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Automation & Agents comparison

n8n vs Microsoft Power Automate

Our pick: n8n scores 8.9/10 against 8.1/10 for Microsoft Power Automate. Here's how they differ and which one fits your needs.

n8n

Fair-code workflow automation with native AI agents

8.9/10Free planOur pick
Visit n8n
VS

Microsoft Power Automate

Microsoft's workflow and RPA platform with Copilot

8.1/10Paid
Visit Microsoft Power Automate

At a glance

n8nMicrosoft Power Automate
Our score8.9/108.1/10
Best forTechnical teams, Automation builders, AgenciesEnterprises, IT teams
TypeWorkflow automationWorkflow automation
PricingFree planPaid
Starting priceFreeSee website
PlatformsWeb, Linux, Mac, WindowsWeb, Windows
Launched20192016

Key features

n8n

  • Visual workflow editor
  • AI agent nodes
  • Self-hosting
  • Code nodes
  • 400+ integrations

Microsoft Power Automate

  • Cloud flows
  • Desktop RPA
  • Copilot flow creation
  • Process mining
  • Microsoft 365 integration

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

Microsoft Power Automate: pros and cons

Pros

  • Included in many Microsoft 365 plans
  • Strong for Microsoft-centric orgs

Cons

  • Licensing is confusing
  • Clunky outside Microsoft ecosystem

Verdict: n8n or Microsoft Power Automate?

Choose n8n if you're technical teams or automation builders or agencies and value self-host for free.

Choose Microsoft Power Automate if you're enterprises or it teams and value included in many Microsoft 365 plans.

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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