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n8n: Source-Available Zapier-Class Automation

Source-available workflow automation under the Sustainable Use License (not OSI).

n8n official website Open Graph artwork used to identify the automation product
Official project image. Source · License: n8n product image.
License
other
Stars
208,008 (2026-10-19)
Platforms
Docker, Linux, macOS, Windows
First seen
2019-06-22

TL;DR. n8n is Source-available workflow automation under the Sustainable Use License (not OSI). License: other (verified). Platforms: Docker, Linux, macOS, Windows. Price: open-core. Runs locally: yes. It is an alternative to Zapier.

Namen8n
LanguageTypeScript
Licenseother
Pricingopen-core
PlatformsDocker, Linux, macOS, Windows
Runs locallyYes
Stats208,008 stars · 61,192 forks (as of 2026-10-19)
First seen2019-06-22
Repositoryhttps://github.com/n8n-io/n8n

n8n is a source-available workflow automation platform. Official hosts we opened on 2026-10-19: n8n-io/n8n (208,008 stars, 61,192 forks, last push 2026-10-19, latest release [email protected]), n8n.io.

The README calls it “Fair-code” with 400+ integrations. License is Sustainable Use License, not OSI. Compare n8n vs Zapier. OSI rows: Zapier alternatives.

Comparisons

FAQ

Is n8n open source?

The repo is public (208,008 stars, last push 2026-10-19) but LICENSE.md is the Sustainable Use License, not MIT/Apache/GPL. The Zapier hub excludes it from the OSI table for that reason. See n8n vs Zapier. Not legal advice.

Can I self-host n8n?

Yes for the uses the SUL allows (internal / personal). Hosting it as a competing service is restricted. Read LICENSE.md.

What are OSI-approved Zapier alternatives on this site?

Activepieces (MIT core) and Automatisch (AGPL-3.0) on Zapier alternatives.

Sources & verification

Last verified 2026-10-19 · Last updated 2026-10-19· Edited by forkalt editors · Editorial policy

License notes are not legal advice. Read the original LICENSE. Trademark & disclaimer.