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Spreadsheets · head to head

Apache Superset vs n8n

Apache Superset logo

Apache Superset

Spreadsheets

Modern data exploration and visualization platform

From
Free
Rated
-
n8n logo

n8n

Automation Integration

The fair-code workflow automation tool

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Apache Superset no commercial pricing; open-source project; n8n starter tier limited to 1 project and 5 concurrent executions
  • They diverge on capability: Apache Superset covers 40+ Visualizations, n8n covers Workflow automation.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Apache Superset and n8n actually diverge.

Attributes where Apache Superset and n8n differ
AttributeApache Supersetn8n
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
PlatformsWeb, Self-hosted, DockerWeb, Docker, Self-hosted
CategorySpreadsheetsAutomation Integration
Founded19992019

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Apache Superset

  • 40+ Visualizations
  • SQL IDE
  • Semantic Layer
  • Caching
  • Security
  • PostgreSQL
  • MySQL
  • Presto

Only in n8n

  • Workflow automation
  • Visual editor
  • Conditional execution
  • Looping
  • Error handling
  • Scheduling
  • Webhooks
  • REST API

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Apache Superset

  • Self-service analyticsnot n8n
  • Data explorationnot n8n
  • Ad-hoc reportingnot n8n
  • Collaborative analysisnot n8n
  • Embedded analyticsnot n8n

n8n

  • Building AI agents and workflow automation for technical teamsnot Apache Superset
  • Visual workflow design with capability to write custom JavaScript or Python codenot Apache Superset
  • Enterprise deployments with self-hosted or cloud optionsnot Apache Superset
  • Integrating 500+ pre-built applications with custom API connectionsnot Apache Superset

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Apache Superset

  • No commercial pricing; open-source project
  • Commercial hosting available via Preset.io (separate vendor)

n8n

  • Starter tier limited to 1 project and 5 concurrent executions
  • Starter and Pro tiers restricted to Cloud hosting only, not self-hosted
  • Business tier requires 6 months minimum commitment at €667/month
  • SSO/SAML/LDAP authentication requires Business or Enterprise tier
  • Dedicated support with SLA available only on Enterprise plan

Pricing, plan by plan

Apache Superset

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Full Features
    • Self-hosted
    • Community Support

n8n

Free
  • CommunityFree
    • Free self-hosted version on GitHub
    • Open source
  • Starter$20/month
    • 2,500 workflow executions
    • 5 concurrent executions
    • 2,300 AI credits/month
  • Pro$50/month
    • 10,000 workflow executions
    • 20 concurrent executions
    • 13,700 AI credits/month
  • Business$667/month
    • 40,000 workflow executions
    • Self-hosted option
    • 6 shared projects

Which should you pick?

Choose Apache Superset if

  • You need 40+ visualizations.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Self-hosted, Docker.
  • You also want sql ide.

Choose n8n if

  • You need workflow automation.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Docker, Self-hosted.
  • You also want visual editor.

Questions people ask

Is Apache Superset or n8n better?
Neither clearly leads. Apache Superset starts at Free and n8n at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Apache Superset or n8n?
Apache Superset starts at Free and n8n at Free.
Does Apache Superset or n8n run on more platforms?
Apache Superset runs on Web, Self-hosted, Docker. n8n runs on Web, Docker, Self-hosted.
Can I use Apache Superset for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Apache Superset best used for?
Apache Superset is most often used for self-service analytics, data exploration, ad-hoc reporting, collaborative analysis. Of those, self-service analytics and data exploration are not what n8n is typically brought in for.
What can Apache Superset do that n8n cannot?
Apache Superset covers 40+ Visualizations, SQL IDE, Semantic Layer, Caching. n8n covers Workflow automation, Visual editor, Conditional execution, Looping.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Apache Superset: What does Apache Superset cost?

Apache Superset is open-source software available free under the Apache 2.0 license. There are no licensing costs, subscription fees, or per-seat charges for using Superset itself.

Source
n8n: Is there a free version of n8n?

Yes, n8n Community Edition is free and open-source, available for self-hosting on GitHub with unlimited users and workflows.

Source
Apache Superset: Is there a paid version of Apache Superset?

Apache Superset itself is free and open-source. Preset.io offers commercial Superset hosting with premium support, but this is a separate vendor service, not an official paid tier of Superset.

Source
n8n: What is the difference between n8n plans?

Plans differ by monthly workflow executions (2,500 for Starter, 10,000 for Pro, 40,000 for Business), concurrent execution limits, AI credits, and shared project counts.

Source
n8n: Does n8n offer annual billing discounts?

Yes, n8n offers 17% off when billing annually instead of monthly, and provides a Startup Plan at 50% off Business pricing for companies under 20 employees.

Source
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