Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to n8n · 🤖 automation
n8n vs Automatisch
Self-hosted automation tool that connects your apps and services, enabling powerful integrations and efficient data flow across your ecosystem. Here is how Automatisch ($0/mo open source) stacks up against n8n ($15/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Automatisch is a verified AGPL-3.0-licensed open-source replacement for n8n. Switching from n8n ($15/mo) saves $180/yr per solo seat, or $900/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: Automatisch has far fewer connectors and much less transformation/retry polish than Albato, while also requiring self-hosting.
Automatisch
$0.00/mo · AGPL-3.0
n8n vs Automatisch Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | n8n (Paid) | Automatisch (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $15 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $180 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $180) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $900 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $900) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $1,800 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,800) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source AGPL-3.0 |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 14k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from n8n to Automatisch
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Automatisch has far fewer connectors and much less transformation/retry polish than Albato, while also requiring self-hosting.
How to deploy Automatisch
Clone the repository and run Docker Compose.
What it takes to run
Requires Docker, PostgreSQL/Redis configuration and secret management; the default sample login must be changed immediately.
Where your data lives
Application and credential data stays on the user's server in PostgreSQL, with Redis for queues/cache; credentials are encrypted.
Why fork Automatisch instead of vibe-coding a n8n clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for n8n or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 5 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Flowise AI.
n8n vs Automatisch FAQ
Is Automatisch a good free alternative to n8n?+
Yes. Automatisch is a verified open-source (AGPL-3.0) replacement for n8n. Self-hosted automation tool that connects your apps and services, enabling powerful integrations and efficient data flow across your ecosystem.
What is the catch when switching from n8n to Automatisch?+
Automatisch has far fewer connectors and much less transformation/retry polish than Albato, while also requiring self-hosting.
How much do you save switching from n8n to Automatisch?+
n8n costs $15/mo ($180/yr) per seat, whereas Automatisch is $0/mo. Switching saves $180/yr for a solo user, $900/yr for a 5-person team, and $1,800/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Automatisch instead of n8n?+
Install: Clone the repository and run Docker Compose.. Setup: Requires Docker, PostgreSQL/Redis configuration and secret management; the default sample login must be changed immediately.
