Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to n8n · 🤖 automation
n8n vs Flowise AI
Open source platform for building AI agents, chatbots, and multi-agent systems using a drag-and-drop interface, with support for 100+ LLMs and RAG. Here is how Flowise AI ($0/mo open source) stacks up against n8n ($15/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Flowise AI is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for n8n. Switching from n8n ($15/mo) saves $180/yr per solo seat, or $900/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed n8n.
Flowise AI
$0.00/mo · Open Source
n8n vs Flowise AI Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | n8n (Paid) | Flowise AI (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $15 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $180 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $180) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $900 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $900) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $1,800 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,800) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hosteddocker to self-host |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 55.6k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from n8n to Flowise AI
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed n8n.
How to deploy Flowise AI
Clone https://github.com/flowiseai/flowise or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
Where your data lives
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
Why fork Flowise AI instead of vibe-coding a n8n clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for n8n or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 5 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Flowise AI.
n8n vs Flowise AI FAQ
Is Flowise AI a good free alternative to n8n?+
Yes. Flowise AI is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for n8n. Open source platform for building AI agents, chatbots, and multi-agent systems using a drag-and-drop interface, with support for 100+ LLMs and RAG.
What is the catch when switching from n8n to Flowise AI?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed n8n.
How much do you save switching from n8n to Flowise AI?+
n8n costs $15/mo ($180/yr) per seat, whereas Flowise AI is $0/mo. Switching saves $180/yr for a solo user, $900/yr for a 5-person team, and $1,800/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Flowise AI instead of n8n?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/flowiseai/flowise or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
