ComfyUI vs 
AUTOMATIC1111
ComfyUI vs AUTOMATIC1111 compared for 2026 — features, license, ease of use, performance and which one to choose. Node-graph control over image pipelines vs The classic Stable Diffusion web UI.
Updated regularly · curated by OpenSourceAI.tech
ComfyUI vs AUTOMATIC1111 at a glance
| Spec | ComfyUI | AUTOMATIC1111 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | AI image generation | AI image generation |
| Type | Node-based UI | Web UI |
| License | GPL-3.0 | AGPL-3.0 |
| Runs locally | Yes | Yes |
| Primary language | Python | Python |
| Ease of use | Advanced | Intermediate |
| Best for | power users who want full pipeline control | users who want the biggest extension ecosystem |
| GitHub stars | — | 164.3k |
Feature comparison
| Feature | ComfyUI | AUTOMATIC1111 |
|---|---|---|
| Runs locally | ✓ | ✓ |
| Node workflows | ✓ | ✗ |
| Inpainting | ✓ | ✓ |
| LoRA support | ✓ | ✓ |
| ControlNet | ✓ | ✓ |
| API | ✓ | ✓ |
How ComfyUI and AUTOMATIC1111 score
| Criterion | ComfyUI | AUTOMATIC1111 |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity | n/a | 5.0 |
| Maintenance | n/a | 4.0 |
| Ease of use | 2.5 | 3.5 |
| Privacy | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| License freedom | 3.5 | 3.5 |
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
ComfyUI
ComfyUI is a node-graph interface for diffusion models that exposes every step of the generation pipeline, enabling complex, reproducible and shareable workflows.
- Total control via a visual node graph
- Reproducible, shareable workflows
- First to support new models and techniques
AUTOMATIC1111
AUTOMATIC1111 (stable-diffusion-webui) is the classic, feature-packed Gradio web UI for Stable Diffusion, with a huge extension ecosystem and an enormous community.
- Massive extension and tutorial ecosystem
- Familiar form-based UI, gentle learning curve
- Huge community with answers for everything
Key differences
ComfyUI is node-based UI, while AUTOMATIC1111 is web UI. Their licenses differ (GPL-3.0 vs AGPL-3.0), which matters if you ship a commercial product. ComfyUI leans more advanced-friendly, whereas AUTOMATIC1111 is more suited to intermediate users. In short, ComfyUI fits power users who want full pipeline control, and AUTOMATIC1111 fits users who want the biggest extension ecosystem.
Which should you choose?
Choose ComfyUI for power users who want full pipeline control. Choose AUTOMATIC1111 for users who want the biggest extension ecosystem.
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 ComfyUI or AUTOMATIC1111 easier to use?
AUTOMATIC1111 is generally the easier of the two to get started with, while ComfyUI rewards more setup with more control.
Are ComfyUI and AUTOMATIC1111 free?
ComfyUI is free and open source (GPL-3.0), and AUTOMATIC1111 is free and open source (AGPL-3.0). Neither charges for the core software.
Can I run ComfyUI and AUTOMATIC1111 locally?
ComfyUI: yes · AUTOMATIC1111: yes. Both can be used without sending your data to a third-party cloud where their setup allows.
ComfyUI vs AUTOMATIC1111 — which should I pick in 2026?
Choose ComfyUI for power users who want full pipeline control. Choose AUTOMATIC1111 for users who want the biggest extension ecosystem.
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