8 Best n8n Alternatives for Workflow Automation in 2025
by
Ryan ODonnell
Last updated:
July 24, 2025
n8n is a popular open-source workflow automation tool that enables users to connect various apps and automate repetitive tasks using a visual builder. With flexible integrations and a self-hosted option, it appeals to developers and technical teams looking for control and customization. However, many users search for n8n alternatives due to its fair-code licensing model, complex UI for beginners, limited scalability, or lack of certain integrations.
Whether you’re seeking an open-source automation tool, a cloud-native solution, or an AI-powered assistant, the right alternative can deliver better ease of use, enterprise features, or more transparent pricing.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best n8n alternatives available in 2025, including both self-hosted and cloud-based platforms.
Topics:
Choosing between cloud vs. open-source automation platforms
Before selecting an alternative to n8n, it’s important to determine whether a self-hosted or cloud-based platform aligns better with your team’s needs.
Open-source and self-hosted automation tools like Huginn, StackStorm, and Activepieces offer full control over your data and infrastructure. These are ideal for teams with engineering resources that value customization, privacy, and extensibility.
Cloud-based workflow automation platforms like Zapier, Make, and MESA prioritize speed, ease of use, and scalability. With no infrastructure to manage, they’re perfect for startups, ecommerce brands, and growing businesses looking for agility.
Key Considerations:
Self-hosting pros: Full data ownership, advanced customization, and freedom from vendor lock-in.
Choosing the right category comes down to your technical capacity, compliance needs, and how complex your automation workflows are.
Open-source and self-hosted alternatives to n8n
If you’re specifically looking for n8n alternatives that are open-source or self-hostable, these platforms provide flexibility without sacrificing functionality.
A long-standing open-source automation tool written in Ruby, Huginn lets you build agents that monitor events, scrape data, and act based on custom rules.
🏆 Best for: Technical users needing custom monitoring and scripting.
✅ Pros: Fully open-source (MIT License), active community.
An event-driven platform focused on DevOps and IT automation. StackStorm allows you to define workflows using Python, YAML, and rules based on triggers.
🏆 Best for: Infrastructure orchestration and system-level automation.
✅ Pros: Highly extensible, strong for enterprise IT use cases.
A modern open-source automation builder that feels like n8n but with a friendlier UI and more transparency. It’s gaining traction quickly in the developer community.
🏆 Best for: Developers and startups looking for a free n8n alternative.
Originally developed by IBM, Node-RED is a flow-based programming tool especially popular in IoT contexts. It features a visual UI and runs on Node.js.
🏆 Best for: Hardware automation, custom APIs, and edge computing.
A developer-centric automation platform that lets you build workflows using Node.js, APIs, and pre-built integrations. Offers both cloud and self-hosted options.
🏆 Best for: Developers looking for serverless automation with code flexibility.
For those who prefer hosted solutions with faster setup and broader app coverage, these cloud-based n8n alternatives deliver strong performance with minimal infrastructure concerns.
❌ Cons: Slightly steeper learning curve than Zapier.
AI-powered automation platforms
These next-generation tools combine automation with natural language processing, AI suggestions, and predictive actions to make workflows smarter and more dynamic.
An AI automation platform that uses AI to understand your workflows and intelligently automate tasks like order routing, inventory sync, and data updates.
🏆 Best for: Busy professionals who want a smart AI assistant to help get more tasks done quickly.
✅ Pros: Deep ecommerce integrations, AI-powered assistant, no-code builder.
Top alternatives in 2025 include Zapier, Make, MESA, Huginn, Activepieces, and StackStorm — depending on your use case.
Are there any free or open-source n8n alternatives?
Yes, platforms like Huginn, StackStorm, Activepieces, and Node-RED offer free, open-source solutions with self-hosting support.
Which automation platforms are easiest for beginners?
Zapier, MESA, and Make are beginner-friendly with drag-and-drop builders and pre-made templates.
How do AI-powered tools like MESA or Lindy compare to traditional automation builders?
They simplify workflow creation with smart suggestions, auto-generated steps, and natural language interfaces — ideal for users without technical backgrounds.
Can I self-host alternatives like Make or MESA?
No — Make and MESA are cloud-native platforms. For self-hosting, consider Huginn, Activepieces, or even a self-hosted version of n8n.
What you should do now
Whenever you’re ready…here are 4 ways MESA can help you get more done:
Sign up for MESA. The best way to get started is sign up for MESA today. Every plan includes the first 7-days free so you can be assured your workflow is running properly.
Browse pre-made templates. Our customizable workflow templates are a great way to get started more quickly.
Talk to our automation experts. If you need help personalizing any workflow template, guidance how to make any automation or, simply want us to make your workflow, we can help.
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Exploring options beyond n8n?
Try MESA—flexible AI automation for custom workflows.
