n8n vs Power Automate
n8n is open-source workflow automation with a visual editor. Self-hostable with code flexibility, while Power Automate is microsoft's automation platform connecting 400+ services with desktop and cloud flows. The biggest difference up front: n8n is free, while Power Automate starts at $15/user/mo. n8n is built for technical users who want self-hosted automation with code escape hatches, whereas Power Automate targets microsoft 365 teams wanting enterprise automation.
| Feature | n8n | Power Automate |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | ✓ | — |
| 400+ Connectors | — | ✓ |
| AI Builder | — | ✓ |
| Cloud Flows | — | ✓ |
| Custom Code | ✓ | — |
| Desktop Flows | — | ✓ |
| Open Source | ✓ | — |
| Self-Hosted | ✓ | — |
| Visual Editor | ✓ | — |
| Webhooks | ✓ | — |
Pricing: n8n is completely free, which makes it the obvious pick if budget is the top concern. Power Automate starts at $15/user/mo, but Free with M365 limits. That cost buys you a more polished or feature-rich experience, so it comes down to whether the extras justify the spend.
Feature gaps: n8n offers Custom Code, Open Source and Self-Hosted that Power Automate lacks. Power Automate brings 400+ Connectors, AI Builder and Cloud Flows that n8n does not have.
Team fit: n8n is geared toward small teams teams, while Power Automate is aimed at enterprise teams. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.
Open source: n8n is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. Power Automate is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.
Where each tool shines: n8n's biggest strengths are: open source and self-hostable. can write custom code within workflows. Power Automate's biggest strengths are: includes desktop flows as a core feature, purpose-built for automation workflows. includes cloud flows as a core feature, purpose-built for automation workflows.
Watch out for: With n8n, users commonly note that requires technical setup if self-hosting. With Power Automate, the main complaint is that free plan has meaningful restrictions: free with m365 limits.
choose n8n if
- You need a tool built for technical users who want self-hosted automation with code escape hatches
- Budget is a hard constraint — n8n is free, Power Automate is not
- You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- You specifically need Custom Code and Open Source
- You care about can write custom code within workflows
choose Power Automate if
- You need a tool built for microsoft 365 teams wanting enterprise automation
- You specifically need 400+ Connectors and AI Builder
- You care about includes cloud flows as a core feature, purpose-built for automation workflows
- Your team size fits the enterprise profile Power Automate is designed for
- The free tier works for you: free with m365 limits
frequently asked
What is the difference between n8n and Power Automate?
n8n is open-source workflow automation with a visual editor. Self-hostable with code flexibility, while Power Automate is microsoft's automation platform connecting 400+ services with desktop and cloud flows. The biggest difference up front: n8n is free, while Power Automate starts at $15/user/mo. n8n is built for technical users who want self-hosted automation with code escape hatches, whereas Power Automate targets microsoft 365 teams wanting enterprise automation.
Should I use n8n or Power Automate?
n8n is the free option; Power Automate charges $15/user/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
When should I choose n8n over Power Automate?
Choose n8n if You need a tool built for technical users who want self-hosted automation with code escape hatches; Budget is a hard constraint — n8n is free, Power Automate is not; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; You specifically need Custom Code and Open Source; You care about can write custom code within workflows.
When should I choose Power Automate over n8n?
Choose Power Automate if You need a tool built for microsoft 365 teams wanting enterprise automation; You specifically need 400+ Connectors and AI Builder; You care about includes cloud flows as a core feature, purpose-built for automation workflows; Your team size fits the enterprise profile Power Automate is designed for; The free tier works for you: free with m365 limits.
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