Free & open source alternatives to Zapier

4 free workflow automation apps to use instead of Zapier

The best free alternative to Zapier is n8n. Drag-and-drop multi-step workflows, 400+ integrations, and code steps inside your flows.

Other great options: Activepieces, Node-RED and Make.

Quick pick: Self-hosted, unlimited runs and strong AI features: n8n. MIT-licensed and easy to use: Activepieces. No installation: Make on its free plan.

Reviewed November 2026 against each vendor's official website.

Official ways to use Zapier for free

Zapier Free plan limits tasks per month and only allows 2-step workflows.

Free plans and trial lengths are set by the vendor and can change. Check the official website before signing up.

4 best alternatives to Zapier

n8n

Web & online business HealthGood (100/100)209,797

Source availableTechnical setup

Drag-and-drop multi-step workflows, 400+ integrations, and code steps inside your flows.

Zapier-style workflow automation with drag-and-drop steps, 400+ integrations and AI steps. Self-hosted, it has no limit on executions.

Unlimited runs when self-hosted
Write JavaScript or Python inside workflows
Strong for AI agent workflows

Platforms: Self-hosted · Web

n8n details Official website ↗

Activepieces

Web & online business HealthGood (90/100)25,423

Open sourceTechnical setup

Open source under the MIT license, with an interface as easy as Zapier's.

Open-source (MIT) automation tool as easy to use as Zapier, with many integrations and AI steps. It can be self-hosted.

Community edition under the MIT license
Easier than n8n for non-programmers

Platforms: Self-hosted · Web

Activepieces details Official website ↗

Node-RED

Web & online business HealthGood (95/100)23,823

Open sourceTechnical setup

Strong for devices, IoT and factory automation.

Open-source visual programming tool for IoT and factories that links devices to web services and databases.

Runs on a Raspberry Pi or other small machines
Strong MQTT, device and sensor support

Platforms: Self-hosted

Node-RED details Official website ↗

Make

Web & online business

FreemiumSome learning curve

A hosted service with 1,000 free operations per month.

Online automation service (formerly Integromat) where you build workflows on a visual diagram. The free plan includes 1,000 operations a month.

Nothing to install
Visual workflow builder with many integrations

Platforms: Web

Make details Official website ↗

Quick comparison

App	Type	Platforms	Ease of use	GitHub stars
n8n	Source available	Self-hosted, Web	Technical setup	209,797
Activepieces	Open source	Self-hosted, Web	Technical setup	25,423
Node-RED	Open source	Self-hosted	Technical setup	23,823
Make	Freemium	Web	Some learning curve	—

Open source: anyone can use, study and modify it, including businesses. Free: no cost, but the code is closed. Freemium: a lasting free plan with paid tiers for extra features. Source available: code is public but the license adds conditions.

FAQ

What is the best free alternative to Zapier?

The most popular picks are n8n, Activepieces, Node-RED and Make. Self-hosted, unlimited runs and strong AI features: n8n. MIT-licensed and easy to use: Activepieces. No installation: Make on its free plan.