AIArsenal/Compare/Activepieces vs n8n

Activepieces vs n8n

Side-by-side comparison of free tiers, features, privacy, and company background. Updated for 2026.

Activepieces

OSS

MIT automation with MCP support — YC-backed

A truly MIT-licensed automation platform (unlike some competitors with restrictive licenses). YC-backed with MCP support for AI tool integration, it offers unlimited self-hosted workflows and a clean, modern interface.

QUICK START

Self-host with Docker or use the free cloud tier → Build a flow with the visual editor → Connect AI tools via MCP support for intelligent automation

Try Activepieces →View full listing →

n8n

OSS

Self-hosted automation platform — 176K stars, 400+ integrations

The leading self-hosted automation platform with 176K+ stars and 400+ integrations. Think Zapier but you own everything — unlimited workflows, no per-task pricing, and a visual editor that makes complex automations accessible to non-developers.

QUICK START

Self-host with Docker (docker run n8nio/n8n) → Build your first workflow by dragging nodes in the visual editor → Connect triggers and actions across 400+ apps

Try n8n →View full listing →
SIDE-BY-SIDE

Feature comparison

Activepiecesn8n
FREE TIER1K tasks/month cloud; unlimited self-hostedUnlimited self-hosted forever
COMPANYActivepieces (YC)n8n GmbH (Germany)
OPEN SOURCEYes ✓Yes ✓
PRIVACYMIT; true open sourceEuropean; self-hosted
CATEGORYAutomation & AgentsAutomation & Agents
SUBCATEGORYWorkflow AutomationWorkflow Automation
DECISION GUIDE

Which should you pick?

Pick Activepieces if…
  • ▸Developers seeking full control & unlimited self-hosted MIT-licensed automation.
  • ▸AI builders integrating custom tools with a flexible, open-source backend.
  • ▸Teams prioritizing privacy and cost-efficiency with a YC-backed platform.
Skip it if…
  • ✕Users needing high-volume cloud automation beyond the 1K free tasks limit.
  • ✕Non-technical users averse to self-hosting or managing their own infrastructure.
Pick n8n if…
  • ▸Users prioritizing data privacy & full control over their workflows.
  • ▸Devs/teams seeking unlimited, no-cost automation with self-hosted power.
  • ▸Businesses scaling complex automations without per-task pricing limits.
Skip it if…
  • ✕Users who prefer zero-setup SaaS tools and avoid server management.
  • ✕Absolute beginners intimidated by self-hosting or open-source software.
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