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KeystoneJS vs n8n

KeystoneJS logo

KeystoneJS

Software

Powerful Node.js headless CMS framework and API platform

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: KeystoneJS database support is limited to PostgreSQL, MySQL and SQLite; n8n starter tier limited to 1 project and 5 concurrent executions
  • They diverge on capability: KeystoneJS covers GraphQL API, n8n covers Workflow automation.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which KeystoneJS and n8n actually diverge.

Attributes where KeystoneJS and n8n differ
AttributeKeystoneJSn8n
Pricing modelopen-sourcefreemium
PlatformsNode.js, Self-hostedWeb, Docker, Self-hosted
Founded20162019

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 KeystoneJS

  • GraphQL API
  • Admin interface
  • Node.js
  • Next.js
  • React
  • Databases
  • Node.js support
  • Self-hosted support

Only in n8n

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

Both cover

  • REST API

What people use each for

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

KeystoneJS

  • Building a headless CMS with a GraphQL API from a TypeScript schemanot n8n
  • Generating a configurable Admin UI for editorsnot n8n
  • Adding structured rich text content with the document fieldnot n8n

n8n

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

Where each one falls short

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

KeystoneJS

  • Database support is limited to PostgreSQL, MySQL and SQLite
  • Keystone 5 is a separate legacy product documented on a different site and is not covered by the Keystone 6 docs
  • Upgrading requires following a dedicated Migrate to 8.0.0 guide, so major versions are not drop-in
  • Free support is a community Slack; enterprise-grade consulting and support is a separate paid engagement with Thinkmill and no published price

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

KeystoneJS

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Full KeystoneJS
    • Community support

n8n

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the n8n review.

Which should you pick?

Choose KeystoneJS if

  • You need graphql api.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Node.js, Self-hosted.
  • You also want admin interface.
KeystoneJS 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 KeystoneJS or n8n better?
Neither clearly leads. KeystoneJS 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, KeystoneJS or n8n?
KeystoneJS starts at Free and n8n at Free.
Does KeystoneJS or n8n run on more platforms?
KeystoneJS runs on Node.js, Self-hosted. n8n runs on Web, Docker, Self-hosted.
Can I use KeystoneJS for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is KeystoneJS best used for?
KeystoneJS is most often used for building a headless cms with a graphql api from a typescript schema, generating a configurable admin ui for editors, adding structured rich text content with the document field. Of those, building a headless cms with a graphql api from a typescript schema and generating a configurable admin ui for editors are not what n8n is typically brought in for.
What can KeystoneJS do that n8n cannot?
KeystoneJS covers GraphQL API, Admin interface, Node.js, Next.js. n8n covers Workflow automation, Visual editor, Conditional execution, Looping. Both handle REST API.
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