Stack

n8n

Item: n8n
Rating: 4.7

“Open source automation that doesn't lock you into Zapier.”

From €0 (self-hosted)Try n8n

Quick summary

Ideal forDevelopers and ops people who want to automate without depending on a closed SaaS

Use caseConnecting APIs, workflow automation, scraping, notifications, light ETL

StrengthOpen source, self-hostable, custom JS/Python code in the nodes

WeaknessUI sometimes slow on large workflows, fewer templates than Make

n8n is the best alternative to Zapier/Make for a dev. Self-hosted = zero cost, full control, GDPR.

Pros & cons

Pros

Self-hosted: unlimited executions at €0 on your own VPS
Custom code: insert JS or Python directly in a node
400+ native integrations (Stripe, GitHub, Google Sheets, Notion, Slack…)
GDPR-friendly: all the data stays on your server
Active community, regular updates

Cons

Server management is on you if self-hosted (maintenance, updates)
The UI slows down on workflows with more than 50 nodes
Fewer ready-to-use templates than Make or Zapier

Pricing

Best value

Self-hosted (Community)

€0/month

Unlimited workflows
All integrations (400+)
Unlimited executions
Custom code (JS/Python)
Hosted on your own server
No official support
Server management is on you

Developers who can manage a VPS

Starter (Cloud)

€20/month

5 active workflows
5,000 executions/month
Email support

Small teams without their own infrastructure

Recommended

Pro (Cloud)

€50/month

15 active workflows
10,000 executions/month
Environment variables
Priority support

Teams with regular automation needs

Comparison with the alternatives

Each alternative has its own page. See all comparisons.

Zapier

Better at:Over 5,000 integrations, very simple UI, premium support

Worse at:Completely closed, high price ($19-$799/month), no custom code, limited logs

Zapier for non-technical teams. n8n for any dev who wants control and GDPR.

n8n vs Zapier comparison

Make (ex-Integromat)

Better at:More visual UI, better templates, more generous free plan on the cloud

Worse at:Not open source, self-hosting is complicated, less flexible on custom code

Make for a nicer UI in the cloud. n8n for full control and self-hosting.

n8n vs Make comparison

Compatibility

Frequently asked questions

Is n8n really free?

Self-hosted, yes: unlimited workflows, unlimited executions. You only pay for your VPS (€5-10/month). n8n Cloud is paid.

Do you need to be a developer to use n8n?

Basic use (drag & drop) is accessible. But to get the most out of the Code nodes (JS/Python) and webhooks, some technical background helps.

Is n8n GDPR compliant?

Self-hosted: yes, your data never leaves your server. On the cloud: their servers are in the EU, and their GDPR policy is published.

Final verdict

Value for money: Excellent

“The best automation tool for a dev in 2026. Self-hosted = total freedom, GDPR, €0 license.”

I recommend it toDevelopers and ops people who want serious automation without paying Zapier $99/month.

Not suited forNon-technical teams who want plug-and-play without server management.

Try n8n

All my tools

Quick summary

Ideal forDevelopers and ops people who want to automate without depending on a closed SaaS

Use caseConnecting APIs, workflow automation, scraping, notifications, light ETL

StrengthOpen source, self-hostable, custom JS/Python code in the nodes

WeaknessUI sometimes slow on large workflows, fewer templates than Make

n8n is the best alternative to Zapier/Make for a dev. Self-hosted = zero cost, full control, GDPR.

Pros & cons

Pros

Self-hosted: unlimited executions at €0 on your own VPS
Custom code: insert JS or Python directly in a node
400+ native integrations (Stripe, GitHub, Google Sheets, Notion, Slack…)
GDPR-friendly: all the data stays on your server
Active community, regular updates

Cons

Server management is on you if self-hosted (maintenance, updates)
The UI slows down on workflows with more than 50 nodes
Fewer ready-to-use templates than Make or Zapier

Pricing

Best value

Self-hosted (Community)

€0/month

Unlimited workflows
All integrations (400+)
Unlimited executions
Custom code (JS/Python)
Hosted on your own server
No official support
Server management is on you

Developers who can manage a VPS

Starter (Cloud)

€20/month

5 active workflows
5,000 executions/month
Email support

Small teams without their own infrastructure

Recommended

Pro (Cloud)

€50/month

15 active workflows
10,000 executions/month
Environment variables
Priority support

Teams with regular automation needs

Comparison with the alternatives

Each alternative has its own page. See all comparisons.

Zapier

Better at:Over 5,000 integrations, very simple UI, premium support

Worse at:Completely closed, high price ($19-$799/month), no custom code, limited logs

Zapier for non-technical teams. n8n for any dev who wants control and GDPR.

n8n vs Zapier comparison

Make (ex-Integromat)

Better at:More visual UI, better templates, more generous free plan on the cloud

Worse at:Not open source, self-hosting is complicated, less flexible on custom code

Make for a nicer UI in the cloud. n8n for full control and self-hosting.

n8n vs Make comparison

Frequently asked questions

Is n8n really free?

Self-hosted, yes: unlimited workflows, unlimited executions. You only pay for your VPS (€5-10/month). n8n Cloud is paid.

Do you need to be a developer to use n8n?

Basic use (drag & drop) is accessible. But to get the most out of the Code nodes (JS/Python) and webhooks, some technical background helps.

Is n8n GDPR compliant?

Self-hosted: yes, your data never leaves your server. On the cloud: their servers are in the EU, and their GDPR policy is published.

Final verdict

Value for money: Excellent

“The best automation tool for a dev in 2026. Self-hosted = total freedom, GDPR, €0 license.”

I recommend it toDevelopers and ops people who want serious automation without paying Zapier $99/month.

Not suited forNon-technical teams who want plug-and-play without server management.

Try n8n

n8n

Quick summary

Pros & cons

Pricing

Comparison with the alternatives

Compatibility

Frequently asked questions

Final verdict

One letter a month, on what I build and what I learn.

n8n

Quick summary

Pros & cons

Pricing

Comparison with the alternatives

Compatibility

Frequently asked questions

Final verdict