7 Open Source Alternatives to N8N

A list of 7 carefully selected open-source alternatives to N8N.

Adrian
Created by
Adrian
Mar 9, 2025Updated8 min read

The open-source alternatives are ranked based on our custom ranking system and score. This system takes into account various factors to determine the best alternatives.

If you’re looking for alternative features or workflows, here is a prepared detailed list of N8N open-source alternatives — each with its own distinctive strengths and key features.

#1
ActivePieces logo

ActivePieces

12,140
1,578

ActivePieces is an open source, AI-first automation tool that simplifies workflow creation with a no-code interface and over 200 integrations. Trusted by startups and Fortune 50 companies alike, it empowers both technical and non-technical teams to efficiently integrate AI into daily operations.

ActivePieces screenshot

Key Features

  • Over 200 integrations including webhooks, HTTP, and popular services
  • Intuitive no-code builder and customizable automation templates
  • AI-powered code generation for complex workflow logic
  • Robust security with auto retry, versioning, and self-hosting options
  • Designed for both technical and non-technical teams

ActivePieces provides a robust platform for building and managing automated workflows while harnessing the power of AI. It supports a wide range of integrations—from webhooks and HTTP requests to popular apps—allowing teams in departments like sales, HR, finance, and marketing to automate tasks without extensive coding. The tool boasts features such as a visual no-code builder, AI-assisted coding, auto retry mechanisms, and secure versioning, all designed to reduce manual overhead and accelerate digital transformation.

Abstra is a Python-based workflow engine that automates and manages custom business processes efficiently. It transforms complex tasks into streamlined workflows, harnessing the power of Python and AI to eliminate manual overhead. Ideal for teams seeking agile deployment of custom automation solutions.

Abstra screenshot

Key Features

  • Python-based engine for custom business process automation
  • Drag-and-drop UI design with VS Code integration
  • Native database management with PostgreSQL tables
  • Seamless integration with various data sources via connectors
  • Secure authentication with SSO/SAML and compliant logging
  • Flexible deployment options: cloud and on-premise hosting
  • Usage-based pricing model to scale with your needs

Abstra simplifies process automation by converting intricate business workflows into efficient, optimized solutions. It offers a drag-and-drop interface integrated with VS Code, native PostgreSQL table management, and seamless Git connectivity. With secure SSO, auditable logging, and flexible deployment options including cloud and on-premise hosting, Abstra ensures compliance and scalability for businesses of any size. Its extensive connector library and customizable widgets further enhance integration and user experience.

#3
Pipedream logo

Pipedream

9,363
5,303

Pipedream is an integration platform built for developers that connects APIs, AI, databases, and more in a remarkably fast and efficient manner. It offers both code-level control and no-code options, enabling users to build powerful automation workflows quickly. Free for developers, it scales from individual projects to enterprise-level solutions.

Pipedream screenshot

Key Features

  • Integrates with 2,500+ APIs for instant connectivity
  • Supports custom code in Node.js, Python, Go, and Bash
  • Serverless, managed deployment ensuring 24/7 runtime
  • Access to npm & PyPI packages and pre-built components
  • Offers both no-code and code-first workflow creation
  • Flexible pricing tiers to accommodate various usage levels

Pipedream allows you to build powerful integrations by connecting over 2,500 APIs in seconds while offering the flexibility to run custom code in Node.js, Python, Go, or Bash. Its serverless deployment eliminates the need for server management, and the platform supports both pre-built components and access to npm and PyPI packages. This enables rapid development from simple triggers to complex workflow orchestration.

#4
Kestra logo

Kestra

16,417
1,385

Kestra is a modern workflow automation platform that empowers organizations to orchestrate and schedule business-critical processes with ease. It offers a unified UI and a declarative approach that supports code in any language, enhanced by over 500 plugins for seamless integration.

Kestra screenshot

Key Features

  • Declarative workflow creation using YAML
  • Embedded code editor with syntax validation and autocompletion
  • API-first design with over 500 plugins for seamless integrations
  • Scalable multitenant architecture with no single point of failure
  • Supports both event-driven and schedule-based automation
  • Language-agnostic orchestration enabled via Docker

Kestra simplifies complex workflow orchestration by enabling users to build, schedule, and monitor tasks as code or via an intuitive UI. Its declarative YAML configuration, embedded code editor with autocompletion, and robust API-first design reduce overhead in development and deployment. With scalable multitenant architecture and support for event-driven triggers alongside time-based scheduling, Kestra integrates smoothly with existing data stacks and tools.

#5
Inngest logo

Inngest

2,600
95

Inngest is the leading workflow orchestration platform that empowers developers to run durable, stateful step functions and AI workflows across various infrastructures. It simplifies complex background processing with a developer-friendly approach, reducing the need for extensive infrastructure management.

Inngest screenshot

Key Features

  • Durable execution with automatic retries and state management
  • Built-in flow control with throttling, concurrency, and scheduling
  • Supports multiple deployment environments: serverless, servers, or edge
  • Comprehensive observability and real-time debugging tools
  • Developer-friendly SDKs for TypeScript, Python, and Go
  • Efficient local development environment with a single-command setup

Inngest streamlines the execution of background jobs, multi-step workflows, and cron functions with built-in retry, scheduling, and flow control. Designed to work on serverless, traditional servers, or at the edge, the platform offers robust observability and debugging tools alongside a seamless local development experience. Its powerful SDKs support multiple languages including TypeScript, Python, and Go, enabling developers to build reliable, fault-tolerant applications without the headache of managing underlying queues and workers.

Automatisch is an open source Zapier alternative built to streamline business process automation without requiring coding expertise. It offers both affordable cloud hosting and the flexibility of self-hosting, ensuring that data privacy and control remain paramount.

Automatisch screenshot

Key Features

  • No-code workflow automation
  • Cloud and self-hosted deployment options
  • Extensive integrations with popular services
  • Unlimited connections and flows in the free version
  • Active open source community support
  • Enhanced data privacy with self-hosting
  • Flexible pricing plans for individual users and enterprises

Automatisch empowers users to build automated workflows with ease. The platform facilitates seamless integration with popular online services, allowing the creation of multi-step flows supported by features such as filters, formatters, and webhooks. Its dual deployment options—cloud-based or self-hosted—cater to various requirements, particularly for those needing vigorous data privacy and the freedom to avoid vendor lock-in. The tool is backed by an active open source community that continuously drives improvements and innovation.

#7
Apache nifi logo

Apache nifi

5,148
2,769

Apache NiFi is an easy to use, powerful, and reliable tool designed to automate data processing and distribution. It offers an intuitive browser-based interface that simplifies the management of data streams and secure communication in varied environments.

Apache nifi screenshot

Key Features

  • Complete data provenance tracking
  • Loss-tolerant and guaranteed delivery
  • Low latency and high throughput
  • Dynamic prioritization and runtime flow modification
  • Browser-based interface for design and monitoring
  • Secure communication with HTTPS, TLS, and SSH support

Apache NiFi provides a comprehensive solution for designing, controlling, and monitoring data flows across diverse systems. It enables data provenance tracking for complete lineage visibility and features extensive configuration options such as loss-tolerant delivery, low latency, and dynamic prioritization. The tool supports runtime modifications and controls back pressure, ensuring efficient and secure data distribution over standard encrypted channels.

Price comparison of N8N open-source alternatives

ToolTier 1Tier 2Tier 3Details
Abstra logo
Abstra
-
Pay as you grow
--Learn more
Pipedream logo
Pipedream
$0
Free
$29
Basic
$49
Advanced
Learn more
Inngest logo
Inngest
$0
Free
$50
Basic
$350
Pro
Learn more
Automatisch logo
Automatisch
-
Free
$20
Single user
$180
Enterprise
Learn more

* Pricing shown is based on publicly available information and may not reflect current rates. Visit each tool's website for detailed pricing information and additional tiers.

About N8N

Whether you're a technical expert or a non-technical team member, n8n.io offers a user-friendly platform for building flexible workflows focused on deep data integration. With 350+ native integrations and the ability to connect to any API or service through custom HTTP requests, n8n.io allows you to automate basic tasks without writing a single line of code. However, if you need more complex data manipulation, you have the option to use JavaScript. With n8n.io, you can build custom scenarios at speed, implement multiple triggers, and even pause flows to wait for external events. The platform also offers painless debugging, bulk operations, and the ability to host on your own infrastructure for enhanced security. It is the go-to solution for customer integrations, backend prototyping, lead automation, CRM customization, and optimizing engineering resources. With n8n.io, you can focus on your KPIs and let the platform automate the frustrating work for you. Get started for free and experience the power of workflow automation for technical people.
This comparison data was compiled with AI assistance.
N8N logo

N8N

n8n is an extendable workflow automation tool which enables you to connect anything to everything via its open, fair-code model.

Founded

2019

Employees

11

Location

Berlin, Germany

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