Reviewed 2026-10-14
Activepieces vs n8n
Two open-source automation tools that can both be self-hosted, differing in breadth and depth.
Our take
n8n
n8n wins on integration breadth and on how much code you can drop into a workflow. Activepieces wins on simplicity: the builder is easier to hand to a non-developer and there are fewer pieces to reason about. Both remove the per-task meter when you host them yourself.
Side by side
Rows marked in colour show which option we think is ahead on that point.
| Criteria | Activepieces | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Integration coverage | A smaller catalogue | Much larger, with community nodes |
| Custom code | Pieces are code you can write and share | JavaScript and Python nodes anywhere |
| Who can build in it | Simpler for non-developers | Aimed at technical users |
| Self-hosting | Supported as a first-class option | Supported, with more deployment choices |
| Licensing | Open source | Fair-code, with commercial restrictions |
Sources
These are the vendor pages we used when writing this comparison. Prices and plan limits change; confirm them before you commit.
Frequently asked questions
Answers restate what this comparison records and link to the vendor pages it cites.
What is the difference between Activepieces and n8n?
Two open-source automation tools that can both be self-hosted, differing in breadth and depth.
How do Activepieces and n8n compare on price?
Both are tiered, so the figure depends on your own volume. Our entries describe Activepieces as: Free when self-hosted; managed cloud plans are billed per active flow. And n8n as: Free when self-hosted (source-available licence); cloud plans are paid. Compare the Activepieces pricing page and the n8n pricing page before you commit.
Which should I choose, Activepieces or n8n?
n8n wins on integration breadth and on how much code you can drop into a workflow. Activepieces wins on simplicity: the builder is easier to hand to a non-developer and there are fewer pieces to reason about. Both remove the per-task meter when you host them yourself.
Where did the figures in this comparison come from?
This comparison is based on the vendor pages we read: Activepieces pricing and n8n pricing. Prices and plan limits change, so check them before you commit.
How do Activepieces and n8n compare on "Integration coverage"?
Activepieces: A smaller catalogue. n8n: Much larger, with community nodes.
How do Activepieces and n8n compare on "Custom code"?
Activepieces: Pieces are code you can write and share. n8n: JavaScript and Python nodes anywhere.