Pipedream and n8n target similar developers. Pipedream is hosted-only and code-first; n8n offers a richer visual canvas and self-hosting with zero per-credit meter. For developers who already want to write Node.js for every step, Pipedream is cleaner. For everyone else and for cost-sensitive volume, n8n usually wins.
Open-source workflow automation with 400+ nodes, self-hostable for free, unlimited executions on your own server. Pair with pre-built templates from n8n Template Store for instant time-to-value.
Pricing: n8n: free self-hosted, n8n Cloud from €20/mo. n8n Template Store templates: one-time $7–$29 each, bundle covers full catalog.
Code-first workflow automation with a generous free tier and per-credit pricing. Optimised for developers who want to wire APIs in Node.js without managing infrastructure.
Pricing: Free (10,000 credits/mo), Basic $19/mo (40,000 credits), Advanced $49/mo, Business custom.
| Feature | n8n | Pipedream |
|---|---|---|
| Self-hostable n8n self-host runs on a $5–$10/mo VPS with unlimited executions. | Yes | No |
| Pricing model | Free self-hosted; one-time template purchase | Per-credit subscription ($0–$49+/mo) |
| Integration count | 400+ native nodes + HTTP Request for any REST API | 2,500+ pre-built sources and actions |
| Branching (if / switch / multi-path) | Yes | Code-based (if/else in Node.js) |
| Loops & iteration over arrays | Yes | Code-based (for/while in Node.js) |
| Inline code (JavaScript / Python) | JavaScript or Python in every Code node | Node.js, Python, Bash, Go (full code-first) |
| Sub-workflows / reusable components | Yes | No |
| Error handling & retry policies | Per-node retries + dedicated error triggers | Try/catch in code; workflow-level retries |
| Data residency | Your server (self-hosted) or EU (n8n Cloud) | US (Pipedream-hosted) |
| Learning curve | Moderate | High (requires coding) |
| Ready-made workflow templates | Yes — n8n Template Store catalog, one-time purchase | Vendor template gallery (varies in depth) |
n8n's canvas makes the workflow shape obvious to non-developers and to your future self. Pipedream's code-first approach means every workflow looks like a Node.js file — fast to write, harder to hand off.
Pipedream is hosted-only; every workflow runs on their infrastructure. Self-hosted n8n keeps every credential and execution log on your server.
Pipedream's credits scale roughly with workflow complexity. A code step that loops 1,000 times eats more credits than a simple webhook. Self-hosted n8n doesn't meter; the same workflow runs free.
n8n Template Store ships fully wired workflows — import and configure credentials. Pipedream's template library exists but expects you to read and edit Node.js code to customise.
Pipedream wins for code-first developers who want to write every workflow step in JavaScript or Python without managing servers. The hosted infrastructure removes ops burden; the generous free tier covers small-volume use cases. For one-developer teams that prefer code to canvas, Pipedream is the clean choice.
You'd rather write Node.js than connect nodes on a canvas, you don't want to run a server, and your credit usage fits in the free or Basic tier.
You want a visual canvas, you have non-developers who'll touch workflows, you need self-hosting for compliance, or you'd rather buy a template than build from scratch.
Pre-built n8n workflow template that automates lead generation with OpenAI. Live in about 10 minutes.
Pre-built n8n workflow template that automates productivity with OpenAI. Live in about 10 minutes.
Pre-built n8n workflow template that automates productivity with OpenAI. Live in about 10 minutes.
Want the full catalog? Browse every n8n Template Store template.