexity!

Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments!

Cheers,

Jonas, Co-Founder sliplane.io