Automation & Agents comparison
n8n vs Manus
Our pick: n8n scores 8.9/10 against 8.1/10 for Manus. Here's how they differ and which one fits your needs.
VS
At a glance
| n8n | Manus | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 8.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| Best for | Technical teams, Automation builders, Agencies | Researchers, Founders, Knowledge workers |
| Type | Workflow automation | AI agents |
| Pricing | Free plan | Free plan |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Platforms | Web, Linux, Mac, Windows | Web, iOS, Android |
| Launched | 2019 | 2025 |
Key features
n8n
- Visual workflow editor
- AI agent nodes
- Self-hosting
- Code nodes
- 400+ integrations
Manus
- Autonomous task execution
- Cloud browser and computer
- Research reports
- Website building
- Slides generation
n8n: pros and cons
Pros
- Self-host for free
- Very flexible for technical users
- Strong AI agent support
Cons
- More technical than Zapier
- Cloud plans limit executions
Manus: pros and cons
Pros
- Handles long multi-step tasks end to end
- Shareable task replays
Cons
- Credit costs on long tasks
- Can be slow or wander off course
Verdict: n8n or Manus?
Choose n8n if you're technical teams or automation builders or agencies and value self-host for free.
Choose Manus if you're researchers or founders or knowledge workers and value handles long multi-step tasks end to end.
Overall we rate n8n slightly higher. Both are worth trying, and at least one has a free plan or trial. See all Automation & Agents tools for more options.
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