n8n

Open SourceOtherSelf-hostable

Source-available workflow automation with 400+ integrations, a visual node editor and native AI/LLM nodes — a powerful, code-friendly alternative to Zapier.

Open source alternative to

Zapier

Visit n8n View source

About n8n

n8n gives technical teams a visual, node-based workflow editor with the escape hatch Zapier lacks: you can drop in custom JavaScript or Python at any step, so 400+ built-in integrations never become a hard ceiling on what a workflow can do.

Native AI and LLM nodes make it a genuine platform for building agents, not just connecting apps. It's source-available under a fair-code license and self-hostable, backed by one of the largest and most active open-source automation communities.

Key features

Visual node editor — Build workflows by connecting nodes on a canvas, with a live preview of data at each step.
Native AI & agent nodes — Purpose-built nodes for LLMs, agents and vector stores, not just bolted-on AI.
Custom code steps — Drop JavaScript or Python into any workflow step when a built-in node isn't enough.
Self-hostable — Run n8n on your own infrastructure under its fair-code license.

The honest read

What we like

Custom JS/Python code steps for full control
Native AI/LLM nodes for building agents
Generous self-hosted fair-code license
Huge, active community
400+ built-in integrations

Worth knowing

Fair-code license restricts reselling n8n as a competing hosted service
Steeper learning curve than Zapier for non-technical users
Self-hosting at scale needs proper queue/worker configuration
Some premium nodes are reserved for paid plans

FAQ

Is n8n free to use?

Yes — n8n is free to self-host under its fair-code license. A paid cloud plan is also available.

Is n8n fully open source?

n8n is source-available under a fair-code license, which allows self-hosting and modification but restricts offering it as a competing hosted service.

Can n8n use AI and LLMs?

Yes — n8n has native nodes for LLMs, agents and vector stores, making it suitable for building AI workflows, not just app-to-app automation.

How is n8n different from Zapier?

n8n lets you drop in custom code at any workflow step and is self-hostable, while Zapier is a closed-source, cloud-only SaaS with a simpler but more limited no-code model.