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Software · head to head

Appsmith vs n8n

Appsmith logo

Appsmith

Software

The open-source low-code framework

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
n8n logo

n8n

Software

The fair-code workflow automation tool

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Appsmith the free cloud tier is capped at 5 users, 5 workspaces and 3 Git repositories; n8n starter tier limited to 1 project and 5 concurrent executions
  • They diverge on capability: Appsmith covers Drag-and-drop builder, n8n covers Workflow automation.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Appsmith and n8n actually diverge.

Attributes where Appsmith and n8n differ
AttributeAppsmithn8n
Pricing modelopen-sourcefreemium
PlatformsWeb, Self-hostedWeb, Docker, Self-hosted

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown), founded (2019).

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 Appsmith

  • Drag-and-drop builder
  • Database integration
  • Workflows
  • Authentication
  • Custom code
  • Git integration
  • 100+ integrations
  • GraphQL

Only in n8n

  • Workflow automation
  • Visual editor
  • Conditional execution
  • Looping
  • Error handling
  • Scheduling
  • Webhooks
  • 400+ integrations

Both cover

  • REST API
  • REST API
  • Self-hosted option
  • Cloud deployment
  • Self-hosted deployment

What people use each for

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

Appsmith

  • Building internal admin panels over existing databases and APIsnot n8n
  • Self-hosting a low-code internal tool platformnot n8n
  • Custom CRUD dashboards for operations teamsnot n8n
  • Versioning applications through Gitnot n8n

n8n

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

Where each one falls short

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

Appsmith

  • The free cloud tier is capped at 5 users, 5 workspaces and 3 Git repositories
  • Workflows, custom roles and audit logs all require the Business plan at $15 per user per month
  • SAML and OIDC single sign-on need Enterprise, which starts at $2,500 a month with a 100 user minimum
  • Embedding an app privately is Enterprise only; the lower tiers embed publicly
  • Managed hosting is an Enterprise add-on rather than an included option

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

Appsmith

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Self-hosted
    • Community support
  • Cloud FreeFree
    • Cloud hosted
    • Limited features
  • Cloud Pro$99/month
    • Advanced features
    • Email support

n8n

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the n8n review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Appsmith if

  • You need drag-and-drop builder.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Self-hosted.
  • You also want database integration.
Appsmith review

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.
n8n review

Questions people ask

Is Appsmith or n8n better?
Neither clearly leads. Appsmith 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, Appsmith or n8n?
Appsmith starts at Free and n8n at Free.
Does Appsmith or n8n run on more platforms?
Appsmith runs on Web, Self-hosted. n8n runs on Web, Docker, Self-hosted.
Can I use Appsmith for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Appsmith best used for?
Appsmith is most often used for building internal admin panels over existing databases and apis, self-hosting a low-code internal tool platform, custom crud dashboards for operations teams, versioning applications through git. Of those, building internal admin panels over existing databases and apis and self-hosting a low-code internal tool platform are not what n8n is typically brought in for.
What can Appsmith do that n8n cannot?
Appsmith covers Drag-and-drop builder, Database integration, Workflows, Authentication. n8n covers Workflow automation, Visual editor, Conditional execution, Looping. Both handle REST API, REST API, Self-hosted option, Cloud deployment.
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Related pages

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