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Best / Workflow automation

Best open-source Workflow automation

The best open-source workflow automation in the c17.io catalog is n8n, with Activepieces as the Apache-2.0 Zapier alternative, Huginn for agent-style watches, and Bytechef or Fynt when you want another self-hosted iPaaS. c17 publishes one-click Railway templates for n8n and Activepieces.

Open the stackDeploy on Railway

Ranked picks

  1. 1

    n8n

    Fair-code workflow automation — the c17 Zapier stack, with a Railway template.

    When to pick it: The biggest node library and webhook ingress.

  2. 2

    Activepieces

    Open-source Zapier alternative with an Apache-2.0 pieces model and a Railway template.

    When to pick it: Simpler pieces if n8n feels heavy.

  3. 3

    huginn

    MIT agents that scrape, watch RSS, and fire webhooks.

    When to pick it: Watchers rather than a visual iPaaS.

  4. 4

    bytechef

    Self-hosted AI agents and workflow automation (embeddable iPaaS).

    When to pick it: Embedding automations in a product, not replacing n8n on day one.

    1,022 stars in the catalog

  5. 5

    Fynt

    Open-source visual workflow automation you can self-host.

    When to pick it: A visual builder if n8n and Activepieces are not the shape you want.

How they compare

ToolLicenseSelf-hostBest for
n8nNot listedEasyThe biggest node library and webhook ingress.
ActivepiecesNot listedEasySimpler pieces if n8n feels heavy.
huginnMITMediumWatchers rather than a visual iPaaS.
bytechefOtherMediumEmbedding automations in a product, not replacing n8n on day one.
FyntMIT with branding clauseMediumA visual builder if n8n and Activepieces are not the shape you want.

Related pages

FAQ

n8n or Activepieces?
Activepieces if you want Apache-2.0 and a simpler pieces model. n8n if you want the biggest node library. That is the published stack FAQ.
Is n8n OSI open source?
n8n is fair-code (Sustainable Use License). This site already treats it as the Zapier replacement. Activepieces is the Apache-2.0 sibling.
Are these free?
You pay hosting. n8n's license is fair-code; Activepieces and Huginn are OSI. Template users never pay c17.
How do I deploy it?
Use the Deploy on Railway button on /stacks/n8n-automation or /stacks/activepieces. Both have published templates with referralCode=4xHDyE.

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