Langflow vs 
n8n
Langflow vs n8n compared for 2026 — features, license, ease of use, performance and which one to choose. Visual builder for agents and RAG vs Automate workflows with AI nodes.
Updated regularly · curated by OpenSourceAI.tech
Langflow vs n8n at a glance
| Spec | Langflow | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Low-code AI builder | Low-code AI builder |
| Type | Visual LLM builder | Workflow automation |
| License | MIT | Fair-code (Sustainable Use) |
| Runs locally | Self-hosted | Self-hosted |
| Primary language | Python | TypeScript |
| Ease of use | Beginner | Intermediate |
| Best for | Python teams who want a visual flow canvas | teams automating workflows that include AI steps |
| GitHub stars | 152.6k | 198.6k |
Feature comparison
| Feature | Langflow | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Visual builder | ✓ | ✓ |
| Document RAG | ✓ | ✗ |
| Self-hostable | ✓ | ✓ |
| API export | ✓ | ✓ |
| Many integrations | ✓ | ✓ |
| Agents | ✓ | ✓ |
How Langflow and n8n score
| Criterion | Langflow | 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
Langflow
Langflow is a visual, Python-based builder for agentic and RAG applications, with a node canvas and an API to deploy your flows.
- Python-native visual flow canvas
- Agent and RAG components out of the box
- Deploy flows as APIs
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
Langflow is visual LLM builder, while n8n is workflow automation. Their licenses differ (MIT vs Fair-code (Sustainable Use)), which matters if you ship a commercial product. Langflow leans more beginner-friendly, whereas n8n is more suited to intermediate users. In short, Langflow fits Python teams who want a visual flow canvas, and n8n fits teams automating workflows that include AI steps.
Which should you choose?
Choose Langflow for Python teams who want a visual flow canvas. 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 Langflow or n8n easier to use?
Langflow is generally the easier of the two to get started with, while n8n rewards more setup with more control.
Are Langflow and n8n free?
Langflow is free and open source (MIT), and n8n is free and open source (Fair-code (Sustainable Use)). Neither charges for the core software.
Can I run Langflow and n8n locally?
Langflow: self-hosted · n8n: self-hosted. Both can be used without sending your data to a third-party cloud where their setup allows.
Langflow vs n8n — which should I pick in 2026?
Choose Langflow for Python teams who want a visual flow canvas. Choose n8n for teams automating workflows that include AI steps.
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