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Automation Integration · head to head

n8n vs SwitchBot

n8n logo

n8n

Automation Integration

The fair-code workflow automation tool

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SwitchBot logo

SwitchBot

Smart Home

Simple automation for any device

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only n8n has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: n8n starter tier limited to 1 project and 5 concurrent executions; SwitchBot switchBot Lock Ultra is priced at 139.99 USD standalone, rising to 299.99 USD bundled with the Touch Doorbell combo
  • They diverge on capability: n8n covers Workflow automation, SwitchBot covers Button automation.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which n8n and SwitchBot actually diverge.

Attributes where n8n and SwitchBot differ
Attributen8nSwitchBot
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelsubscriptionone-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, Docker, Self-hostedIOS, Android
CategoryAutomation IntegrationSmart Home
Founded20192015

Identical on both: 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 n8n

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

Only in SwitchBot

  • Button automation
  • IR control
  • Schedules
  • Sensors
  • Scene automation
  • Voice control
  • Amazon Alexa
  • Google Assistant

What people use each for

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

n8n

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

SwitchBot

  • Retrofit automationnot n8n
  • Curtain controlnot n8n
  • AC controlnot n8n
  • Simple automationnot n8n

Where each one falls short

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

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

SwitchBot

  • SwitchBot Lock Ultra is priced at 139.99 USD standalone, rising to 299.99 USD bundled with the Touch Doorbell combo

Pricing, plan by plan

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

SwitchBot

On request
  • Bot$29/month
    • Button pusher
    • Schedule
    • Voice control
  • Curtain$89/month
    • Solar powered option
    • Light sensor
    • Schedule
  • Hub Mini$39/month
    • IR control
    • Cloud access
    • Voice assistants

Which should you pick?

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

Choose SwitchBot if

  • You need button automation.
  • You work on IOS, Android.
  • You also want ir control.
SwitchBot review

Questions people ask

Is n8n or SwitchBot better?
Neither clearly leads. n8n starts at Free and SwitchBot at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, n8n or SwitchBot?
n8n has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for n8n and On request for SwitchBot.
Does n8n or SwitchBot run on more platforms?
n8n runs on Web, Docker, Self-hosted. SwitchBot runs on IOS, Android.
Can I use n8n for free?
Yes. n8n has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. SwitchBot starts at On request.
What is n8n best used for?
n8n is most often used for building ai agents and workflow automation for technical teams, visual workflow design with capability to write custom javascript or python code, enterprise deployments with self-hosted or cloud options, integrating 500+ pre-built applications with custom api connections. Of those, building ai agents and workflow automation for technical teams and visual workflow design with capability to write custom javascript or python code are not what SwitchBot is typically brought in for.
What can n8n do that SwitchBot cannot?
n8n covers Workflow automation, Visual editor, Conditional execution, Looping. SwitchBot covers Button automation, IR control, Schedules, Sensors.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
SwitchBot: What is the price range for SwitchBot products?

SwitchBot hardware products vary in price. Examples include the Roller Shade at $199.99, Lock Ultra Vision Pro Combo at $279.99, K11+ robotic vacuum at $399.99, and Standing Circulator Fan at $129.99.

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
SwitchBot: Do SwitchBot products require a subscription or ongoing fees?

The product pages do not mention recurring subscription costs associated with SwitchBot hardware products. They appear to be sold as one-time purchases.

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
SwitchBot: What is SwitchBot's warranty policy?

While the website references a warranty policy, the specific warranty terms and duration are not detailed in the publicly visible page content. Users should consult the dedicated warranty policy page or contact support for details.

Source
SwitchBot: Can I use SwitchBot products in a commercial or business setting?

The website does not explicitly address commercial use restrictions or permissions. The focus appears to be on consumer smart home solutions, but commercial applicability should be verified with SwitchBot support.

Source
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