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n8n vs Microsoft Power Automate

n8n: Open-source workflow automation with AI agents you can self-host. Microsoft Power Automate: Microsoft's workflow automation tool, with Copilot to build flows from plain-language requests. 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.

Microsoft Power Automate

Best for: Organisations that already use Microsoft 365.

Stands out for: Deep Microsoft 365 integration; Handles both cloud and desktop tasks.

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of n8n, Microsoft Power Automate
n8n
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Microsoft Power Automate
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What it isOpen-source workflow automation with AI agents you can self-host.Microsoft's workflow automation tool, with Copilot to build flows from plain-language requests.
Pricing
Open source
Free + PaidIncluded with some Microsoft 365 plans
Free to useYesYes
CategoryAI Agents & AutomationAI Agents & Automation
Editor rank#2 in category#9 in category
Made byn8nMicrosoft
Best forTechnical teams that want control over their automations.Organisations that already use Microsoft 365.
Key features
  • Self-hostable
  • Visual workflow builder
  • AI agent nodes
  • Cloud flows across many apps
  • Copilot builds flows from descriptions
  • Desktop automation for Windows apps
  • Approvals and Teams integration
Pros
  • Open source and self-hostable
  • Flexible with code when needed
  • Strong AI and LLM nodes
  • Deep Microsoft 365 integration
  • Handles both cloud and desktop tasks
Cons
  • Self-hosting needs technical skills
  • Steeper learning curve than Zapier
  • Advanced features need premium licences
Use it to
  • Self-host automations for full data control
  • Build AI agent workflows visually
  • Connect APIs with custom code steps
  • Send a Teams alert when a form is submitted
  • Save email attachments to SharePoint
  • Automate data entry in a desktop app
Web app
iPhone & iPad
Android
Windows
Mac
Linux

n8n vs Microsoft Power Automate: questions

Is n8n better than Microsoft Power Automate?

Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank n8n slightly higher overall in AI Agents & Automation, but Microsoft Power Automate can be the better fit: Organisations that already use Microsoft 365.

Which is free, n8n or Microsoft Power Automate?

Both can be used without paying: n8n is open source and Microsoft Power Automate is free + paid. Paid plans add more usage or features.

Can I use n8n and Microsoft Power Automate together?

Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example self-host automations for full data control with n8n, and send a Teams alert when a form is submitted with Microsoft Power Automate.

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