n8n

n8n is a node-based workflow automation tool that runs on your own infrastructure or their managed cloud. Build workflows by connecting nodes on a canvas, where each node represents a service (Airtable, Google Sheets, HTTP, JavaScript) and each connection passes data between steps. You can write custom code in JavaScript nodes, version control workflows as JSON, and run complex logic without touching a server. The self-hosted open-source version costs nothing beyond hosting.

Pick n8n if you want automation without vendor dependency or if your team has engineering resources to extend it. It's particularly strong for teams who've outgrown simple Zapier-style flows and want either self-control or the flexibility to write custom logic. The learning curve is steeper than Make or Zapier, but power users appreciate full control over infrastructure and execution.