Both platforms connect business applications and run multi-step workflows. Both reduce manual work. They solve similar problems in meaningfully different ways.
What they are
n8n — open-source workflow automation. Self-hosted or cloud. 400+ native integrations. Supports custom JavaScript and Python nodes. Designed for technical users; accessible to non-developers for simpler workflows.
Power Automate — Microsoft's automation platform, included with most Microsoft 365 subscriptions. 900+ connectors. Designed for business users without technical backgrounds. Deep Microsoft 365 integration.
Pricing
n8n self-hosted: free (pay for the server — approximately $5–10/month on Railway or similar for small business volume)
n8n Cloud: from approximately $20/month for 10,000 executions/month
Power Automate: included in Microsoft 365 Business subscriptions for standard connectors. Premium connectors (third-party, non-Microsoft): approximately $15/user/month. Per-flow plan: approximately $100/month for 5 flows.
In plain terms: if you're already paying for Microsoft 365 and need automation within that ecosystem, Power Automate is effectively free. For non-Microsoft systems at volume, n8n self-hosted is the lowest-cost option.
Integrations
Power Automate: 900+ connectors. Strongest in Microsoft ecosystem — SharePoint, Teams, Outlook, Dynamics 365 connectors are deep and well-maintained. Third-party connector quality varies.
n8n: 400+ integrations, each typically more fully featured than equivalent Power Automate connectors. The HTTP Request node extends coverage to any API-accessible service. Custom code nodes handle logic no-code platforms can't express.
Microsoft 365 integration
Power Automate wins here clearly. Native to the M365 ecosystem. Real-time triggers from SharePoint, Teams, Outlook, Planner. Deep data access with minimal setup.
n8n connects via Microsoft Graph API — functional for common operations but lacks the event trigger depth and native data access of Power Automate.
Technical requirements
Power Automate: designed for non-technical users. Guided interface. No infrastructure to manage. Microsoft manages everything.
n8n: designed with developers in mind. Canvas-based visual interface. Self-hosted requires infrastructure management. Someone needs to be comfortable with APIs, data structures, and debugging.
Where each one wins
Power Automate wins when:
- Business runs primarily on Microsoft 365
- Automation is largely within the Microsoft ecosystem
- Workflow builders are not developers
- Already paying for Microsoft 365
- Need SharePoint, Teams, or Outlook triggers specifically
- Enterprise governance and audit logging matter
n8n wins when:
- Stack is not Microsoft-centric
- Workflows involve complex logic, data transformation, or custom code
- Data should stay on your own infrastructure
- Volume is high and per-execution pricing would be expensive
- Full control over automation logic is required
- The person building it is technically comfortable
Which one to choose
Is your business primarily running on Microsoft 365 and the automation is mostly within it? Start with Power Automate — it's included, deeply integrated, and maintainable without technical expertise.
Are you connecting multiple non-Microsoft systems? n8n is the better fit.
Do you need both? Some businesses run Power Automate for internal Microsoft 365 workflows and n8n for external system integrations. The two coexist well.
The decision is usually clear once the workflow is properly described — what triggers it, what systems are involved, what the logic looks like, and who'll maintain it.
If you've landed on n8n or Power Automate but need someone to build and maintain the workflows, the process automation service covers this regardless of which platform fits best.
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