---
description: >-
  Zentrun supports any automation tool or API — but we recommend these three to
  get started quickly.
---

# Step 1. Build with Tools

***

#### ✅ Recommended Tools

1\) Make.com

2\) n8n

3\) activepieces

***

#### 🏗 **Make.com (Cloud)**

**Best for:** Visual-first users & creators\
**Why it works well:**

* Drag-and-drop UI
* Free plan available
* Fast prototyping
* Most popular among no-code creators and solopreneurs\
  👉 [Learn more](#make.com-cloud)

***

#### 🧩 **Activepieces (Cloud)**

**Best for:** Prompt-based apps, no-code AI agents\
**Why it works well:**

* Free plan available
* GPT blocks and agent support built-in
* Open-source and MIT licensed
* Less popular than Make.com, and pricing jumps significantly after the free tier\
  👉 [Learn more](#activepieces-cloud)

***

#### ⚙️ **n8n (Cloud)**

**Best for:** Advanced automation & integrations\
**Why it works well:**

* Powerful logic handling and branching
* Extensive integration support
* Free trial only — no ongoing free plan\
  👉 [Learn more](#n8n-cloud)

***

#### 🛠 **n8n (Self-hosted)**

**Best for:** Developers & technical users\
**Why it works well:**

* Most popular self-hosted automation tool
* Full flexibility with your own server
* No subscription fees
* Requires additional setup (e.g., `ngrok` or reverse proxy)\
  👉 [Learn more](#n8n-self-hosted)

***

#### 🧪 **Activepieces (Self-hosted)**

**Best for:** Open-source enthusiasts & lightweight hosting\
**Why it works well:**

* MIT licensed
* Easy to deploy via Docker
* No hosting fees if you use your own server
* Less mature and less popular than n8n\
  👉 [Learn more](#activepieces-self-hosted)

***

#### :cloud: What is difference between cloud vs self-hosted



With the **Cloud** service, you don’t need to host the server yourself — but you’ll need to pay according to each service’s pricing plan.\


In contrast, with the **Self-hosted** service, you can use the service without any subscription fees as long as you have your own server or computer. It’s more cost-effective, but it requires additional setup such as `ngrok`, which can be a bit of a hassle.



***

#### 🔌 Already have your own tool or API?

Zentrun is **tool-agnostic**.

As long as your agent or automation has a public URL or accepts input, you can register it on Zentrun.

→ [Go to Quick Start Guide](../quick-guide)

#### Need help?

* 💬 Get free 1:1 support through the chatbot in the bottom-right corner of [Zentrun app](https://app.zentrun.com).
