n8n
Best for: agencies building profitable automation services.
n8n is the agency workhorse: open-source workflows you can self-host for free with unlimited executions, AI nodes for agent-style steps, and per-client deployments that keep costs predictable. The execution-based pricing — one workflow run counts once, regardless of steps — is what makes agency margins work: your cost per client stays low while you charge for outcomes. Cloud plans start around €24 a month if you would rather not self-host.
It rewards technical teams; agencies without engineering depth will deliver faster on Make or GoHighLevel. But for agencies serious about automation as a service line, n8n's economics are hard to beat.
Pros
- Free self-hosting keeps per-client costs near zero
- Execution-based pricing protects agency margins
- Open and extensible for custom client needs
Cons
- Needs technical staff to deliver well
- Self-hosting adds operational responsibility
- No native CRM or client-facing polish
Pricing: self-hosted Community Edition free (unlimited executions); Cloud Starter €24/mo (€20/mo billed annually, 2,500 executions), as of October 2026 (pricing checked Oct 8, 2026 — confirm on the official site).
Prices change often — check the official site.