n8n vs Automatisch
Both are free/open-source alternatives to Zapier. Here's how they stack up — verified facts, no spin.
n8n
TOP PICKPowerful, self-hostable workflow automation with a large node library.
n8n is the tool most people mean by "self-hosted Zapier." It offers a visual workflow editor with 400+ integration nodes, branching logic, and code steps, plus AI/agent nodes for LLM-driven automations. You can self-host it for free with Docker and keep every workflow and credential on your own server, or use n8n's paid cloud. Note the license: n8n uses the source-available Sustainable Use License, not an OSI-approved open-source license.
Automatisch
AGPL-licensed, self-hosted automation focused on data privacy.
Automatisch is an open-source automation tool that positions itself as a privacy-focused, self-hosted alternative for connecting apps and building workflows. Its core is AGPL-3.0 licensed and runs on your own server via Docker, keeping data in the EU or wherever you host. Some enterprise files are under a separate commercial license. Its connector library is smaller and its release cadence has been slower than the busiest projects here, so check that it covers the apps you need.
Side by side
| n8n | Automatisch | |
|---|---|---|
| Sovereignty Score | 82 | 85 |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Self-hostable | Yes | Yes |
| Local-first | Yes | Yes |
| License | Sustainable Use License (source-available, fair-code; not OSI-approved) | AGPL-3.0 (core); enterprise (.ee) files under a separate commercial license |
| Pricing | Free to self-host; paid n8n Cloud tiers available | Free to self-host; paid cloud tier available |
n8n is Macrostack's recommended Zapier alternative, so it's our pick here.
n8n
Strengths
- +Runs entirely on your own server via Docker; workflows and credentials stay on your infrastructure
- +Very large node library (400+ integrations) plus HTTP and code nodes to reach almost any API
- +Strong branching, error handling, and built-in AI/agent nodes for LLM workflows
- +Very active project and large community (190k+ GitHub stars, near-daily commits)
- +Workflows export as JSON, so they are portable between your own n8n instances
Trade-offs
- −License is source-available (Sustainable Use License), not OSI open-source; it permits internal/self-hosted business use but restricts offering n8n itself as a hosted service to third parties
- −Self-hosting requires running and maintaining a server and database
- −Fewer prebuilt app integrations than Zapier's 7,000+ catalog; some connections need HTTP/API setup
- −Steeper learning curve than a pure no-code tool for complex flows
Automatisch
Strengths
- +Core is AGPL-3.0, a strong copyleft OSI-approved license
- +Self-hosted by design, with an explicit data-privacy and data-residency focus
- +Straightforward Docker deployment; your data stays on your infrastructure
- +Clear, approachable no-code interface for common app-to-app flows
Trade-offs
- −Noticeably smaller integration catalog than Zapier, n8n, or Activepieces
- −Slower development cadence than the busiest projects here (last major repo activity earlier in 2026)
- −Some enterprise features sit under a separate commercial license
- −AGPL-3.0 copyleft terms may need review for certain commercial redistribution scenarios
Facts verified 2026-07-06. Licenses and pricing change — spotted something out of date? That's a correction we want.