n8n vs Windmill — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of n8n and Windmill 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.. Windmill (4.2) is the better pick if you need developers who prefer code but want visual orchestration.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | n8n | Windmill |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.5(178) | ★★★★ 4.2(45) |
| Pricing Model | open_source | freemium |
| Starter Price | $24/mo (Cloud Starter, 2.5K executions) | $10/user/mo (cloud) |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web, linux, mac, windows | Web, Self-hosted |
| Learning Curve | medium | Medium |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Technical teams who want self-hosted automation with no per-execution limits. | Developers who prefer code but want visual orchestration |
| Verdict | recommended | Best Code-First Automation |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | n8n | Windmill |
|---|---|---|
| Self-hostable open source | — | |
| Visual workflow builder | — | |
| 400+ built-in integrations | — | |
| Custom code nodes (JS/Python) | — | |
| Conditional branching and loops | — | |
| Community nodes ecosystem | — | |
| Script to App | — | |
| Workflow Engine | — | |
| Scheduling | — | |
| Auto-Generated UI | — | |
| Approval Flows | — |
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
Windmill
Pros
- ✓Code-first approach
- ✓Multi-language support
- ✓Excellent self-hosted option
Cons
- ✕Smaller community
- ✕Steeper learning curve for non-devs
- ✕Fewer pre-built components
The Bottom Line
Both n8n and Windmill are solid tools in the No-Code & Automation space. n8n edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.5 vs 4.2) and is the better choice for technical teams who want self-hosted automation with no per-execution limits.. However, if you prioritize developers who prefer code but want visual orchestration, Windmill is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.