Windmill vs n8n
You are picking between the two most credible self-hosted workflow tools for engineers. Windmill is code-first (TypeScript, Python, Go, Bash); n8n is visual-first with code escape hatches.
Windmill
Turns Python/TypeScript scripts into workflows, UIs, and webhooks — open-source, self-hostable, 13× faster than Airflow.
Read review →
n8n
Open-source workflow automation with 400+ integrations and native AI agent nodes — self-host or cloud, no lock-in.
Read review →Our take
For engineering teams who think in scripts and want git as the source of truth, Windmill. For mixed teams where non-developers also build flows, n8n. Windmill is faster, more typesafe, and lighter; n8n has the bigger catalog, the friendlier UI, and the deeper AI node story. Both self-host cleanly. Pick by who is going to maintain the workflows.
- Windmill wins 4
- n8n wins 3
- Ties: 2
Side-by-side
| Windmill | n8n | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary surface | Code (TS/Python/Go/Bash) | Visual canvas + code nodes |
| License | AGPLv3 (true OSS) | Sustainable Use License (fair-code, not OSI) |
| Self-host | Yes (Docker, Helm, k8s) | Yes (Docker, Helm) |
| Performance | Rust core, very fast | Node.js, fine for most loads |
| Integration count | ~200 (hub-driven) | 400+ native + 1,000+ community |
| AI / agent nodes | Scripts call any model | Native LangChain nodes, deeper |
| Git as source of truth | First-class (sync to repo) | JSON export, less seamless |
| Non-developer UX | Steeper (code shows up fast) | Friendlier |
| Lock-in | Low (scripts are portable) | Medium (n8n-specific nodes) |
FAQ
- Which is better, Windmill or n8n?
- For engineering teams who think in scripts and want git as the source of truth, Windmill. For mixed teams where non-developers also build flows, n8n. Windmill is faster, more typesafe, and lighter; n8n has the bigger catalog, the friendlier UI, and the deeper AI node story. Both self-host cleanly. Pick by who is going to maintain the workflows.
- What are the main differences?
- Primary surface: Windmill — Code (TS/Python/Go/Bash); n8n — Visual canvas + code nodes. License: Windmill — AGPLv3 (true OSS); n8n — Sustainable Use License (fair-code, not OSI). Self-host: Windmill — Yes (Docker, Helm, k8s); n8n — Yes (Docker, Helm). Performance: Windmill — Rust core, very fast; n8n — Node.js, fine for most loads. Integration count: Windmill — ~200 (hub-driven); n8n — 400+ native + 1,000+ community. AI / agent nodes: Windmill — Scripts call any model; n8n — Native LangChain nodes, deeper. Git as source of truth: Windmill — First-class (sync to repo); n8n — JSON export, less seamless. Non-developer UX: Windmill — Steeper (code shows up fast); n8n — Friendlier. Lock-in: Windmill — Low (scripts are portable); n8n — Medium (n8n-specific nodes).
- Is Windmill cheaper than n8n?
- Pricing depends on workload. See each tool's review for current tiers.