Softwr

Software · head to head

Hasura vs n8n

Hasura logo

Hasura

Software

GraphQL engine that instantly creates production-ready GraphQL API from databases

From
Free
Rated
-
n8n logo

n8n

Software

The fair-code workflow automation tool

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Hasura database support limited to PostgreSQL, MongoDB, ClickHouse, and MS SQL Server only; n8n starter tier limited to 1 project and 5 concurrent executions
  • They diverge on capability: Hasura covers GraphQL API, n8n covers Workflow automation.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Hasura and n8n actually diverge.

Attributes where Hasura and n8n differ
AttributeHasuran8n
Pricing modelopen-sourcefreemium
PlatformsWebWeb, Docker, Self-hosted
Founded20172019

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

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 Hasura

  • GraphQL API
  • Real-time subscriptions
  • Access control
  • PostgreSQL
  • MySQL
  • REST APIs
  • Cloud support
  • Self-hosted support

Only in n8n

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

Both cover

  • Webhooks

What people use each for

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

Hasura

  • Automatic GraphQL API generation from existing databasesnot n8n
  • Real-time data subscriptions for modern applicationsnot n8n
  • Backend infrastructure for web and mobile applicationsnot n8n
  • Event-triggered webhooks for database changesnot n8n

n8n

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

Where each one falls short

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

Hasura

  • Database support limited to PostgreSQL, MongoDB, ClickHouse, and MS SQL Server only

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

Hasura

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Hasura review.

n8n

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the n8n review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Hasura if

  • You need graphql api.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want real-time subscriptions.

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 Hasura or n8n better?
Neither clearly leads. Hasura 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, Hasura or n8n?
Hasura starts at Free and n8n at Free.
Does Hasura or n8n run on more platforms?
Hasura runs on Web. n8n runs on Web, Docker, Self-hosted.
Can I use Hasura for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Hasura best used for?
Hasura is most often used for automatic graphql api generation from existing databases, real-time data subscriptions for modern applications, backend infrastructure for web and mobile applications, event-triggered webhooks for database changes. Of those, automatic graphql api generation from existing databases and real-time data subscriptions for modern applications are not what n8n is typically brought in for.
What can Hasura do that n8n cannot?
Hasura covers GraphQL API, Real-time subscriptions, Access control, PostgreSQL. n8n covers Workflow automation, Visual editor, Conditional execution, Looping. Both handle Webhooks.

Related pages

Other head to heads