n8n
★ 208.8k
vs
trigger.dev
★ 16.6k
n8n vs trigger.dev
n8n: n8n is a secure workflow automation platform for technical teams, combining the flexibility of code with the speed of no-code. It offers 400+ integrations, native AI capabilities, and allows full control over data and deployments with its fair-code license.; trigger.dev: Trigger.dev is an open-source platform designed for building AI workflows and agents using TypeScript. It provides a robust environment for long-running tasks with built-in features like retries, queues, observability, and elastic scaling, eliminating typical serverless timeouts.
01
TL;DR
n8nWorkflow Automation · ★ 208.8k
When to choose:
- You want a visual workflow builder with 1,500+ integrations, 9,000+ templates, and first-class AI agent, tool-calling, and human-approval nodes.
- You want the ability to drop in custom JavaScript or Python code steps inside visual workflows and self-host via Docker.
When to skip:
- You require an OSI-approved open-source license (such as MIT or Apache-2.0); n8n uses the fair-code Sustainable Use License.
- You want code-first durable execution without a visual canvas; Temporal or AutoKitteh are built for code-first workflows.
trigger.devWorkflow Automation · ★ 16.6k
Building and deploying long-running AI agents and complex workflows.
02
Side-by-Side Comparison
Field
n8ntrigger.devCategory
Workflow Automation
Workflow Automation
Stars
★ 208.8k
★ 16.6k
License
Sustainable Use License
Apache-2.0
Install Command
curl -fsSL https://get.n8n.io | sh
npm install @trigger.dev/sdk
Updated
1d ago
1d ago
Open Source
Yes
Yes
Tags
Workflow Automation, No-Code, AI Orchestration
AI Agents, Workflow Automation, TypeScript
03
Features
n8n01Flexible Coding Options (JavaScript/Python, npm packages)
02AI-Native Platform (LangChain-based agent workflows)
03Full Data & Deployment Control (Self-hosting, fair-code license)
04Enterprise-Ready Features (Permissions, SSO, air-gapped deployments)
05Extensive Integrations & Templates (400+ integrations, 900+ templates)
trigger.dev01Long-running tasks without timeouts
02Durable cron schedules
03Realtime updates and LLM streaming
04Human-in-the-loop (Waitpoints)
05Comprehensive observability, logging, and tracing
04
Use Cases
n8n↳Automating diverse business and technical workflows.
↳Developing AI agent workflows using LangChain with custom data and models.
↳Integrating over 400 services and applications for seamless data flow.
trigger.dev↳Building and deploying long-running AI agents and complex workflows.
↳Implementing robust background job processing with built-in durability and retries.
↳Creating human-in-the-loop systems that require human approval or feedback.
05
Best For
n8nMost PopularEssentialTrending
trigger.devMost PopularEssentialTrending
FAQ
FAQ
What is the difference between n8n and trigger.dev?
Both n8n and trigger.dev are in the Workflow Automation category. n8n has 208.8k stars, while trigger.dev has 16.6k stars.
Which is better, n8n or trigger.dev?
The best choice depends on your use case. Choose n8n if Automating diverse business and technical workflows., and trigger.dev if Building and deploying long-running AI agents and complex workflows..
Is n8n free or open source?
Yes, n8n is open source on GitHub (Sustainable Use License).
Is trigger.dev free or open source?
Yes, trigger.dev is open source on GitHub (Apache-2.0).
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