Bolt.new vs n8n — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Bolt.new and n8n to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
n8n takes the lead with a 4.5 rating and is best for technical teams who want self-hosted automation with no per-execution limits.. Bolt.new (3.6) is the better pick if you need developers who want to prototype and deploy full-stack apps quickly in the browser.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Bolt.new | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 3.6(21) | ★★★★★ 4.5(178) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | open_source |
| Starter Price | $20/mo | $24/mo (Cloud Starter, 2.5K executions) |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Web | web, linux, mac, windows |
| Learning Curve | easy | medium |
| API Available | No | Yes |
| Best For | Developers who want to prototype and deploy full-stack apps quickly in the browser | Technical teams who want self-hosted automation with no per-execution limits. |
| Verdict | recommended | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Bolt.new | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Browser-based development | — | |
| Built-in database and auth | — | |
| File storage | — | |
| One-click hosting | — | |
| Edge functions | — | |
| Real-time preview | — | |
| Self-hostable open source | — | |
| Visual workflow builder | — | |
| 400+ built-in integrations | — | |
| Custom code nodes (JS/Python) | — | |
| Conditional branching and loops | — | |
| Community nodes ecosystem | — |
Bolt.new
Pros
- ✓Everything in the browser
- ✓Built-in infrastructure
- ✓Fast prototyping
- ✓Good free tier
Cons
- ✕Browser limitations for large projects
- ✕Less control than local development
- ✕Hosting tied to platform
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 Bolt.new and n8n are solid tools in the No-Code & Automation space. n8n edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.5 vs 3.6) and is the better choice for technical teams who want self-hosted automation with no per-execution limits.. However, if you prioritize developers who want to prototype and deploy full-stack apps quickly in the browser, Bolt.new is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.