Huginn vs n8n
Self-host pick — both replace Zapier (Workflow automation / iPaaS).
Both Huginn and n8n self-host as a replacement for Zapier (Workflow automation / iPaaS). Pick n8n if you want the lighter footprint — 10min docker-compose, $5 vps for low-volume; $10-20 once you cron-trigger workflows on minute intervals. Pick Huginn if you need single-user / personal automation, especially monitoring and scraping workflows — 20min (Rails app + Postgres) and $5 vps.
| Huginnopen-source | n8nopen-source | |
|---|---|---|
| License | MIT | Sustainable Use License |
| Setup time | 20min (Rails app + Postgres) | 10min docker-compose |
| Monthly cost | $5 VPS. | $5 VPS for low-volume; $10-20 once you cron-trigger workflows on minute intervals. |
| GitHub | huginn/huginn | n8n-io/n8n |
| Replaces | Zapier | Zapier |
Good fit for
Huginn
Single-user / personal automation, especially monitoring and scraping workflows.
Weak at:Not a Zapier-shaped UI; multi-user is awkward; agent ecosystem is much smaller than Zapier's.
n8n
Devs and ops who want code-extensible workflows (every node can call a Function step) and aren't blocked by the SUL.
Weak at:License is non-OSI; if your use case is commercial reselling, this won't qualify.
In a terminal? npx -y github:SolvoHQ/os-alt-cli zapier prints Zapier's self-host options including both —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Which is easier to self-host, Huginn or n8n?
Huginn: 20min (Rails app + Postgres). n8n: 10min docker-compose.
What does each cost to run?
Huginn: $5 VPS.. n8n: $5 VPS for low-volume; $10-20 once you cron-trigger workflows on minute intervals.. Both projects are free and open source.
Do Huginn and n8n replace the same SaaS?
Yes — both are open-source alternatives to Zapier.