Classic automation is deterministic: when this happens, do that. Agent platforms are not — they decide what to do, which is powerful exactly where the work varies and dangerous exactly where a wrong result is expensive to discover. Start by deciding which kind of job you have.
Side by side
| Tool | Kind | Best when | Roughly | Deep link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| n8n | Connector | You sell automations or run real volume | Free self-hosted, cloud ~€20/mo | — |
| Make | Connector | Quick connections without hosting anything | Free tier | — |
| Zapier | Connector | The one app your client uses is only here | Free tier, then ~$20+/mo | — |
| Creao | Agent | You want the job finished, not drafted | Free tier, then paid · code AFF20 | Visit |
| MuleRun | Agent | Repetitive work where checking takes seconds | Free tier, then paid | Visit |
Pick by what you are actually doing
You want the cheapest thing that works
Make. Free tier, visual, and a much lower barrier than n8n for connecting two tools this afternoon.
You automate for clients, or run high volume
n8n. Self-hosted it is free and yours, which matters when the automation is the product you are selling.
The app you need is only on one platform
Zapier. It has the most integrations and the highest price, and when that specific app is the whole job, that trade is fine.
The task varies each time and a draft is not enough
Creao. It turns a conversation into a reusable app connected to your accounts — check what it is allowed to reach before you grant access.
Try CreaoThe work is repetitive and easy to verify
MuleRun. The rule that keeps agents profitable: only hand over jobs where checking the result takes seconds.
Try MuleRunWhere this comes from
Playbook 01 — Claude Code Operator
Automation you sell is a different business from automation you use. The book covers the offer, the pricing and the handover — including keeping everything in the client’s own accounts.
Read it — €20 All eight — €50The Short Version
Every conclusion from all eight playbooks. 97 chapters, 46 pages, free.