kitio.ain8n vs OpenClaw
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. OpenClaw is completely free, while n8n is freemium.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Node-based workflow editor
- AI Agent node
- JavaScript and Python code nodes
- MCP client and server
- Self-hosted Community Edition
- Chat app channels
- Browser and shell tools
- Skills system
- Permission modes
- Any model provider
| Feature | n8n | OpenClaw |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Source-available workflow automation you can self-host | Open-source personal AI agent you run on your own machine |
| Category | Agents & automation | Agents & automation |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free |
| Starting price | $24/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes, fully free |
| Made by | n8n GmbH | OpenClaw contributors |
| Based in | Germany | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
OpenClaw is completely free, while n8n is freemium.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
5 plans
Community
Free
- Self-hosted
- Free and source-available
Starter
$24/mo
- 2.5K workflow executions
- 5 concurrent executions
- 1,600 Assistant credits/month
Pro
$60/mo
- 10K workflow executions
- Up to 50 concurrent executions
- 3 shared projects
Business
€667/mo billed yearly
- 40K workflow executions
- SSO and LDAP
- Self-hosted
Enterprise
Contact sales
- 200+ concurrent executions
- 365 days of insights
- External secret stores
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
n8n
- Free to self-host
- Billed per execution, not per step
- Code steps when no-code falls short
- Self-hosting means owning updates and security
- Short log retention on the cheapest cloud plan
OpenClaw
- Free and fully self-hosted
- Works through apps you already use
- Large skill ecosystem
- You handle security and updates
- Third-party skills can be risky
- Setup needs technical comfort
Which one should you choose?
Choose n8n if you want:
- Free to self-host
- Billed per execution, not per step
- Code steps when no-code falls short
Watch out: self-hosting means owning updates and security.
Choose OpenClaw if you want:
- Free and fully self-hosted
- Works through apps you already use
- Large skill ecosystem
Watch out: you handle security and updates.
n8n vs OpenClaw FAQ
What is the difference between n8n and OpenClaw?
n8n: Source-available workflow automation you can self-host. OpenClaw: Open-source personal AI agent you run on your own machine. Both are agents & automation tools.
Is n8n or OpenClaw cheaper?
OpenClaw is completely free, while n8n is freemium.
Do n8n and OpenClaw have free plans?
n8n: Yes. OpenClaw: Yes, fully free.
Who makes n8n?
n8n is made by n8n GmbH, based in Germany.
Who makes OpenClaw?
OpenClaw is made by OpenClaw contributors.
Which should I choose, n8n or OpenClaw?
Choose n8n if you value free to self-host and billed per execution, not per step. Choose OpenClaw if you value free and fully self-hosted and works through apps you already use.