vs Runwork vs n8n
Open-source automation vs. AI-generated business applications
Quick Verdict
n8n is a powerful open-source workflow automation tool. Runwork builds complete applications with automation built in. n8n connects existing tools; Runwork lets you build the tools and automate them together.
Overview
n8n brought workflow automation to the open-source world with a visual builder and self-hosting option. It's excellent for connecting services and automating tasks. Runwork takes a different approach: describe the applications you need, and AI builds them with automation included. Your apps share data, workflows run in the background, and you get a complete business operating system.
n8n is a Workflow Automation Platform.
Runwork Strengths
- Build custom applications. n8n only connects the ones you already have.
- Full UI layer: dashboards, forms, tables, beyond background jobs alone.
- 3,200+ integrations when you need to connect external services.
- Shared entity graph means apps work together automatically.
- AI agents that understand your data and take action.
- Enterprise features: audit logs, RBAC, and multi-tenant support. SSO coming soon.
- Flat pricing. No self-hosting complexity.
n8n Strengths
- Open-source with self-hosting option.
- Visual workflow builder with 400+ integrations.
- Fair-code license for transparency.
- Active community and custom node development.
- No vendor lock-in on automation logic.
Feature Comparison
Core Capability
| Feature | Runwork | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Build custom applications | - | |
| Custom UI / dashboards | - | |
| Visual workflow builder | ||
| Pre-built integrations | 3,200+ | 400+ |
| Real code output (no lock-in) | Open source | |
| Self-hosting option | - |
Data
| Feature | Runwork | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in database | - | |
| Shared entity graph across apps | - | |
| Pre-built business schemas | - | |
| File storage | - | |
| Data transformations |
Automation & Logic
| Feature | Runwork | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger-action workflows | ||
| Multi-step workflows | ||
| Conditional logic / branching | ||
| Scheduled jobs | ||
| AI agents | Via nodes | |
| Long-running workflows | ||
| Error handling / retries |
Interface
| Feature | Runwork | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Custom dashboards | - | |
| Forms and data entry | - | |
| User authentication | - | |
| Role-based access | - | |
| Sharable components | - |
Enterprise & Security
| Feature | Runwork | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| SSO / SAML | Soon | Enterprise |
| Audit logs | Enterprise | |
| Team workspaces | ||
| Custom domains | Self-host | |
| Multi-tenant support | - |
Which Tool is Right for You?
Choose Runwork if you need...
- * Custom applications with built-in automation
- * Teams who need UI + automation in one platform
- * Organizations wanting managed infrastructure
- * Customer-facing apps with multi-tenant requirements
- * Anyone who wants to build tools rather than wire existing ones together
Choose n8n if you need...
- * Teams who want to self-host their automation
- * Organizations with existing DevOps capability
- * Complex automation workflows between many services
- * Open-source advocates who want code transparency
Pricing Comparison
n8n offers free self-hosting or paid cloud. Runwork has flat workspace pricing with all features included and starts with a 14-day free trial (no credit card).
View Runwork pricingHow to Migrate from n8n
Moving from n8n to Runwork means shifting from workflow automation to complete business applications. Instead of connecting services with visual workflows, you build the tools themselves with automation included.
Typical migration: 2-5 days depending on workflow complexity
Document your n8n workflows
Export your workflow definitions and note what business problems each solves. Identify which workflows connect external services vs. which handle data you could own.
Identify application opportunities
Workflows that reshape, store, or manage data are candidates for Runwork apps. Instead of passing data between services, build applications that handle it natively.
Set up external integrations
Connect the external services you still need (email, payment processing, etc.). These integrate with your Runwork applications rather than being workflow endpoints.
Build applications with built-in automation
Describe what each application should do, including the automation logic. "When a new lead comes in, create a task for the sales team and send a welcome email." Runwork builds it all together.
Test and migrate
Run both systems in parallel initially. As Runwork applications prove out, disable the corresponding n8n workflows. The managed infrastructure means no more self-hosting overhead.
Frequently Asked Questions
I chose n8n for open source. What about vendor lock-in with Runwork?
Can I self-host Runwork like n8n?
How do custom n8n nodes translate to Runwork?
Can I import my existing n8n workflows?
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