What is the difference between n8n and Tray.io?

n8n is best for Technical users who want self-hosted automation with code escape hatches, while Tray.io is best for Enterprises needing complex multi-step integrations. n8n starts at Free (self-hosted) and Tray.io starts at $595/mo.

Is n8n or Tray.io cheaper?

n8n starts at Free (self-hosted) and is free. Tray.io starts at $595/mo.

n8n vs Tray.io

n8n is open-source workflow automation with a visual editor. Self-hostable with code flexibility, while Tray.io is enterprise automation platform for complex workflows with AI-powered building and deep integrations. The biggest difference up front: n8n is free, while Tray.io starts at $595/mo. n8n is built for technical users who want self-hosted automation with code escape hatches, whereas Tray.io targets enterprises needing complex multi-step integrations.

At a glance

	n8n	Tray.io
Best for	Technical users who want self-hosted automation with code escape hatches	Enterprises needing complex multi-step integrations
Starting price	Free (self-hosted)	$595/mo
Free tier	✓	—
Open source	✓	—
Free tier available	✓	—
Open source	✓	—
AI Builder	—	✓
API Management	—	✓
Custom Code	✓	—
Enterprise iPaaS	—	✓
Multi-Step	—	✓
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

Tray.io

Strengths

Includes Enterprise iPaaS as a core feature, purpose-built for automation workflows
Includes AI Builder as a core feature, purpose-built for automation workflows
Pricing starts at $595/mo, which includes the full automation feature set
Established product with 14+ years on the market and a mature ecosystem

Weaknesses

Starts at $595/mo — on the expensive side, especially for small teams or solo users
Enterprise-focused design means the interface can feel heavy for smaller teams
Complex automations can break silently if a connected service changes its API
Overkill for freelancers or small teams who need something lightweight

Try Tray.io → Full review

The bottom line

Pricing: n8n is completely free, which makes it the obvious pick if budget is the top concern. Tray.io starts at $595/mo. That cost buys you a more polished or feature-rich experience, so it comes down to whether the extras justify the spend.

Feature gaps: n8n offers Custom Code, Open Source and Self-Hosted that Tray.io lacks. Tray.io brings AI Builder, API Management and Enterprise iPaaS that n8n does not have.

Team fit: n8n is geared toward small teams teams, while Tray.io is aimed at enterprise teams. 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. Tray.io 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. Tray.io's biggest strengths are: includes enterprise ipaas as a core feature, purpose-built for automation workflows. includes ai builder 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 Tray.io, the main complaint is that starts at $595/mo — on the expensive side, especially for small teams or solo users.

Choose n8n if...

You need a tool built for technical users who want self-hosted automation with code escape hatches
Budget is a hard constraint — n8n is free, Tray.io is not
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

Choose Tray.io if...

You need a tool built for enterprises needing complex multi-step integrations
You specifically need AI Builder and API Management
You care about includes ai builder as a core feature, purpose-built for automation workflows
Your team size fits the enterprise profile Tray.io is designed for