Pay As You Go - AI Model Orchestration and Workflows Platform
By 2026, integrating AI into workflows is no longer optional, but for many teams, high costs and complex tools remain barriers. This article highlights three affordable platforms that simplify AI workflow automation without straining your budget:
Each platform offers unique pricing structures, capabilities, and scalability options to suit different needs. Whether you're an enterprise team, a startup, or a solo creator, these tools can help automate tasks, save time, and reduce costs.
| Platform | Starting Price | Best For | Key Strength | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prompts.ai | $0/month | Enterprises & creative teams | Unified access to 35+ LLMs, cost-saving | Free plan limits workflow creation mode |
| n8n | $20/month | Technical teams | Self-hosting for control, compliance | Requires technical expertise |
| Relay.app | Free starter plan | Non-technical teams | Easy automation with drag-and-drop UI | Limited pricing info beyond free plan |
Choose the platform that aligns with your team's technical skills, budget, and workflow goals.
Budget-Friendly AI Workflow Platforms Comparison 2026: Prompts.ai vs n8n vs Relay.app
Prompts.ai combines over 35 AI models, including GPT, Claude, LLaMA, and Gemini, into a single secure platform. By consolidating tools, businesses can reduce costs by up to 98%, eliminating the need for multiple subscriptions. The platform operates on a flexible TOKN credit system, turning fixed monthly fees into a pay-as-you-go approach.
The pricing structure begins with a $0/month Pay As You Go plan, offering limited TOKN credits and 1 GB of cloud storage. The Creator plan is available for $29/month (or $25/month when billed annually) and includes 250,000 TOKN credits, 5 workspaces, 5 collaborators, and 5 GB of storage. For larger needs, the Problem Solver plan costs $99/month, providing 500,000 TOKN credits, unlimited workspaces, 99 collaborators, and 10 GB of storage.
This pricing model ensures businesses of all sizes can access powerful AI tools while keeping costs under control.
Prompts.ai simplifies AI workflows by offering a unified interface where users can compare AI models side by side, ensuring optimal model selection and boosting productivity by up to 10×. Its Time Savers feature transforms repetitive tasks into efficient, scalable processes, driving growth in sales, marketing, and operations.
The platform also integrates seamlessly with tools like Slack, Gmail, and Trello, allowing users to connect in seconds. Advanced features include the ability to train and fine-tune LoRAs (Low-Rank Adaptation), create AI-driven agents, and maintain full transparency with audit trails for all AI interactions.
Dan Frydman, a leader in architectural pre-visualization, uses Prompts.ai's Image Studio to produce photorealistic visuals faster, leading to quicker client approvals.
"With Prompts.ai's LoRAs and workflows, he now completes renders and proposals in a single day - no more waiting, no more stressing over hardware upgrades." – Steven Simmons, CEO & Founder
These features make Prompts.ai a versatile tool for a broad spectrum of users.
Prompts.ai caters to a wide audience, from individual creators to large enterprise teams. Recognized by GenAI.Works as a leading AI platform for enterprise problem-solving and automation, it’s well-suited for creative professionals looking to prototype ideas and execute projects with precision. For example, Frank Buscemi, a seasoned CEO and CCO specializing in global brand storytelling, uses Prompts.ai to streamline content creation and automate workflow strategies, freeing his team to focus on high-level initiatives.
Prompts.ai is built to grow alongside its users. Small teams can start with the Creator plan and seamlessly scale up to the Problem Solver tier, gaining access to unlimited workspaces and up to 99 collaborators - all without the need for platform changes.
Security and compliance are a core focus, with adherence to frameworks like SOC 2 Type II, HIPAA, and GDPR. Starting June 19, 2025, the SOC 2 Type 2 audit process will provide real-time security updates through the Trust Center.
The platform’s TOKN credit system ensures that as workflow demands increase, costs remain predictable and tied directly to usage. This eliminates the need for per-seat fees or complex integrations, enabling businesses to scale efficiently and compete effectively without unnecessary overhead.
n8n provides a free self-hosted option, giving technical teams full control over their workflows. For those who prefer cloud hosting, plans start at $20 per month (billed annually), which includes 2,500 workflow executions and unlimited steps. Unlike systems that charge per step, n8n’s execution-based pricing model offers more predictable costs, making budgeting simpler.
Its open-source framework and fair-code license enable deployment via Docker or Kubernetes. For teams with the necessary technical skills, this can eliminate hosting costs entirely, making n8n an appealing option for startups and small teams operating within tight financial constraints.
n8n combines an AI-powered workflow builder with a user-friendly visual interface, while also allowing custom JavaScript integration. This dual capability caters to both technical and non-technical team members. Developers can embed custom code directly into workflows, while others can design automations using the drag-and-drop interface.
For organizations handling sensitive data or operating under strict regulations, n8n’s self-hosted deployment option offers enhanced control over data privacy and compliance. This feature is particularly valuable for businesses that need to maintain tight oversight of their workflow data.
n8n is designed to serve both technical and non-technical users. Developers and DevOps teams appreciate the platform’s coding flexibility, while other team members can use the visual builder to streamline repetitive tasks. Businesses focused on data security and regulatory compliance benefit from the ability to keep workflow data entirely within their own infrastructure.
n8n is built to grow alongside your business. Small teams can start with the $20/month cloud plan and scale up as their workflow execution needs increase. Alternatively, as technical capabilities expand, teams can transition to self-hosting for greater control and cost efficiency. With pricing tied to workflow executions, costs scale in line with usage, offering clear and predictable budgeting as operations grow. This flexibility ensures n8n can adapt to the evolving needs of your organization.
Relay.app stands out by offering an accessible and practical automation solution tailored for non-technical teams, combining affordability, ease of use, and powerful integrations.
Relay.app removes financial barriers with its free starter option, making it an attractive choice for startups and small businesses eager to streamline workflows without hefty expenses. This approach eliminates the need for costly training, allowing teams to jump right into automation.
The platform’s human-in-the-loop feature is another cost-saving measure, allowing workflows to pause for manual review, which prevents errors before they happen. As Salama shared:
"Just ran my first automation workflow with @relay! I wanted to send newsletters from Outlook to Notion, and it was so intuitive that it quickly surpassed previous tools. Huge thanks to @relay for empowering non-tech folks like me!"
Relay.app simplifies automation with its natural language AI agent builder. Users can describe tasks in plain English, and the platform takes care of the rest. It’s equipped to handle a wide range of activities, including research, data analysis, content summarization, information extraction, and decision-making - all seamlessly integrated with existing tools.
The platform supports major applications like Airtable, Google Workspace, HubSpot, LinkedIn, Notion, OpenAI, Salesforce, Slack, and Zoom. It also offers pre-built templates for common workflows such as lead qualification, social media management, meeting follow-ups, and SEO tracking. These templates allow teams to deploy automation in just minutes. Benjamin Borowski highlighted this advantage:
"Relay's 'human in the loop' model is super effective for teams. Not only is this the best designed UI for automation building on the market, they've really thought about how not everything can be automated. Fantastic for building operationalized SOPs."
Relay.app is designed with non-technical users in mind. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it easy for anyone to create sophisticated workflows without coding. Marketing teams can automate social media posts, sales teams can qualify leads, and support teams can summarize daily issues - all with minimal effort. As Peter Jauhal noted:
"I am not a programmer but I can make some really complicated workflows work pretty quickly."
Relay.app also supports growing teams by enabling collaboration through shared AI agents. This ensures smooth integration with your existing tools while allowing for expansion as your workflow needs evolve. Its extensive integration ecosystem ensures compatibility with new tools as they’re added to your tech stack. The ability to build multiple AI agents allows teams to scale their automation horizontally, adding new processes to meet increasing operational demands.
Selecting the right AI workflow platform often hinges on factors like budget, technical know-how, and the level of automation required. Below is a comparison of two leading platforms to help guide your decision.
| Platform | Starting Price | Best For | Key Strength | Notable Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prompts.ai | $0/month (Pay As You Go) | Enterprises and creative teams seeking unified AI model access | Access to 35+ LLMs with 98% cost reduction and enterprise-grade security | Free plan limits workflow creation to "Run Only" mode |
| Relay.app | Free starter plan | Non-technical teams looking for quick automation deployment | Intuitive drag-and-drop interface with human-in-the-loop approvals and extensive integrations | Detailed pricing information beyond the free starter plan is unavailable |
These distinctions highlight each platform's strengths, helping you find a solution that suits your budget and technical needs.
Prompts.ai stands out for its ability to consolidate multiple AI tools into one ecosystem. Its flexible pricing, starting with a Pay As You Go model and scaling up to the Problem Solver plan at $99/month, offers features like unlimited workspaces, support for up to 99 collaborators, and unrestricted workflow creation. This makes it an excellent option for growing teams. The platform provides access to over 35 LLMs, significantly cutting AI costs while maintaining enterprise-level security. A notable example of its efficiency comes from 2025, when Steven Simmons, CEO & Founder, used Prompts.ai's LoRAs and workflows to complete renders and business proposals in just one day - a task that previously took weeks or even months.
On the other hand, Relay.app excels in simplicity and accessibility for non-technical users. Its free starter plan eliminates initial financial hurdles, while its human-in-the-loop feature adds a safeguard by allowing manual review of workflows to avoid costly mistakes. The platform's drag-and-drop interface and pre-built templates enable teams to set up automation quickly, making it ideal for creating operational SOPs without the need for coding expertise.
For those prioritizing cost savings, Prompts.ai offers a compelling solution by consolidating AI subscriptions, reportedly reducing AI-related expenses by up to 98%. Meanwhile, Relay.app provides an efficient path to automation for teams without technical backgrounds, emphasizing speed and ease of use. This comparison offers a clear starting point for choosing the platform that aligns with your operational goals and financial considerations.
When selecting an AI workflow platform, it’s all about aligning the platform’s features with your specific needs and budget. Do you prioritize access to multiple models, the ability to maintain human oversight, or the flexibility to handle technical complexities? With integration hurdles and budget limitations often at the forefront, finding the right fit is more important than ever.
For instance, Prompts.ai simplifies AI management by bringing together over 35 AI models with pricing starting at $0/month. This approach eliminates tool sprawl while significantly reducing costs. On the other hand, Relay.app caters to non-technical teams with its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, ensuring automation remains accessible while keeping human oversight intact.
Each platform strikes a different balance. User-friendly options offer fast deployment but may trade off customization, whereas developer-focused tools provide advanced capabilities at the expense of increased complexity. Free plans can be a great starting point, but premium tiers often unlock the platform’s full potential.
When choosing an AI workflow platform, it's crucial to start by pinpointing your team's unique requirements. Think about elements such as automation needs, user-friendliness, integration options, ability to scale, security measures, and budget constraints. For instance, a platform offering in-depth customization might be better suited for technical teams, while a simpler, more intuitive solution could work best for those without technical expertise.
Compare the features of each platform against your current workflows and long-term objectives. Focus on finding a solution that matches your team's skillset and can grow alongside your needs. Balancing cost and functionality will help ensure you select a platform that provides great value without exceeding your budget.
Prompts.ai offers enterprise teams a unified platform that brings together more than 35 AI models and tools, creating a streamlined solution that eliminates the hassle of juggling multiple, disjointed systems. With the potential to cut AI expenses by up to 98%, it enables businesses to save significantly while maintaining top-tier performance.
This platform is designed to simplify workflows, boost efficiency, and provide strong governance at scale, ensuring AI-driven projects are managed securely and efficiently. By addressing these challenges, teams can channel their energy into driving innovation without being bogged down by fragmented tools or operational bottlenecks.
Relay.app makes workflow automation accessible to everyone, even those without technical expertise. Its user-friendly interface, combined with ready-to-use templates and built-in integrations, enables users to create and manage automated workflows with ease - no coding required.
This platform helps simplify tasks and processes, offering a convenient and cost-effective solution for businesses and individuals seeking to save time and improve efficiency.
