01
Make
vs n8nLowest entry price (~$9/mo) with a simple per-operation model instead of n8n's per-execution.
~$9/mo Visit →
alternatives
n8n alternatives (2026)
The cheapest alternative to n8n is Make (~$9/mo). If you want to self-host, MindStudio can run on your own infrastructure. Below: the strongest alternatives, ranked, with the real reason to switch.
closest cheaper pickMake~$9/mo
self-host pickMindStudio$20/mo
total compared6managed and self-host options
Pricing decoded and verified 2026-05-30 against each vendor's live page; volatile figures flagged "verify live".
what you're leaving
n8n is source-available workflow automation; cheapest at scale and free to self-host. The drawback: Billed per full workflow run, not per step. A 50-step workflow is one execution. Cloud list prices are in EUR, and the cheap path is self-hosting.
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Ranked alternatives
Ordered by how cleanly they replace n8n.
02
MindStudio
vs n8nA flat $20/mo platform fee with unlimited runs (AI tokens metered separately) makes budgeting more predictable than n8n's per-credit burn.
$20/mo Visit →
03
Relevance AI
vs n8nBuilt around multi-agent "teams" with a transparent dual meter.
$29/mo Visit →
04
Gumloop
vs n8nBiggest free tier (5,000 credits/mo) and strong for data-heavy flows.
$37/mo Visit →
05
Lindy
vs n8nThe most hands-off "AI employee" with voice/phone, if you want done-for-you.
$49.99/mo Visit →
06
Zapier
vs n8nThe incumbent no-code automation platform with the widest app coverage (8,000+ integrations), priced per task (each successful action step). Now layering on AI via Zapier Agents, Copilot, and Chatbots.
~$20/mo Visit →
n8n vs the alternatives
The baseline against every option, decoded.
| tool | entry price | pricing model | free tier | self-host | mcp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| n8n baseline | €20/mo | per-execution | self-host free | Yes | Both |
| Make | ~$9/mo | per-operation | 1,000 ops/mo | No | Both |
| MindStudio | $20/mo | flat + usage | 1,000 runs/mo (free plan) | Yes | Both |
| Relevance AI | $29/mo | dual-meter | 200 actions/mo | No | Both |
| Gumloop | $37/mo | per-credit | 5,000 credits/mo | No | Both |
| Lindy | $49.99/mo | per-credit | 400 credits/mo | No | Both |
| Zapier | ~$20/mo | per-task | 100 tasks/mo | No | Both |
Dirr is independent and not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by n8n. Tool names and logos are the property of their respective owners. Figures are decoded from public pricing and dated; verify volatile prices on the vendor site before buying.
Questions
What is the best alternative to n8n?
The cheapest alternative to n8n is Make (~$9/mo). For self-hosting, MindStudio can run on your own infrastructure. The right pick depends on whether you optimize for price, control, or hands-off automation.
Is there a free alternative to n8n?
Yes. n8n is free if self-hosted, and Gumloop's free tier gives 5,000 credits/mo. Most listed tools have a free plan to test before paying.
Why switch from n8n?
Common reasons: Billed per full workflow run, not per step. A 50-step workflow is one execution. Cloud list prices are in EUR, and the cheap path is self-hosting.