Flowise vs 
n8n
Flowise vs n8n compared for 2026 — features, license, ease of use, performance and which one to choose. Drag-and-drop LLM flows vs Automate workflows with AI nodes.
Updated regularly · curated by OpenSourceAI.tech
Flowise vs n8n at a glance
| Spec | Flowise | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Low-code AI builder | Low-code AI builder |
| Type | Visual LLM builder | Workflow automation |
| License | Apache-2.0 | Fair-code (Sustainable Use) |
| Runs locally | Self-hosted | Self-hosted |
| Primary language | TypeScript | TypeScript |
| Ease of use | Beginner | Intermediate |
| Best for | builders who want fast visual prototyping | teams automating workflows that include AI steps |
| GitHub stars | 55k | 198.6k |
Feature comparison
| Feature | Flowise | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Visual builder | ✓ | ✓ |
| Document RAG | ✓ | ✗ |
| Self-hostable | ✓ | ✓ |
| API export | ✓ | ✓ |
| Many integrations | ✓ | ✓ |
| Agents | ✓ | ✓ |
How Flowise and n8n score
| Criterion | Flowise | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity | 4.5 | 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
Flowise
Flowise is a drag-and-drop builder for LLM apps and agents, letting you assemble chains, tools and RAG visually on top of LangChain primitives.
- Fast drag-and-drop flow building
- Built on familiar LangChain primitives
- Quick to prototype chatbots and agents
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
Flowise is visual LLM builder, while n8n is workflow automation. Their licenses differ (Apache-2.0 vs Fair-code (Sustainable Use)), which matters if you ship a commercial product. Flowise leans more beginner-friendly, whereas n8n is more suited to intermediate users. In short, Flowise fits builders who want fast visual prototyping, and n8n fits teams automating workflows that include AI steps.
Which should you choose?
Choose Flowise for builders who want fast visual prototyping. 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 Flowise or n8n easier to use?
Flowise is generally the easier of the two to get started with, while n8n rewards more setup with more control.
Are Flowise and n8n free?
Flowise 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 Flowise and n8n locally?
Flowise: self-hosted · n8n: self-hosted. Both can be used without sending your data to a third-party cloud where their setup allows.
Flowise vs n8n — which should I pick in 2026?
Choose Flowise for builders who want fast visual prototyping. Choose n8n for teams automating workflows that include AI steps.
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