What is the difference between n8n and Pipedream?

n8n is best for Technical users who want self-hosted automation with code escape hatches, while Pipedream is best for Developers wanting code-first workflow automation. n8n starts at Free (self-hosted) and Pipedream starts at Free.

Is n8n or Pipedream cheaper?

n8n starts at Free (self-hosted) and is free. Pipedream starts at Free with a free tier.

Is there a free alternative to Pipedream?

Both n8n and Pipedream offer free tiers.

n8n vs Pipedream

n8n is open-source workflow automation with a visual editor. Self-hostable with code flexibility, while Pipedream is developer-focused workflow automation with built-in code steps, API access, and 1000+ integrations. n8n is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. n8n is built for technical users who want self-hosted automation with code escape hatches, whereas Pipedream targets developers wanting code-first workflow automation.

At a glance

	n8n	Pipedream
Best for	Technical users who want self-hosted automation with code escape hatches	Developers wanting code-first workflow automation
Starting price	Free (self-hosted)	Free
Free tier	✓	✓
Open source	✓	—
Free tier available	✓	✓
Open source	✓	—
1000+ Integrations	—	✓
API Access	—	✓
Code Steps	—	✓
Cron Triggers	—	✓
Custom Code	✓	—
Open Source	✓	—
Self-Hosted	✓	—
Visual Editor	✓	—
Webhooks	✓	—

n8n

Strengths

Open source and self-hostable
Can write custom code within workflows
No per-execution pricing (self-hosted)
Growing integration library

Weaknesses

Requires technical setup if self-hosting
Smaller app library than Zapier/Make
Cloud version is relatively expensive
UI less polished than commercial alternatives

Try n8n → Full review

Pipedream

Strengths

Includes Code Steps as a core feature, purpose-built for automation workflows
Includes API Access as a core feature, purpose-built for automation workflows
Free for 100 runs/day — generous enough for most small teams to get real work done
Includes 1000+ integrations alongside the core feature set — fewer separate tools needed

Weaknesses

Free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade
Developer-oriented tooling may not suit non-technical team members
Complex automations can break silently if a connected service changes its API
Limited team/admin features if your organization eventually scales up

Try Pipedream → Full review

The bottom line

Pricing: Both n8n and Pipedream are free. You can try both without spending a dollar.

Feature gaps: n8n offers Custom Code, Open Source and Self-Hosted that Pipedream lacks. Pipedream brings 1000+ Integrations, API Access and Code Steps that n8n does not have.

Team fit: n8n is geared toward small teams teams, while Pipedream is aimed at individual users and small setups. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.

Open source: n8n is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. Pipedream is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.

Where each tool shines: n8n's biggest strengths are: open source and self-hostable. can write custom code within workflows. Pipedream's biggest strengths are: includes code steps as a core feature, purpose-built for automation workflows. includes api access as a core feature, purpose-built for automation workflows.

Watch out for: With n8n, users commonly note that requires technical setup if self-hosting. With Pipedream, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.

Choose n8n if...

You need a tool built for technical users who want self-hosted automation with code escape hatches
You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
You specifically need Custom Code and Open Source
You care about can write custom code within workflows
Your team size fits the small teams profile n8n is designed for

Choose Pipedream if...

Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting code-first workflow automation
You specifically need 1000+ Integrations and API Access
You care about includes api access as a core feature, purpose-built for automation workflows
Your team size fits the individuals profile Pipedream is designed for
The free tier works for you: free for 100 runs/day