---
title: "Activepieces vs n8n: Which is Better in 2026? | App Stack Builder"
description: "Activepieces vs n8n compared for 2026 — pricing, free tiers, features, pros & cons. See which automation & workflows tool is the better fit for your startup."
source: https://appstackbuilder.com/compare/activepieces-vs-n8n
retrieved: 2026-09-12
---

Automation & Workflows

# Activepieces vs n8n: Which is Better in 2026?

Choosing between [Activepieces](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/activepieces) and [n8n](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/n8n)? Both are popular automation & workflows tools. Below we compare them on pricing, free tiers, features, and pros & cons so you can pick the right fit for your stack.

Quick verdict

Both are solid automation & workflows options. n8n is cheaper to start, but the right choice depends on the specific features and integrations you need.

## Activepieces vs n8n — Side by Side

|                | Activepieces                                  | n8n                                               |
| -------------- | --------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| Category       | Automation & Workflows                        | Automation & Workflows                            |
| Pricing        | Free · paid from $25/mo                       | Free · paid from $20/mo                           |
| Starting price | Free tier available                           | Free tier available                               |
| Free tier      | ✓                                             | ✓                                                 |
| Rating         | 4.5                                           | 4.6                                               |
| Best for       | Automation & Workflows — open-source, no-code | Automation & Workflows — open-source, self-hosted |

## Pros & Cons

![Activepieces](https://www.google.com/s2/favicons?domain=activepieces.com&sz=128)

[Activepieces](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/activepieces)

* ✓Fully open-source (MIT)
* ✓Self-hostable — own your data
* ✓No per-task lock-in
* ✓Native AI steps
* ✗Smaller integration library than Zapier
* ✗Self-hosting needs ops effort

![n8n](https://www.google.com/s2/favicons?domain=n8n.io&sz=128)

[n8n](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/n8n)

* ✓Self-hostable & developer-friendly
* ✓Native AI/agent automation
* ✓No per-task pricing self-hosted
* ✓Code when you need it
* ✗Self-host needs ops
* ✗Smaller integration library than Zapier

## Key Features Compared

### Activepieces

* ✓MIT-licensed core
* ✓Unlimited flows self-hosted
* ✓Community pieces

### n8n

* ✓Self-host free
* ✓Node-based editor + code
* ✓Native AI/agent nodes
* ✓Unlimited workflows

### Choose Activepieces if…

* ✓You want a free tier to validate before paying.
* ✓Fully open-source (MIT)
* ✓Self-hostable — own your data
* ✓No per-task lock-in
[Activepieces review & pricing ](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/activepieces)

### Choose n8n if…

* ✓You want a free tier to validate before paying.
* ✓Budget is tight — paid plans start lower ($20/mo vs $25/mo).
* ✓Self-hostable & developer-friendly
* ✓Native AI/agent automation
[n8n review & pricing ](https://appstackbuilder.com/tools/n8n)

## Frequently Asked Questions

Is Activepieces better than n8n?⌄

Both are solid automation & workflows options. n8n is cheaper to start, but the right choice depends on the specific features and integrations you need.

What is the difference between Activepieces and n8n?⌄

Activepieces — Open-source, self-hostable workflow automation with an MIT-licensed core and native AI steps. n8n — Open-source, self-hostable workflow automation with native AI/agent nodes — fair-code and developer-friendly. Both are automation & workflows tools; the comparison table above breaks down pricing, free tiers, and what each is best for.

Activepieces vs n8n: which is cheaper?⌄

Activepieces pricing: Free · paid from $25/mo. n8n pricing: Free · paid from $20/mo. Confirm current pricing on each tool's official site, as plans change.

Which is rated higher, Activepieces or n8n?⌄

In our catalog, Activepieces rates 4.5 out of 5 and n8n rates 4.6 out of 5, so n8n has a slight edge on reviews.

See more options in our guide to the [best automation & workflows tools for startups](https://appstackbuilder.com/categories/automation).

## Still not sure which to pick?

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