Choosing the right workflow automation tool can be challenging, especially with so many great platforms available today. Two popular options frequently compared are n8n and Pipedream. If you're trying to decide between them, this detailed look at n8n vs Pipedream will help you understand their differences, strengths, and ideal use cases — so you can pick the right one for your needs.
Overview of n8n vs Pipedream
Before diving into features and comparisons, let's briefly introduce each platform.
What is n8n?
n8n is an open-source workflow automation tool that allows users to connect different apps and services to automate repetitive tasks. Its name stands for "node to node," reflecting how you visually build workflows by connecting nodes (representing services or actions). One of the standout features of n8n is its flexibility — you can self-host it for complete control, modify the source code, and integrate with custom APIs easily.
What is Pipedream?
Pipedream, on the other hand, is a serverless event-driven automation platform. It emphasizes coding in small snippets for workflow steps (using JavaScript, Python, or Go). It’s geared toward developers who are comfortable writing and deploying small amounts of code alongside pre-built connectors and UI-based workflows.
Both platforms are incredibly powerful, but they cater to slightly different audiences and use cases.
Key Features Comparison
Here's how n8n vs Pipedream stack up across a few important areas.
1. Hosting and Deployment
- n8n: Fully open-source and self-hostable. You can run it on your own server, in the cloud (e.g., AWS, DigitalOcean), or use n8n's official cloud service.
- Pipedream: Fully cloud-based. There's no need to manage infrastructure, but it means you’re tied to their platform unless you migrate elsewhere.
Quick Tip:
If owning your infrastructure and data is important, n8n is a better fit.
2. User Interface
- n8n: Offers a visual, drag-and-drop editor to create workflows. Users can visually connect nodes, making it beginner-friendly yet powerful for complex automations.
- Pipedream: Provides a UI to set up workflows but expects users to interact with code blocks during setup. Great for developers who prefer writing logic.
3. Integrations and Extensibility
- n8n: Comes with 350+ official integrations and supports generic HTTP requests, webhooks, and custom modules easily.
- Pipedream: Supports around 900+ app integrations and allows easy HTTP requests, custom scripting, and third-party API usage with a strong developer experience focus.
4. Pricing
- n8n: Free if self-hosted, or via paid plans on n8n.cloud starting at around $20/month.
- Pipedream: Offers a generous free tier, with paid plans starting when advanced use cases (like scheduled workflows, high API usage) come into play.
| Feature | n8n | Pipedream |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Self-host or Cloud | Cloud-only |
| Best for | No-code + low-code users | Developers (code comfortable) |
| Pricing | Free (Self-host) or Paid Cloud | Free tier, then paid |
| Extensibility | Highly customizable | Strong with coding flexibility |
| Integrations | 350+ | 900+ |
(A simple table like above clearly differentiates aspects side by side.)
Practical Examples to Help You Choose
Sometimes real-world examples help to solidify the best choice between n8n vs Pipedream.
Mini use case 1: Simple No-Code Workflow
Goal: Send a Slack notification when a new Google Sheet row is added.
-
On n8n:
- Drag in a Google Sheets node (trigger)
- Connect it to a Slack node (action)
- Deploy workflow — no coding needed
-
On Pipedream:
- Choose Google Sheets as the trigger
- Write a small function (JavaScript) to process incoming rows
- Use Slack authenticated action or write another function to send the message
Insight:
n8n is simpler when minimal or no coding is preferred.
Mini use case 2: API-based Advanced Automation
Goal: Monitor a custom API, transform data, and populate a PostgreSQL database.
-
On n8n:
- Create an HTTP Request trigger
- Use Function nodes to transform data if needed
- Insert data into a Postgres node
-
On Pipedream:
- Use an HTTP trigger
- Write transformations using JavaScript snippets
- Use PostgreSQL pre-built actions or custom code
Insight:
For coders who want quick integration and custom transformation with snippets of code, Pipedream feels very natural.
Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up Your First Workflow
Here's a quick guide showing how easy it is to build a simple n8n workflow compared to Pipedream.
Setting Up a Simple n8n Workflow
- Install n8n locally with:
npm install n8n -g n8n - Open
http://localhost:5678 - Create a new workflow.
- Add your first node (e.g., Webhook or App Trigger).
- Connect actions (e.g., Send Email, Update CRM).
- Activate the workflow.
Setting Up a Simple Pipedream Workflow
- Visit pipedream.com and sign up.
- Click on “New Workflow.”
- Choose a trigger (e.g., HTTP Webhook or App event).
- Add new steps — code blocks or pre-built components.
- Deploy the workflow.
Both setups are easy, but n8n leans visual, while Pipedream leans script-heavy.
Pros and Cons Summary
To wrap up the differences between n8n vs Pipedream:
n8n Pros:
- Open-source
- Visual, no-code friendly
- Easy to self-host and own your data
n8n Cons:
- Requires server management if self-hosted
- Cloud version costs for low-code users
Pipedream Pros:
- Super-fast for developers
- Large number of integrations
- No server maintenance needed
Pipedream Cons:
- Requires coding knowledge for full use
- Less control over data and hosting
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose n8n if you want flexibility, self-hosting options, and prefer a visual way to automate tasks.
- Choose Pipedream if you are a developer at heart, love coding workflows, and want a low-infrastructure cloud service.
Ultimately, the best tool depends on your technical comfort level and project requirements.
FAQ
Is n8n completely free?
Yes! If you self-host n8n, it’s 100% free under the fair-code license. However, using n8n.cloud is a paid option starting around $20/month.
Can Pipedream be self-hosted?
No, Pipedream is a fully managed cloud service. They do not offer a self-hosted version at this time.
Which is more beginner-friendly, n8n or Pipedream?
n8n is more beginner-friendly, especially for users with little or no coding experience. Pipedream assumes users are comfortable writing small code blocks.
How does security compare between n8n and Pipedream?
n8n gives you maximum control — especially important for security-conscious industries — because you can self-host it. Pipedream follows strong security practices, but your data is processed in their cloud.
Can I migrate workflows between n8n and Pipedream?
Not directly. Since the architecture and methods (visual nodes vs code snippets) differ, you would need to manually rebuild workflows when switching between them.
If you're still weighing your decision, test both platforms with small projects to see which workflow feels more intuitive for your style!