n8n vs Dify: Which AI Tool is Better in 2026?

n8n is built for workflow automation users on a free tier plan, while Dify targets local llms & self-hosting workflows on a free tier model β€” here's how they stack up feature by feature.

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n8n compared with Dify
Comparisonn8nDify
Pricing & free tierFree Tier (No CC)Free Tier (No CC)
Starting priceFree, paid plans availableFree, paid plans available
Free trial / creditsOngoing free tier, no time limitOngoing free tier, no time limit
Credit card requiredNo credit card requiredNo credit card required
Category & tagsLocal LLMs & Self-Hosting, Autonomous AI Agents, Autonomous AI Agents & Workflows
Workflow Automation
Local LLMs & Self-Hosting
Core features & strengths
  • Self-hostable
  • Code when you need it
  • Strong AI agent nodes
  • Dify is the platform for production-ready agentic workflows
  • Build agents, knowledge pipelines, models, and tools on one canvas, deployable on Cloud, in your VPC, or self-hosted
Community rating4.6(0)4.5(0)
Get startedVisit n8n Visit Dify

The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

πŸ‘‰ Choose n8n if you need…

  • Solo builders and small teams looking for a focused workflow
  • Teams focused on Workflow Automation
  • Anyone testing the space without an upfront budget
  • Buyers who want a highly rated, well-established option
Try n8n

πŸ‘‰ Choose Dify if you need…

  • People who spend real hours each week on local llms & self-hosting
  • Anyone testing the space without an upfront budget
  • Buyers who want a highly rated, well-established option
Try Dify