n8n vs CrewAI
n8n: Open-source workflow automation with AI agents you can self-host. CrewAI: Framework and platform for running teams of AI agents that work together on tasks. Here is how they compare on features, pricing, platforms, pros and cons.
Quick verdict
n8n
Best for: Technical teams that want control over their automations.
Stands out for: Open source and self-hostable; Flexible with code when needed.
CrewAI
Best for: Developers building multi-agent systems.
Stands out for: Open source and widely used; Clear role-based design.
Side-by-side comparison
| Visit n8n.io (opens in a new tab) | Visit crewai.com (opens in a new tab) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Open-source workflow automation with AI agents you can self-host. | Framework and platform for running teams of AI agents that work together on tasks. |
| Pricing | Open source | Open sourceOpen-source framework; paid enterprise platform |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Category | AI Agents & Automation | AI Agents & Automation |
| Editor rank | #2 in category | #15 in category |
| Made by | n8n | CrewAI |
| Best for | Technical teams that want control over their automations. | Developers building multi-agent systems. |
| Key features |
|
|
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Use it to |
|
|
| Web app | ||
| Windows | ||
| Mac | ||
| Linux | ||
| API |
n8n vs CrewAI: questions
Is n8n better than CrewAI?
Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank n8n slightly higher overall in AI Agents & Automation, but CrewAI can be the better fit: Developers building multi-agent systems.
Which is free, n8n or CrewAI?
Both can be used without paying: n8n is open source and CrewAI is open source. Paid plans add more usage or features.
Can I use n8n and CrewAI together?
Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example self-host automations for full data control with n8n, and set up a researcher and writer agent pair with CrewAI.