Keywords AI

n8n vs Prefect

Compare n8n and Prefect side by side. Both are tools in the Workflow Automation category.

Quick Comparison

n8n
n8n
Prefect
Prefect
CategoryWorkflow AutomationWorkflow Automation
PricingOpen Source
Best ForTechnical teams who want a self-hostable, open-source automation platform with native AI capabilities
Websiten8n.ioprefect.io
Key Features
  • Open-source workflow automation
  • 400+ integrations
  • Self-hosted option
  • Built-in AI capabilities
  • Code and no-code modes
Use Cases
  • AI-enhanced data pipelines
  • Internal tool automation
  • Data synchronization between apps
  • Self-hosted workflow automation
  • Complex multi-step business processes

When to Choose n8n vs Prefect

n8n
Choose n8n if you need
  • AI-enhanced data pipelines
  • Internal tool automation
  • Data synchronization between apps
Pricing: Open Source

How to Choose a Workflow Automation Tool

Key criteria to evaluate when comparing Workflow Automation solutions:

Integration catalogNumber of pre-built app connectors and API integrations available.
AI capabilitiesNative LLM integration for intelligent processing steps within workflows.
Complexity supportAbility to handle branching logic, error handling, loops, and conditional flows.
Self-hosting optionWhether you can run the platform on your own infrastructure for data control.
Pricing modelPer-execution, per-workflow, or flat-rate pricing and how it scales with usage.

About n8n

n8n is an open-source workflow automation platform with deep AI capabilities. Its visual editor connects 400+ app integrations with AI nodes for LLM calls, vector search, document processing, and agent workflows. n8n supports self-hosting for full data control and is popular with technical teams building AI-enhanced business automations that combine traditional integrations with LLM-powered steps.

About Prefect

Prefect is a workflow orchestration platform for data and ML pipelines.

What is Workflow Automation?

Platforms for building multi-step AI-powered automations that connect apps, APIs, and agents into repeatable business workflows.

Browse all Workflow Automation tools →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AI workflow automation?

AI workflow automation platforms let you build multi-step processes that connect apps, APIs, and AI models into repeatable business workflows. They combine traditional automation with AI capabilities in visual builders.

What is the difference between n8n, Zapier, and Make?

Zapier is the easiest to use with the most integrations but limited AI features and higher pricing at scale. Make offers more complex logic at lower cost. n8n is open-source and self-hostable with strong AI integration, best for technical teams who want full control.

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