What is n8n? And What Is an Easier Alternative?
Whether you’re just starting to explore automation or you’ve been building workflows for a while, chances are you’ve come across the question: what is n8n? Maybe you’ve seen it mentioned in a YouTube tutorial, on a no-code forum, or while testing different tools to streamline your processes.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what n8n is, what it does, and why some users, especially those looking for a simpler, more approachable experience, are turning to Activepieces as an alternative.
No matter where you are on your automation journey, this comparison is designed to help you evaluate what works best for your needs.
What is n8n?
n8n is a workflow automation platform that enables users to connect apps, APIs, and services using a visual interface built around nodes. It’s popular with developers and technical teams.
It's important to note that n8n is considered a "source-available" tool rather than fully open source. While n8n's code is accessible, its Sustainable Use License includes restrictions on commercial use, differentiating it from traditional open-source licenses that allow free use and modification.
This means you can use n8n for internal business purposes or personal use; however, commercial use may require a separate license.
Use Cases:
- Automating marketing workflows
- Integrating internal tools
- Scraping, transforming, and syncing data
- Building custom operations pipelines
Where Does n8n Get Complicated?
While n8n offers powerful automation, many users encounter a few key friction points:
- Steep Learning Curve: Its node-based interface feels more like a dev tool than a user-friendly builder.
- Visual Clutter: Even simple workflows can become visually overwhelming with lots of modals, settings, and connections.
- Harder Onboarding: New users, especially non-developers, often struggle to get up and running.
- Debugging & Expression Confusion: Managing data across nodes and writing expressions can be frustrating.
What is An Easier Alternative to n8n?
Activepieces is an easier alternative to n8n. It offers the same automation power as n8n, but fully open source, flexible, with a modern, intuitive interface and streamlined user experience that makes building workflows enjoyable, not overwhelming.
Activepieces Advantages:
- Clean, minimal interface
- Visual flow builder with step-by-step layout
- Built-in support for OpenAI, Claude, and other AI tools
- Pre-built templates for common use cases
- Transparent and accessible cloud pricing
TL;DR 👇
Activepieces vs n8n
| Feature | n8n | Activepieces |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Workflow Builder | Node-based (complex) | Step-based (intuitive) |
| Onboarding Speed | Steep curve | Beginner-friendly |
| Templates | Node-heavy | Plug-and-play |
| AI Integration (OpenAI, Claude) | Plugin required (e.g. you need to be subscribed to paid versions of OpenAI) | Native steps (e.g. you get free AI credits to use OpenAI natively) |
| Self-hosting | Yes | Yes |
| Developer Flexibility | High | High |
| Open Source License | Fair Code | MIT |
Common Workflows: Side-by-Side Build Example
Let’s compare a simple automation: email categorization
n8n Workflow:
- The workflow includes 15+ nodes, including:
- Triggers
- Multiple Gmail queries
- Loops
- If/Else logic
- Custom merges
- Expression handling is required
- You must manage your own OpenAI key
- Nested logic and low contrast between flow paths make it harder to debug visually
🔍 What this means: n8n’s approach is technical, layered, and takes longer to configure, especially for those unfamiliar with flow-based logic or nested conditions.
Activepieces Workflow:
Activepieces simplifies the same process into just 8 clear steps:
- New Gmail email arrives
- Ask AI (built-in step)
- Get the current date
- Create a record
- Route based on the AI response
- Send different emails depending on the route
✨ Key strengths:
- Built-in AI step: no need to configure OpenAI keys manually
- No need for loops or merges
- Visual flow is clear: Router paths are split neatly
- Saves time: Setup is minutes, not hours
- AI tokens are included : No extra cost to get started
Tabular Representation of Activepieces vs n8n Workflows
| Feature | n8n | Activepieces |
|---|---|---|
| Steps Required | 15+ nodes | 8 steps |
| Visual Clarity | Low (dense, hard to trace paths) | High (clear vertical logic) |
| AI Integration | Requires external setup | Native step with free tokens |
| Loop/Conditional Complexity | High | Low |
| Setup Time | ~30–60 minutes (with testing) | ~5–10 minutes |
Who Should Use Which Tool?
Use n8n if:
- You love custom code and don’t mind the learning curve
Use Activepieces if:
- You want powerful workflows with a modern interface and faster results
Automation Does Not Have To Be Complex
n8n is a powerful tool, but not always the easiest to learn or manage. If you're looking for an automation platform that is powerful without friction, then Activepieces is the alternative you’ve been waiting for.
Workflow automation is meant to save you time, not drain it. And while n8n is a powerful platform packed with features, it often feels overwhelming for users who aren’t developers or who just want to get things done without navigating complex node chains and manual expression setup.
Whether you're a solo founder, marketer, startup team, or operations lead, spending hours figuring out how to build and debug your flows shouldn’t be part of your daily workflow.
That’s why so many users are now switching to Activepieces
Ready to start automating without the confusion?
Create a new Activepieces account for free here
FAQ Section
What is n8n used for?
n8n is used for automating workflows between applications, APIs, and services, using a visual builder.
Is n8n free?
Yes, n8n community edition is free to self-host under its Fair Code license. However, self-hosting n8n is challenging for non-technical users. Its cloud plans are paid.
What is the difference between n8n and Activepieces?
Both are powerful workflow automation tools, but Activepieces is easier to use and has a more beginner-friendly interface.
Is Activepieces open source?
Yes. Activepieces is fully open-source and licensed under MIT. It can also be self-hosted.