n8n vs Microsoft Power Automate: Head-to-Head Comparison

Quick Verdict

n8n is the better pick for technical teams wanting self-hosted automation. Microsoft Power Automate is the better pick for organizations on Microsoft 365.

---

At a Glance

Feature	n8n	Microsoft Power Automate
Best For	Technical teams wanting self-hosted automation	Organizations on Microsoft 365
Pricing	Free self-hosted community edition; paid cloud	Paid plans; free trial available
Free to Start	Yes	No
License	Source-available	Proprietary
Deployment	Self-hosted or managed cloud	Managed cloud
Link	Visit n8n	Visit Microsoft Power Automate

---

Detailed Breakdown

n8n

Workflow automation with code when you need it

Pros:

• Self-hostable
• JavaScript and Python code nodes
• AI agent workflows

Cons:

• Fair-code license limits some commercial uses
• More technical than Zapier

---

Microsoft Power Automate

Workflow automation for Microsoft 365

Pros:

• Deep Microsoft 365 integration
• Desktop RPA
• Included with some Microsoft licenses

Cons:

• Clunky outside the Microsoft ecosystem
• Licensing complexity

---

Key Differences

• Positioning: n8n — workflow automation with code when you need it. Microsoft Power Automate — workflow automation for Microsoft 365.
• Licensing differs: n8n is source-available while Microsoft Power Automate is proprietary.
• Deployment: n8n — self-hosted or managed cloud. Microsoft Power Automate — managed cloud.
• n8n can be started for free, while Microsoft Power Automate requires a paid plan. Microsoft Power Automate pricing: paid plans; free trial available.
• Signature strength: n8n — self-hostable. Microsoft Power Automate — deep Microsoft 365 integration.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Is n8n better than Microsoft Power Automate?

It depends on your requirements. n8n is a strong fit for technical teams wanting self-hosted automation, while Microsoft Power Automate suits organizations on Microsoft 365.

Is n8n free to use?

Yes, you can start with n8n for free. Pricing model: Free self-hosted community edition; paid cloud.

Is Microsoft Power Automate free to use?

Microsoft Power Automate does not have a permanent free plan. Pricing model: Paid plans; free trial available.

Can I self-host n8n or Microsoft Power Automate?

n8n can be self-hosted. Deployment options: self-hosted or managed cloud. Microsoft Power Automate is offered as a managed service: managed cloud.

What are the main drawbacks of n8n and Microsoft Power Automate?

n8n: fair-code license limits some commercial uses; more technical than Zapier. Microsoft Power Automate: clunky outside the Microsoft ecosystem; licensing complexity.