Dify vs 
n8n
Dify vs n8n compared for 2026 — features, license, ease of use, performance and which one to choose. Build and operate AI apps visually vs Automate workflows with AI nodes.
Updated regularly · curated by olud.ai
Dify vs n8n at a glance
| Spec | Dify | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Low-code AI builder | Low-code AI builder |
| Type | LLMOps platform | Workflow automation |
| License | Apache-2.0 | Fair-code (Sustainable Use) |
| Runs locally | Self-hosted | Self-hosted |
| Primary language | Python / TS | TypeScript |
| Ease of use | Beginner | Intermediate |
| Best for | teams shipping production AI apps with less code | teams automating workflows that include AI steps |
| GitHub stars | 149.7k | 197.4k |
Feature comparison
| Feature | Dify | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Visual builder | ✓ | ✓ |
| Document RAG | ✓ | ✗ |
| Self-hostable | ✓ | ✓ |
| API export | ✓ | ✓ |
| Many integrations | ✓ | ✓ |
| Agents | ✓ | ✓ |
How Dify and n8n score
| Criterion | Dify | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Maintenance | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Ease of use | 5.0 | 3.5 |
| Privacy | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| License freedom | 5.0 | 3.0 |
Scores are computed automatically from public signals — GitHub stars (popularity), recent commit activity (maintenance), license type (freedom), local-first design (privacy) and onboarding complexity (ease of use). Indicative, not a verdict.
What each one is
Dify
Dify is an open-source LLMOps platform to visually build, deploy and operate AI applications and agents, with RAG, workflows and observability built in.
- Full LLMOps: build, deploy and monitor
- Visual workflows plus built-in RAG
- Production-oriented with observability
n8n
n8n is a fair-code workflow automation tool with hundreds of integrations and native AI/LLM nodes, letting you wire AI into broader business automations.
- Hundreds of integrations beyond AI
- Native AI/LLM and agent nodes
- Self-hostable with a strong visual editor
Key differences
Dify is lLMOps platform, while n8n is workflow automation. Their licenses differ (Apache-2.0 vs Fair-code (Sustainable Use)), which matters if you ship a commercial product. Dify leans more beginner-friendly, whereas n8n is more suited to intermediate users. In short, Dify fits teams shipping production AI apps with less code, and n8n fits teams automating workflows that include AI steps.
Which should you choose?
Choose Dify for teams shipping production AI apps with less code. Choose n8n for teams automating workflows that include AI steps.
There is rarely one winner — many setups use both. The right pick depends on your hardware, your team's skills, and whether you value simplicity or control.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dify or n8n easier to use?
Dify is generally the easier of the two to get started with, while n8n rewards more setup with more control.
Are Dify and n8n free?
Dify is free and open source (Apache-2.0), and n8n is free and open source (Fair-code (Sustainable Use)). Neither charges for the core software.
Can I run Dify and n8n locally?
Dify: self-hosted · n8n: self-hosted. Both can be used without sending your data to a third-party cloud where their setup allows.
Dify vs n8n — which should I pick in 2026?
Choose Dify for teams shipping production AI apps with less code. Choose n8n for teams automating workflows that include AI steps.
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