n8n Cloud alternatives: 3 free & open-source picks
Compare recorded free and open-source options, their capabilities and operating requirements. Source dates are shown below; licenses, hosted limits and project activity can change.
A genuinely open-source workflow runner with a simpler one-container path.
licenseMIT
runsyour server
installRun one Docker container for personal/testing use, or Docker Compose with PostgreSQL and Redis for production.
enginesAI pieces connect to providers such as OpenAI, Anthropic and Google Gemini using user-supplied credentials.
dataSingle-container mode stores data under ~/.activepieces; production uses PostgreSQL and Redis, with files/logs optionally in S3-compatible storage.
the catch vs n8n CloudActivepieces has a smaller node ecosystem and requires you to provide the uptime, upgrades, backups and security n8n Cloud manages.
setupRequires Docker; public webhooks need a reachable HTTPS URL, while production also needs PostgreSQL, Redis and managed secrets.
facts verified 2026-08-10
A smaller AGPL automation server for people who do not need n8n's entire ecosystem.
licenseAGPL-3.0
runsyour server
installClone the repository and run Docker Compose.
dataApplication and credential data stays on the user's server in PostgreSQL, with Redis for queues/cache; credentials are encrypted.
the catch vs n8n CloudAutomatisch is much narrower than n8n's ecosystem and still leaves every operational responsibility with you.
setupRequires Docker, PostgreSQL/Redis configuration and secret management; the default sample login must be changed immediately.
facts verified 2026-08-10
The same workflow engine without the cloud bill; you inherit updates, backups, and uptime.
licensen8n Sustainable Use License
runsyour server
installInstall with Docker or npm; Docker is the recommended production path.
enginesAI nodes connect to OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Ollama and many other model/vector backends.
dataSQLite stores workflows, credentials and executions by default; PostgreSQL is supported, with binary data in the database, filesystem or object storage.
the catch vs n8n CloudIt is the same core workflow engine, but the cloud plan's managed upgrades, backups, availability and support all disappear.
setupRequires a server, HTTPS and a public webhook URL for many integrations, plus ongoing updates, backups and provider credentials.
facts verified 2026-08-10
latest recorded source check 2026-08-10 · check current terms at the source
| tool | license | running it | platforms | stars | active |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activepieces Community Edition | MIT | docker to self-host | web, self-hosted | 23,604 | 2026-08 |
| Automatisch | AGPL-3.0 | docker to self-host | web, self-hosted | 13,923 | 2026-01 |
| n8n Community Edition | n8n Sustainable Use License | docker to self-host | web, self-hosted | — | — |
They pay to avoid maintaining an automation server that their business workflows depend on. The recorded subscription totals $332.76 a year before any costs of an alternative.
Questions about these alternatives
Is there a free alternative to n8n Cloud?
Yes: Activepieces Community Edition, Automatisch, n8n Community Edition. These are recorded free or open-source options. Compare their feature limits, licenses, hosting costs and current availability before choosing.
Should I just build my own n8n Cloud?
Our verdict is YES. n8n offers self-hosting under its applicable source-available license terms. A permitted self-hosted deployment can cover the core workflow, while hosting, updates, backups and some licensed features remain separate responsibilities. Review the scope, implementation prompt and trade-offs in the n8n Cloud build guide.
