When building AI-powered workflows, choosing the right tool between low-code and no-code platforms can significantly impact both scalability and continuity. Two rising tools in the AI automation stack—n8n and Dify—offer very different approaches. If you're comparing n8n vs Dify to build smart, efficient AI workflows, it’s essential to understand their core differences, strengths, and ideal use cases.
Whether you’re a business owner, developer, or automation enthusiast, this comparison will help you make an informed decision between these two popular platforms.
What is n8n?
Overview
n8n (short for “nodemation”) is a low-code workflow automation tool that empowers technical users to build complex processes using a visual interface—while still offering code-level flexibility.
It’s open-source, self-hostable, and designed for those who want to maintain a fine level of control over data flow, parameters, and conditions.
Key Features
- Low-code environment with JavaScript code nodes
- 350+ pre-built integrations (APIs, services, apps)
- Powerful conditional logic and branching
- Self-hosting options and scalability
- Webhook, API call handling, and even command-line integrations
Ideal Use Case
n8n shines when you're building custom AI applications, chaining together multiple API calls (like OpenAI, Langchain, Vector Databases), and want to maintain full control of the logic. It’s ideal for users who are comfortable with low-level logic, conditionals, error handling, and data mapping via JSON.
What is Dify?
Overview
Dify is a no-code AI app development platform that enables users to create, deploy, and manage AI applications—like GPT-powered bots or chat interfaces—without touching any code.
It abstracts the complexity of AI APIs into simple UI-based workflows with preconfigured agents and prompt templates.
Key Features
- No-code interface to build AI chatbots and tools
- Supports OpenAI, Azure OpenAI, and other LLMs
- Vector store integrations for RAG (e.g., with Pinecone, Weaviate)
- UI builder for creating front-end AI apps
- API-based deployment and usage tracking
Ideal Use Case
Dify is perfect for non-technical users or startups who want to quickly prototype and deploy AI-driven tools like customer support bots, internal assistants, or content generators. If you need something fast, without writing code or managing infrastructure, Dify fits the bill.
n8n vs Dify: Feature-by-Feature Comparison
To highlight their key differences, here’s a table comparing n8n vs Dify in critical areas:
| Feature | n8n | Dify |
|---|---|---|
| Coding Skill Required | Low-code (some JS knowledge helpful) | No-code (UI-driven) |
| Open Source | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| AI Workflow Support | Flexible, manual API setup | Built-in AI templates and flows |
| LLM & Prompt Engineering | Manual API calls (OpenAI, etc.) | Visual prompt builder with streaming responses |
| Vector DB Integration | Custom-integrated using API nodes | Built-in connectors for RAG |
| UI App Builder | ❌ No UI builder | ✅ Native front-end UI creator |
| Self-Hosting | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| API Integration | 350+ integrations | Limited to AI and data-related services |
| Best For | Developers/Technical team | Product/marketing teams or rapid prototyping |
Building an AI Workflow in n8n (Example)
Let’s consider creating a content generation assistant using OpenAI + Notion. Here’s a step-by-step approach in n8n:
Step 1: Trigger the Workflow
Use a Webhook trigger to listen for an HTTP request or a manual start node.
Step 2: Send Prompt to OpenAI
Use the HTTP Request node or n8n’s OpenAI integration.
- Endpoint:
https://api.openai.com/v1/chat/completions - Body: Include your system and user prompts
- Headers: Add your OpenAI API key
Step 3: Post to Notion
Parse the OpenAI-generated content and forward it with a Notion node to publish or store as a database item or page.
Bonus: Add Error Handling
Use IF or Try-Catch nodes to manage failures (e.g., OpenAI limits, parsing errors, etc.).
This level of control is what makes n8n powerful—you define every parameter explicitly and can modify the logic to scale further.
Building an AI App in Dify (Example)
Let’s now use Dify to build an AI-powered resume reviewer web app—in minutes.
Step 1: Set Up an App
- Choose Chat App or Text Generation App
- Name it “Resume Reviewer”
Step 2: Define the Prompt
Use the visual prompt editor to guide the LLM.
You are a career consultant. Evaluate the following resume and give suggestions:
{{input}}
Step 3: Add Data (Optional)
Connect a vector store for semantic search support or upload resume samples for the model to learn from.
Step 4: Deploy the App
Dify gives you:
- A live shareable link
- Embed code
- API endpoint
Anyone with the link can use the app without registration—perfect for demos or team internal use.
Key Considerations When Choosing Between n8n and Dify
Technical Flexibility
- Go with n8n if you want full control, can manage APIs, and aim for long-term scalability.
- Choose Dify if you need to build something functional fast, especially for internal use cases or MVPs.
Maintenance and Customization
- n8n requires maintenance and debugging, which suits engineering-focused teams.
- Dify reduces overhead but may impose limitations for advanced workflows or integrations.
AI Workflow Complexity
- n8n lets you build multi-AI chains: LangChain + Pinecone + OpenAI in a single flow.
- Dify keeps workflows linear and simple—great for basic AI apps, not ideal for orchestration.
Final Thoughts
When comparing n8n vs Dify, it's like choosing between a Swiss Army knife and an easy-to-use power tool. n8n is powerful and flexible, best suited for customizable AI system-building. Dify provides rapid, no-code setup with some abstraction, great for lean teams or non-developers looking to quickly create AI apps.
Choose the tool that matches your team’s skills, the complexity of your workflows, and your need for customization. Better yet, use both: design simple front-facing AI tools in Dify and handle the backend-heavy lifting with n8n.
FAQ
What is the main difference between n8n and Dify?
n8n is a low-code workflow automation tool that allows for fine control and complex custom logic, while Dify is a no-code AI app builder focused on creating AI-powered apps quickly with minimal setup.
Can I use both n8n and Dify together?
Yes. You can use Dify to build user-facing AI tools and n8n to automate backend infrastructure, like data syncs, trigger-based automation, or external API chaining.
Is n8n better than Dify for large-scale automation?
For complex, scalable workflows involving APIs, scheduling, retries, and conditions, n8n is a better fit. Dify is ideal for prototyping or internal use cases but may fall short for enterprise-grade automation.
Does Dify require any coding?
No. Dify uses a completely no-code UI that allows you to build apps, define prompts, and deploy AI tools without writing a single line of code.
Is n8n difficult for beginners?
n8n has a learning curve, especially with JSON paths, data handling, and API authentication, but it’s approachable for beginners willing to experiment and follow documentation/tutorials.
Whether you’re building AI-powered tools or automating smart workflows, understanding the strengths of each platform will help you find the right tool for your stack.