An open-source workflow automation platform. Evolving heavily into 2026, n8n shifted from deterministic logic to 'agentic AI capabilities', enabling visual orch
n8n is the technical team's automation platform: source-available, self-hostable workflows with 400+ integrations, code nodes when you need them, and first-class AI/agent nodes (LangChain-based) for LLM steps. It won the builders' segment that finds Zapier limiting and full code unnecessary.
Pricing: Self-hosted community edition free; cloud tiers from ~$20–24/month by executions; enterprise adds SSO/audit (published pricing, mid-2026).
n8n vs Zapier / Make (2026): n8n wins for technical teams: self-hosting for data control, code nodes, first-class AI agent nodes, and predictable cost at volume. Zapier/Make win for business users: unmatched integration breadth, gentler learning curve, and minutes-to-value. The self-hosting requirement is usually the deciding axis.
n8n for technical teams, data control, and complex/AI-heavy flows at predictable cost; Zapier/Make for breadth-first, non-technical speed. Self-hosting is usually the deciding axis.
Yes: agent nodes support tools, memory, and multi-step reasoning, suitable for production back-office automation when paired with error handling and human checkpoints.