# n8n vs Activepieces

> Pick n8n for the deepest node library, code steps and AI agent workflows; pick Activepieces if you want an MIT-licensed, simpler Zapier-style builder for non-developers.

## Verdict

n8n is the more powerful tool for technical teams: branching, custom JavaScript or Python code and AI agent nodes make it suited to complex automations. Activepieces is easier for business users and its core is MIT, which matters if you want to embed it or offer it to clients, something the n8n Sustainable Use License restricts.

- Best for n8n: Technical teams building complex, code-heavy or AI agent workflows
- Best for Activepieces: Non-technical teams and products that need an MIT-licensed automation core

## Key differences

| Aspect | n8n | Activepieces |
|---|---|---|
| License | Sustainable Use License (fair-code, internal use only); .ee files need an n8n Enterprise License | MIT for the community edition; packages/ee is under a separate commercial license |
| Language/stack | TypeScript on Node.js, Vue editor | TypeScript on Node.js, React builder |
| Database | SQLite by default, PostgreSQL recommended for production | PostgreSQL and Redis for production installs |
| Standout features | Code nodes in JavaScript and Python, AI agent and LangChain nodes, sub-workflows | Pieces written as TypeScript npm packages, also exposed as MCP servers for AI agents |
| Learning curve | Moderate: node-based canvas with expressions and data mapping | Low: linear step-by-step flow builder similar to Zapier |

## GitHub numbers

| Metric | n8n | Activepieces |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub stars | 206,738 | 24,913 |
| Forks | 61,010 | 4,303 |
| Commits, last 12 months | 9,029 | 5,647 |
| Last commit | Oct 6, 2026 | Oct 6, 2026 |
| Latest release | n8n@2.41.7 | 0.92.1 |
| License | Sustainable Use License 1.0 | MIT |
| License type | Source-available | Open source |
| Language | TypeScript | TypeScript |
| Docker image | Yes | Yes |
| Repository | https://github.com/n8n-io/n8n | https://github.com/activepieces/activepieces |

App pages: [n8n](https://appsgit.com/apps/n8n), [Activepieces](https://appsgit.com/apps/activepieces)

## FAQ

### Is n8n open source?

n8n is source-available under the Sustainable Use License, a fair-code license. You can self-host it for internal business or personal use, but you cannot resell it as a hosted service.

### Can Activepieces replace Zapier?

Yes for most common use cases. It uses the same trigger-and-steps model as Zapier and ships a large library of integrations you can self-host.

### Which is easier to self-host?

Both ship official Docker images. n8n can start with a single container and SQLite, while Activepieces production setups add PostgreSQL and Redis.

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Canonical page: https://appsgit.com/compare/n8n-vs-activepieces
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