3 alternatives to Make
Compare free and open-source solutions before building your own. Check each option’s license, setup, and limitations.
A polished visual workflow builder with hundreds of connectors and one Docker command.
LicenseMIT
PlatformsOn your server
InstallationRun one Docker container for personal/testing use, or Docker Compose with PostgreSQL and Redis for production.
ModelsAI pieces connect to providers such as OpenAI, Anthropic and Google Gemini using user-supplied credentials.
DataSingle-container mode stores data under ~/.activepieces; production uses PostgreSQL and Redis, with files/logs optionally in S3-compatible storage.
Limitations compared to MakeActivepieces is less mature for Make-style complex mapping, branching and run inspection, and production use still needs infrastructure.
SetupRequires Docker; public webhooks need a reachable HTTPS URL, while production also needs PostgreSQL, Redis and managed secrets.
Facts verified 2026-08-10
A cleaner, smaller automation canvas when your scenarios do not need Make's long tail.
LicenseAGPL-3.0
PlatformsOn your server
InstallationClone the repository and run Docker Compose.
DataApplication and credential data stays on the user's server in PostgreSQL, with Redis for queues/cache; credentials are encrypted.
Limitations compared to MakeAutomatisch's connector catalog and transformation canvas are far narrower than Make's long-tail scenario system.
SetupRequires Docker, PostgreSQL/Redis configuration and secret management; the default sample login must be changed immediately.
Facts verified 2026-08-10
The closest broad replacement, with more self-hosting and fewer glossy scenario diagrams.
Licensen8n Sustainable Use License
PlatformsOn your server
InstallationInstall with Docker or npm; Docker is the recommended production path.
ModelsAI nodes connect to OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Ollama and many other model/vector backends.
DataSQLite stores workflows, credentials and executions by default; PostgreSQL is supported, with binary data in the database, filesystem or object storage.
Limitations compared to Maken8n is the closest substitute but its workflow UX is more technical and self-hosting replaces Make's managed execution layer.
SetupRequires a server, HTTPS and a public webhook URL for many integrations, plus ongoing updates, backups and provider credentials.
Facts verified 2026-08-10
Updated 2026-08-10 · no paid listings
| Tool | License | Setup | Platforms | Stars | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activepieces Community Edition | MIT | Docker on your server | web, self-hosted | 23,604 | 2026-08 |
| Automatisch | AGPL-3.0 | Docker on your server | web, self-hosted | 13,923 | 2026-01 |
| n8n Community Edition | n8n Sustainable Use License | Docker on your server | web, self-hosted | — | — |
They pay because workflows evolve and break; a maintained builder reduces the upkeep. If those points do not matter to you, the options above could save $108 per year.
Is there a free alternative to Make?
Yes: Activepieces Community Edition, Automatisch, n8n Community Edition. This page lists 3 free or open-source options. Check the limitations of each.
Should I build my own Make?
Our verdict: With trade-offs. A handful of workflows can be coded quickly, but Make's paid value is the visual builder, app modules, scheduling, observability, and maintenance. The complete prompt is on the Make page on Vibe Radar.
