Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Relay.app · 🤖 automation
Relay.app vs n8n
Visual workflow automation platform for building AI agents and business processes, with 500+ integrations, human approval steps, code when needed, and self-hosting. Here is how n8n ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Relay.app ($15/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
n8n is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for Relay.app. Switching from Relay.app ($15/mo) saves $180/yr per solo seat, or $900/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Relay.app.
Relay.app vs n8n Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Relay.app (Paid) | n8n (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 Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 209.7k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Relay.app to n8n
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Relay.app.
How to deploy n8n
Clone https://github.com/n8n-io/n8n or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
Where your data lives
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
Why fork n8n instead of vibe-coding a Relay.app clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Relay.app or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 7 battle-tested open-source alternatives like n8n.
Relay.app vs n8n FAQ
Is n8n a good free alternative to Relay.app?+
Yes. n8n is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for Relay.app. Visual workflow automation platform for building AI agents and business processes, with 500+ integrations, human approval steps, code when needed, and self-hosting.
What is the catch when switching from Relay.app to n8n?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Relay.app.
How much do you save switching from Relay.app to n8n?+
Relay.app costs $15/mo ($180/yr) per seat, whereas n8n 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 n8n instead of Relay.app?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/n8n-io/n8n or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
