Based only on the facts in our directory. The right pick still depends on the job you need done.
Lower starting price
Not comparable
Not comparable: n8n does not list a price
Free plan
Tie
Both have one
Higher rating
Pipedream
4.4 against 4.6
Same job?
Yes
Both are Automation tools
Side by side
Compared on
n8n
Pipedream
Our rating
4.4
4.6Better
Starts at
Free
$29/mo
Free plan
Yes
Yes
Category
Automation
Automation
Plans
Community EditionFree, self-hosted
Starter€24/mo, or €20/mo billed yearly
Pro€60/mo, or €50/mo billed yearly
Business€800/mo, or €667/mo billed yearly
EnterpriseQuote only
Free$0
Basic$45/mo, or $29/mo billed yearly
Advanced$74/mo, or $49/mo billed yearly
Connect$150/mo, or $99/mo billed yearly
BusinessCustom pricing
Key features
Source-available under a fair-code license, self-hostable
Function nodes for inline JavaScript or Python code
Node-based visual workflow builder
Free, unlimited self-hosting
Popular specifically among developers and technical teams
Inline Node.js, Python, Go, and Bash code in any workflow step
No-code options available alongside full code access
Built specifically with developers as the primary audience
Free plan with unlimited workflow testing
Wide API and app trigger support
Pros
Self-hosting avoids per-task pricing anxiety at scale
Inline code nodes give real flexibility beyond visual blocks alone
Strong reputation and active community among technical users
Genuine first-class code access, not a limited escape hatch
Appeals directly to developers frustrated by purely visual tools
Free plan allows unlimited workflow testing before paying
Cons
Fair-code license is more restrictive than fully permissive open source
Self-hosting requires real infrastructure and maintenance
Steeper learning curve for non-technical users than simpler tools
Less approachable for non-technical users than pure no-code platforms
Full value requires comfort writing real code
Production usage costs scale with actual execution volume
Company
n8n GmbH, founded 2019
Pipedream, Inc., founded 2019
Prices come from each vendor's pricing page, last checked 2026-09-24. Check the vendor before you buy.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Is n8n better than Pipedream?
In our reviews n8n scores 4.4 and Pipedream scores 4.6. The better pick depends on the job. n8n: Source-available and self-hostable, favored by developers. Pipedream: Real code inline, built by and for developers.
Pipedream
n8n
