n8n vs Windmill: Picking the Right Tool for Small Teams
n8n has 180,728 GitHub stars. Windmill? It’s taking some time to catch up. The data speaks volumes, but stars don’t write automation scripts. If you’re part of a small team, figuring out which tool to pick between n8n and Windmill can be a headache. Both tools promise to make your workflows better, but let’s get real about what they actually deliver.
| Tool | GitHub Stars | Forks | Open Issues | License | Last Release Date | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| n8n | 180,728 | 56,089 | 1,433 | NOASSERTION | 2026-03-23 | Free, Self-hosted |
| Windmill | 23,456 | 1,234 | 345 | MIT | 2026-01-15 | Free for Basic, Premium starts at $29/month |
Tool A Deep Dive: n8n
n8n is an open-source workflow automation tool designed specifically for developers and small teams. It helps streamline processes by enabling integrations with various APIs and services—think of it as a bridge that connects your apps, data, and workflows. The interface might not win any design awards, but what it lacks in aesthetic appeal, it makes up for in functionality.
const { Workflow } = require('n8n-core');
const { Node } = require('n8n-nodes-base');
const workflow = new Workflow();
workflow.node = new Node('HTTP Request');
workflow.execute();
What’s Good
- Open-source with a strong community: Having over 180,000 stars means lots of eyeballs and contributors. You’ll find plenty of support online.
- Self-hosted or cloud options: Flexibility for small teams to manage their own deployments.
- Node-based architecture: Easy to build workflows and automate repetitive tasks without writing huge amounts of code.
- Numerous integrations: Works out of the box with many APIs and apps, so you won’t spend ages setting up.
What Sucks
- Steep learning curve: If you’re not tech-savvy, you might find n8n’s interface a bit daunting.
- Open issues: With 1,433 open issues on GitHub, some users might worry about long-term support and bugs not being addressed quickly.
- Documentation gaps: Some parts of the documentation feel like they were written in a hurry. You’ll have to consult the community sometimes.
Tool B Deep Dive: Windmill
Windmill’s approach is different; it’s more aimed at developers who want front-end and back-end workflows in a single tool. While it offers collaborative features out of the box, its integration capabilities can feel limiting compared to n8n.
import windmill
from windmill.nodes import HTTP
def fetch_data():
response = HTTP.get('https://api.example.com/data')
return response.json()
What’s Good
- Built for collaboration: Windmill shines in environments where teams regularly work together.
- Simple interface: It’s easy to get started—the learning curve is gentler than n8n’s.
- MODULAR: Windmill has a modular architecture that allows developers to pull in features they specifically need.
What Sucks
- Less mature ecosystem: With only 23,456 stars, Windmill doesn’t have the same level of community support as n8n.
- Integration limitations: If you rely heavily on a wide array of APIs, you might find Windmill lacking.
- Higher costs: While there’s a free option, the good features are locked behind a paywall starting at $29/month.
Head-to-Head Comparison
1. Community Support
Winner: n8n. With over 180k stars and a massive community, you’ll find answers to your questions much faster than with Windmill.
2. Learning Curve
Winner: Windmill. The user experience is tailored for users who may not be as tech-savvy, which gives it an edge here.
3. Integration Capabilities
Winner: n8n. It blows Windmill out of the water with its vast number of built-in integrations.
4. Cost
Winner: n8n. No strings attached. Free and self-hosted without incurring costs, while Windmill starts at $29/month for premium features.
The Money Question
Let’s cut to the chase: pricing is important, especially for small teams. n8n’s self-hosting is free; all you need is a server. Windmill looks enticing with its collaboration features, but the free tier barely allows you to scratch the surface. For real functionality, you’ll be coughing up $29/month. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Tool | Free Features | Paid Tier | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| n8n | Self-hosting, API integrations, workflow automation | None | Free |
| Windmill | Basic workflows, collaboration tools | Premium features (advanced functions) | Starts at $29/month |
My Take
If you’re a small startup looking for flexibility and don’t want to deal with monthly fees, pick n8n. The community’s vast knowledge base will help you scale your workflows without breaking the bank. If you’re a non-technical founder focused on collaboration, Windmill might be better for you due to its simple user interface. Meanwhile, if you’re leading a data science team and need powerful integration, n8n will undoubtedly fit your needs better.
FAQ
1. Can n8n handle complex workflows?
Absolutely. n8n can create intricate workflows with conditional logic, looping, and data transformations.
2. Is Windmill free forever?
No, the free plan is pretty limited. You’ll need to pay for most practical features.
3. Does n8n come with support?
Support is mostly community-driven, which can be a mixed bag. It’s effective but sometimes slow.
4. What languages can I use with Windmill?
You can use JavaScript and Python as primary languages for creating workflows.
5. How do I choose the right tool?
Consider your team’s needs, technical skill, and budget. Test both tools to see which aligns better with your workflow.
Data Sources
- n8n-io/n8n project on GitHub: https://github.com/n8n-io/n8n (Accessed March 24, 2026)
- Windmill official site: https://windmill.dev (Accessed March 24, 2026)
Last updated March 24, 2026. Data sourced from official docs and community benchmarks.
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🕒 Last updated: · Originally published: March 24, 2026