Looking for the best AI agent builder? We'll help you choose the perfect one for you!
Jacob Bank
Founder/CEO at Relay.app
It's time to build your team of AI agents
I build AI agents all day every day. I've taught tens of thousands of people how to build AI agents on LinkedIn and YouTube, and I've directly helped thousands of customers set up their own AI agents.
In my day job, I'm the founder of a small company, but I'm also the sales team, the marketing team, the HR team, the finance team, the support team, and more. And this is only possible because I have dozens of AI agents working for me! AI agents are not just hype, and they're not just for AI experts. They're real; they're incredibly valuable, and anyone can create one. So now is the time to build your team of AI agents!
To get started, you need to pick which AI agent builder you'll use. In this article, I'll give you a complete guide to the 7 best platforms available, newly updated based on the latest launches in 2026.
TL;DR
If you don't want to read a whole article, this is what you really need to know:
Most people should pick **Relay.app. **It's the easiest to use, especially for less technical users, and has the best human-in-the-loop controls.
If you need more integrations, choose Zapier.
If you need a self-hosted option, or if you're highly technical, choose n8n.
The 8 best AI agent builders in 2026
Relay.app
Relay.app stands out because it is incredibly easy to use. Non-technical users that have struggled with tools like Zapier and Make.com can create AI agents in minutes. To create agents in Relay.app, all you need to do is explain what you want in plain language, and Relay.app will create the agentic workflow for you. This model combines the ease-of-use of chat with the predictability and reliability of workflows. Relay.app also has the strongest human in the loop features that keep you in control and ensure that you can trust the work of your agents.
✅ Pros
• Ease of use for all types of users to create their own AI agents with a simple chat experience.
• Visual workflow representation that gives you confidence in how your AI agent will work on tasks.
• Human-in-the-loop features for reviewing or approving actions, so you maintain control over what the AI does.
• Built-in AI credits and model integration – use OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini and more, without manual API keys.
❌ Cons
• Integration library still growing – as a newer platform, it may not yet have every app integration that incumbents like Zapier offer.
💰 Pricing
Free Tier: Yes – includes 200 automation steps and 500 AI credits per month.
Professional: $19/month billed annually (generous for single users or small teams).
Team: $69/month billed annually (higher capacity and collaboration).
Enterprise: Custom pricing for large organizations.
Takeaway
If Relay.app supports the integrations you need, it should be your first choice for building AI agents. Users praise its exceptionally easy UI and smooth experience, which is why Relay is often highlighted as the easiest-to-use AI agent builder for beginners.
Gumloop
Gumloop is an AI agent platform where teams build, deploy, and manage specialized agents using a visual canvas. Backed by a $50M Series B led by Benchmark, Gumloop lets you drag, drop, and connect modular nodes to orchestrate multi-agent workflows for sales, support, data analysis, and operations. It includes built-in access to multiple AI models (OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini, DeepSeek, and more) under a single subscription with no per-model fees, plus features like MCP nodes, custom nodes, and a Workflow Builder Agent. Agents can be interacted with directly in Slack (with Teams, Gmail, and WhatsApp coming soon). Used by companies like Instacart, Webflow, Shopify, Gusto, Samsara, and Ramp, Gumloop is enterprise-ready with SOC 2 Type II and GDPR compliance, VPC deployments, role-based access controls, and Gumstack — a dedicated AI security gateway for monitoring and auditing all AI activity.
✅ Pros
• Multi-agent orchestration: Visual canvas for building and connecting specialized AI agents across sales, support, data, and ops.
• All AI models under one subscription: Access OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini, DeepSeek, and more with no per-model fees.
• Slack-native interaction: Team members can tag @Gumloop in Slack to interact with agents like co-workers.
• Enterprise-grade security: SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, VPC deployments, RBAC, audit logging, and Gumstack AI gateway for centralized monitoring.
❌ Cons
• Steeper learning curve: The node-based canvas is powerful but takes more time to master than simpler chat-based tools.
• Requires technical thinking: Even though it's no-code, understanding programming logic helps you use it effectively.
• More complex setup: Building multi-agent workflows requires careful planning — not as plug-and-play as lighter alternatives.
• Credit-based pricing can be hard to predict: Usage costs depend on how many credits your agents consume.
💰 Pricing
Free Tier: Yes – 5k credits/month, 1 seat, 1 active trigger, 2 concurrent runs, Workflow Builder Agent.
Pro: $37/month – 20k+ credits, unlimited seats, unlimited teams, 5 concurrent runs, BYOK support, dedicated Slack support (250k+ credits/mo).
Enterprise: Custom pricing – RBAC, SCIM/SAML, audit logs, VPC, AI model access control, incognito mode, custom data retention, and more.
Takeaway
Gumloop is a strong option for teams that want to build detailed, multi-agent AI workflows using a visual canvas. Its multi-model AI support, Slack-native agent interaction, and enterprise security features (including Gumstack) give it real depth for complex use cases. That said, the node-based builder requires more planning and technical thinking than chat-based alternatives like Relay.app, which lets you create AI agents simply by describing what you want in plain language.
Lindy
Lindy.ai is an AI personal assistant designed to proactively manage your inbox, meetings, and calendar so you can focus on higher-value work. Rather than a workflow builder, Lindy operates as an always-on executive assistant you interact with primarily via iMessage or SMS — you text it requests, and it handles tasks like drafting emails, scheduling meetings, prepping you before calls, and triaging your inbox. It connects with hundreds of integrations (Gmail, Outlook, Google Calendar, Slack, Notion, and more) and learns your communication style and preferences over time. Lindy emphasizes privacy-first design with GDPR, SOC 2, HIPAA, and PIPEDA compliance, and claims to never sell data or use it to train AI models. Trusted by 40,000+ professionals, it's positioned as a replacement for a human executive assistant at a fraction of the cost.
✅ Pros
• Proactive assistant: Lindy surfaces important context, preps meetings, and flags things before you have to ask — not just reactive to commands.
• iMessage/SMS interface: Works anywhere you can text, 24/7 — no need to open a separate app or dashboard.
• Learns your style over time: Adapts to your writing voice, priorities, and preferences through ongoing feedback and usage.
• Enterprise-grade security: GDPR, SOC 2, HIPAA, and PIPEDA compliant with encryption and no data used for model training.
❌ Cons
• Not a workflow automation builder: Lindy is a personal assistant, not a platform for creating custom multi-step automations or AI agents like Relay.app.
• No free tier: Only a 7-day free trial — no ongoing free plan for light users to get started.
• Text-first interaction model: The iMessage/SMS-centric experience may feel limiting for users who prefer visual workflows or dashboards.
• Limited team customization: Individual-focused product; team and enterprise features require contacting sales.
💰 Pricing
Plus: $49.99/month — iMessage access 24/7, inbox management, email drafting, meeting scheduling/prep/follow-up, meeting recording and notes, learns your style, hundreds of integrations.
Pro: $59.99/month (save 17% with annual) — email triage and drafting, meeting notes, meeting scheduling, ad-hoc tasks.
Enterprise: Custom pricing — everything in Pro, expanded usage, team settings, SSO/SCIM/audit logs, HIPAA compliant with signed BAA, dedicated support and onboarding.
Free Trial: 7 days, full access, cancel anytime.
Takeaway
Lindy.ai is a polished AI personal assistant that excels at inbox and calendar management for busy professionals. If you want an always-on executive assistant you can text, it's a compelling option. However, if you need to build custom AI agents or multi-step automations that connect your tools in flexible ways, Lindy isn't designed for that — a platform like Relay.app gives you far more control over how your AI workflows run, with visual workflow building, human-in-the-loop approvals, and the ability to create agents tailored to your exact processes.
Relevance AI
Relevance.ai is an AI workforce platform built specifically for sales and GTM teams. It lets you create AI agents that handle tasks like lead qualification, outbound prospecting, account research, and customer support — either through a chat-based copilot interface or as fully autonomous "workforces" triggered by pipeline events. The platform offers a no-code agent builder with pre-built templates (BDR Agent, Research Agent, Inbound Qualification Agent, etc.) and connects to 2,000+ integrations including HubSpot, Salesforce, Slack, and Gmail. Relevance.ai is used by companies like Canva, Autodesk, and KPMG, and includes enterprise features like SOC 2 Type II compliance, SSO, RBAC, and data residency controls.
✅ Pros
Purpose-built for GTM teams: Pre-built agent templates for BDR, research, inbound qualification, and customer support workflows.
Multi-agent workforces: Build autonomous agent teams that handle entire processes like inbound, outbound, and onboarding end-to-end.
2,000+ integrations: Connects to HubSpot, Salesforce, Slack, Gmail, and many more out of the box.
Enterprise-grade security: SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, SSO, RBAC, data residency, and version control included.
❌ Cons
Narrow GTM focus: Designed specifically for sales and marketing teams, making it less flexible for general-purpose automation needs.
Steep pricing jump: Free plan is very limited (200 actions/month), and the Team plan jumps to $234/month with no mid-tier option.
Sales-led enterprise motion: Advanced features like agent evaluations, work hour controls, and premium triggers are locked behind an Enterprise plan that requires contacting sales.
💰 Pricing
Free: $0/month – 200 actions/month, 1 user, 1 workforce, unlimited agents & tools
Team: $234/month (billed annually) – 84,000 actions/year, 5 build users, 45 end users, unlimited workforces
Enterprise: Custom pricing – unlimited users & projects, dedicated account manager, custom implementation
Takeaway
Relevance.ai is a strong choice for sales and GTM teams that want purpose-built AI agents for prospecting, lead qualification, and pipeline management. Its pre-built agent templates and multi-agent workforce model make it easy to automate common sales motions at scale. However, its narrow GTM focus means it's not ideal for general-purpose automation, and the jump from Free to $234/month may feel steep for smaller teams. If you need a more versatile AI agent builder that works across departments — not just sales — Relay.app offers a more accessible and flexible option at a fraction of the price.
Zapier
Zapier is a very well-known automation tool (the "OG" of no-code workflows) that has significantly expanded its AI capabilities. Traditionally, Zapier connects your apps: "When X happens in app A, do Y in app B." Now, Zapier offers dedicated AI Agents, AI Chatbots, Canvas (for visually designing automation systems), and MCP (Model Context Protocol) for connecting AI tools to its ecosystem. Zapier isn't an AI-specialized platform like some others here, but its strength is the 8,000+ app integrations it supports. This means you can trigger AI agents based on almost any event (new email, form submission, CRM update—you name it) and then have the AI perform an action or generate content as part of the workflow. Use cases: e.g., automatically summarize every new support ticket with GPT and post it to Slack, or generate a draft email reply when a lead comes in, etc., all using Zapier's workflow editor.
✅ Pros
• Massive integration ecosystem: Zapier connects with over 8,000 apps, so your AI agent can interact with nearly any tool your business uses — unmatched in the industry.
• Mature product and platform: Zapier has a reputation for dependable execution of workflows and extensive documentation + community support.
• Extensive template library: Thousands of pre-built Zap templates (including many with AI) to get you started quickly.
• Expanding AI toolkit: Now offers dedicated AI Agents, Chatbots, Canvas, and MCP support alongside its core automation platform.
❌ Cons
• AI agent capabilities not as advanced: Zapier's AI features are still maturing compared to specialized AI agent builders.
• More difficult to evolve an older product: Zapier's legacy as an if-this-then-that tool can make it harder to match the ease of use that cutting-edge AI demands.
• Fragmented pricing for AI features: AI Agents and Chatbots are separate paid add-ons on top of the base platform, which adds complexity and cost.
💰 Pricing
Free Tier: Yes – 100 tasks/month with two-step Zaps, plus Tables, Forms, and Zapier MCP included.
Professional: Starting from $19.99/month (billed annually) – multi-step Zaps, unlimited premium apps, Tables, Forms, and MCP included.
Team: Starting from $69/month (billed annually) – 25 users, shared Zaps, SAML SSO.
Enterprise: Custom pricing – unlimited users, advanced admin controls, observability.
AI Agents add-on: Free (400 activities/mo) or Pro ($33.33/mo for 1,500 activities).
Chatbots add-on: Free (2 chatbots), Pro ($13.33/mo for 5 chatbots), or Advanced ($66.67/mo for 20 chatbots).
Takeaway
If you already use Zapier for automation, it's a natural step to experiment with its AI features. It's best for scenarios where connecting different apps is the priority, and AI just plays one part in the workflow. It's a safe choice if you use niche tools that aren't covered by other platforms in this category.
n8n
n8n is an open-source workflow automation platform built for technical teams. It combines a visual workflow editor with the ability to write custom JavaScript or Python code, giving users flexibility to build automations their way. With 500+ integrations, 1,700+ templates, and self-hosting options (via Docker or from GitHub), n8n supports use cases across IT Ops, DevOps, SecOps, and Sales. The platform features an AI Workflow Builder, debugging tools with single-step re-runs, and enterprise capabilities including SSO/SAML/LDAP, version control via Git, RBAC, and audit logging. Trusted by companies like Delivery Hero, Vodafone, Microsoft, Meta, and Wayfair, n8n boasts 179k+ GitHub stars and a 200k+ member community.
✅ Pros
• Code + no-code flexibility: Write JavaScript or Python alongside a visual UI editor — no need to choose one or the other.
• Self-hosting available: Deploy with Docker and access the full source code on GitHub for complete data control.
• Execution-based pricing: Pay per full workflow run, not per step or task, making costs more predictable.
• Large open-source community: 179k+ GitHub stars and 200k+ community members providing templates and support.
❌ Cons
• Steeper learning curve: Best suited for technical users — non-technical team members may struggle with the code-oriented approach.
• Limited support on lower tiers: Dedicated support with SLA is only available on the Enterprise plan.
• Self-hosted complexity: Self-hosting requires managing your own infrastructure, updates, and scaling.
• Big pricing jump to Business: Significant leap from €50/mo (Pro) to €667/mo (Business), which may be steep for growing teams.
💰 Pricing
Community Edition: Free — self-hosted via GitHub, standard features
Starter: €20/mo (billed annually) — 2.5K executions, 5 concurrent executions, unlimited users, 1 shared project, 50 AI Builder credits, forum support
Pro: €50/mo (billed annually) — Custom executions, 20 concurrent executions, 3 shared projects, 150 AI Builder credits, admin roles, global variables, workflow history, 7-day insights
Business: €667/mo (billed annually) — 40K executions (self-hosted), 6 shared projects, SSO/SAML/LDAP, Git version control, environments, 30-day insights, scaling options
Enterprise: Contact Sales — Custom executions, 200+ concurrent, unlimited shared projects, 1,000 AI Builder credits, external secret store, log streaming, extended data retention, 365 days of insights, dedicated support with SLA, invoice billing
Startup Plan: 50% off Business for companies with fewer than 20 employees
Takeaway
n8n is a top choice for technical teams that want the power of code with the convenience of a visual workflow builder. Its open-source DNA, self-hosting option, and execution-based pricing model set it apart from competitors like Zapier and Make. The platform shines for IT Ops, DevOps, and SecOps automation where data control and customization matter most. Teams should be comfortable with a more technical setup, and smaller teams should note the significant price jump to access enterprise-grade features like SSO and Git version control on the Business plan. For teams that want a simpler, more accessible automation experience — especially with built-in human-in-the-loop controls — Relay.app is worth considering as an easier-to-use alternative.
Make
Make is a visual-first no-code automation platform that lets you design complex workflows on a canvas by connecting modules from 3,000+ apps. It supports advanced logic like branching, filtering, iteration, and error handling, making it popular with power users who need more control than simpler tools offer. Make has recently expanded into AI with AI Agents (currently in beta), an AI Toolkit, MCP server support, and 400+ AI app integrations including OpenAI, DeepSeek, and Perplexity. The platform uses a credit-based billing model where each module action counts as one credit. Make is well-suited for technical users and teams that need to build sophisticated, multi-step automations with granular control over every step.
✅ Pros
• Powerful visual scenario builder: The canvas-based editor lets you see exactly how data flows through your automation — great for debugging and complex logic.
• Advanced workflow logic: Supports branching, filtering, iteration, and error handling that most simpler tools can't match.
• Strong integration library: Connects with 3,000+ apps, with deep action support across most of them.
• Generous pricing relative to complexity: Make offers more operations per dollar than Zapier, making it attractive for higher-volume automations.
❌ Cons
• Steep learning curve: Make's power comes at a cost — non-technical users typically need 10–20 hours before feeling comfortable, and concepts like routers, iterators, and aggregators take real investment to learn.
• Credit billing can get expensive: Make switched from operations to a credit-based model, and AI modules in particular can burn through credits quickly if you're not careful about how workflows are architected.
• AI capabilities still maturing: The next-gen agents are in open beta and pricing may still evolve.
💰 Pricing
Free: $0/month – 1,000 credits/month
Core: $9/month – 10,000 credits/month
Pro: $16/month – 10,000 credits/month plus priority execution and advanced features
Teams: $29/month – 10,000 credits/month plus team collaboration
Enterprise: Custom pricing
Takeaway
Make is a strong choice for power users and technical teams who need granular control over complex, multi-step automations. Its visual canvas and advanced logic features are best-in-class for those willing to invest the time to learn them. However, the steep learning curve and credit-based billing complexity mean it's not ideal for non-technical users or teams that want to get started quickly. If you want similar visual automation power but with a much easier setup experience — especially for building AI agents — tools like Relay.app offer a more approachable alternative.
Stack AI
Stack AI is an enterprise-focused platform for building and deploying AI agents with a strong emphasis on security and governance. It offers a visual workflow builder for creating agentic workflows, 100+ enterprise integrations, and flexible deployment options including multi-tenant, VPC, and on-premise. The platform is certified for HIPAA, SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, and ISO 27001, making it a fit for regulated industries like healthcare, finance, insurance, and defense. Trusted by organizations like IBM, MIT, YMCA, BAE Systems, and Nubank, Stack AI positions itself as an "AI transformation platform" for IT and enterprise architecture teams. It also provides dedicated white-glove support from AI experts to help organizations scale their agent deployments.
✅ Pros
• Enterprise-grade security certifications: HIPAA, SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, and ISO 27001 — ideal for regulated industries.
• Flexible deployment options: Supports multi-tenant cloud, VPC, and on-premise deployments to meet strict data residency needs.
• 100+ enterprise integrations: AI agents can read, write, and execute tasks within existing enterprise systems.
• Dedicated white-glove support: Hands-on guidance from AI experts throughout the deployment lifecycle.
❌ Cons
• No mid-tier pricing plan: Only a limited Free tier and custom Enterprise — growing teams have no self-serve paid option to scale into.
• Sales-driven model: Most meaningful features require booking a demo and negotiating custom pricing.
• Very limited free plan: 500 runs/month, 2 projects, and 1 seat make it hard to evaluate the platform in depth before committing.
• Steeper onboarding for smaller teams: The platform is built for IT and enterprise architecture teams, which may feel heavy for simpler use cases.
💰 Pricing
Free: $0/month — 500 runs/month, 2 projects, 1 seat, community support on Discord.
Enterprise: Custom pricing — custom runs, unlimited projects, custom seats, all features and data loaders, dedicated infrastructure, on-prem and VPC deployment, SSO, access control, SOC 2/HIPAA/GDPR compliance, dedicated solution engineers.
Takeaway
Stack AI is a strong option for large, regulated enterprises that need robust security certifications and flexible deployment (including on-prem). However, its enterprise-only pricing model and sales-driven approach mean it's not accessible for smaller teams or individuals looking to get started quickly. If you need an AI agent builder that's easy to pick up without a sales call and offers a generous free tier with self-serve upgrades, a platform like Relay.app is a much more approachable starting point.
How to make your choice
Still not sure which platform to pick? Answer these three questions:
Question 1: What's your technical comfort level?
"I'm not technical at all" → Start with Relay.app. You can build agents using natural language without touching any technical configuration.
"I can follow tutorials and learn new tools" → Consider Gumloop, Zapier, or Relevance.ai. These have visual builders that take some learning but don't require coding.
"I'm a developer or have one on my team" → Look at n8n. You'll get maximum flexibility and can customize everything.
Question 2: How important is human oversight?
"Critical—AI can't take actions without my approval" → Relay.app has the best human-in-the-loop features. You can require approval before any action executes.
"I want visibility but don't need to approve everything" → Most platforms work here. Prioritize based on other factors.
Question 3: What tools do you need to connect?
"Mostly common tools (Google Workspace, Slack, CRMs, etc.)" → Any platform on this list will work. Choose based on ease of use and price.
"I need connections to obscure or legacy tools" → Zapier (7,000+ integrations) or n8n (can connect to any API) are your best bets.
"I primarily need AI capabilities, integrations are secondary" → Gumloop or Relevance.ai focus more on AI power than integration breadth.
The bottom line
After testing all of these platforms extensively, here's my honest take:
For 80% of people reading this, Relay.app is the right choice. It's the easiest to use, has the best human-in-the-loop controls (which you'll thank yourself for later), and the pricing is fair. The integration library is still growing, but it covers the tools most businesses actually use.
If Relay.app doesn't have an integration you need, check Zapier first. It connects to everything, and while its AI features aren't as sophisticated, you can pair it with other tools.
If you're technical and want full control, n8n is the choice for you. Self-host it, customize it, and pay nothing (or very little). The trade-off is complexity—you're on your own for setup and maintenance.
The AI agent space is evolving fast. The platform that's right for you today might not be right in a year. Start with something that gets you results quickly, learn what you actually need, and be willing to switch if something better comes along.
Now stop reading and go build your first agent. The best way to learn is by doing.
Jacob Bank
Founder/CEO at Relay.app
Jacob is the Founder and CEO of Relay.app. Prior to founding Relay.app, Jacob was a Director of Product Management at Google, where he led the product teams for Gmail, Google Calendar, and several other Google Workspace products. Before that, Jacob was the Co-founder and CEO of Timeful (acquired by Google in 2015), a smart calendar that leveraged insights from behavioral psychology and AI to help people spend time on their most important priorities. He has a BA in Computer Science from Cornell University and was pursuing a PhD in the AI Lab at Stanford before dropping out to found Timeful.
