Activepieces vs n8n — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Activepieces and n8n to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Activepieces takes the lead with a 4.7 rating and is best for teams who want self-hosted automation without zapier or make pricing. n8n (4.5) is the better pick if you need technical teams who want self-hosted automation with no per-execution limits..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Activepieces | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.7(25) | ★★★★★ 4.5(178) |
| Pricing Model | open_source | open_source |
| Starter Price | $10/mo | $24/mo (Cloud Starter, 2.5K executions) |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Web | web, linux, mac, windows |
| Learning Curve | moderate | medium |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Teams who want self-hosted automation without Zapier or Make pricing | Technical teams who want self-hosted automation with no per-execution limits. |
| Verdict | recommended | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Activepieces | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Open-source automation | — | |
| Visual workflow builder | ||
| Self-hosting option | — | |
| Growing integration library | — | |
| Code steps | — | |
| Webhook triggers | — | |
| Self-hostable open source | — | |
| 400+ built-in integrations | — | |
| Custom code nodes (JS/Python) | — | |
| Conditional branching and loops | — | |
| Community nodes ecosystem | — |
Activepieces
Pros
- ✓Open-source and self-hostable
- ✓No per-task pricing when self-hosted
- ✓Good visual builder
- ✓Active development
Cons
- ✕Fewer integrations than Zapier
- ✕Self-hosting requires setup
- ✕Smaller community
n8n
Pros
- ✓Self-hosted with no per-execution pricing limits
- ✓Custom code nodes handle any edge case
- ✓Open source with full data control
Cons
- ✕Self-hosting requires technical setup and maintenance
- ✕Fewer pre-built integrations than Zapier
- ✕Cloud plans have execution limits like competitors
The Bottom Line
Both Activepieces and n8n are solid tools in the No-Code & Automation space. Activepieces edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.7 vs 4.5) and is the better choice for teams who want self-hosted automation without zapier or make pricing. However, if you prioritize technical teams who want self-hosted automation with no per-execution limits., n8n is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.