n8n

n8n is an open-source workflow automation platform for those who want more control and flexibility than tools like Make or Zapier offer. It's built for technically proficient users and teams who want to build complex automations, use their own servers, and not entrust data to third parties.

Like Make, you work with a visual editor where you connect nodes (steps). But n8n goes further: you can write JavaScript or Python in nodes, create custom API endpoints, and run the tool on your own server. This makes it particularly suitable for businesses with strict privacy requirements or complex integration needs.

n8n's AI capabilities are growing rapidly. You can deploy ChatGPT, Claude, and other AI models directly in your workflows. Think automatic email classification, summarizing documents, or generating responses to customer queries. The combination of automation and AI makes n8n a powerful platform for smart business processes.

The great advantage of n8n is that it's open-source. You can run it for free on your own server (self-hosted), which means you have complete control over your data. This is a decisive advantage for businesses in sectors like healthcare, finance, and government where data sovereignty is essential.

The downside is that n8n requires more technical knowledge than Make. Setting up a self-hosted instance requires server knowledge, and some more complex workflows require basic programming skills. For non-technical users, Make is the better choice.

n8n offers a free self-hosted option and a cloud version starting at €20/month. It's ideal for technical teams and businesses that want maximum control over their automations and data.