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Head-to-head · Ai Automation

n8n vs Kestra

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score n8n #1 in Ai Automation 9.3/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 0 of 3 features Visit n8n
Kestra #4 in Ai Automation 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit Kestra

n8n leads on 0 checks, Kestra on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoren8n · 9.3/10
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialonly n8n

n8n scores higher on our rubric for ai automation: 9.3 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.

n8n is the better fit for technical teams automating apps, APIs, and databases. Kestra is the better fit for teams that want observable, open-source workflows.

  • n8n fits best

    Technical teams automating apps, APIs, and databases

  • Kestra fits best

    Teams that want observable, open-source workflows

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature n8n 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Kestra 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.8
Ranking #1 in Ai Automation #4 in Ai Automation
Best for Technical teams automating apps, APIs, and databases Teams that want observable, open-source workflows
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price €20/mo Free
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 14 days —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms Web Web
Support Community, Email Email, Community, Docs · 24/7
Compliance SOC 2, GDPR, SSO/SAML, 2FA SOC 2
Integrations 2,192+ integrations 2,000+ integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features n8n 0/3 · Kestra 0/3
AI agents Not checked yet Not checked yet
Self-hosted option Not checked yet Not checked yet
Human approval steps Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Workflow builder Not checked yet Not checked yet
AI model options Not checked yet Not checked yet
Included executions Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Build multi-step workflows with branching, triggers, and code steps
  • Connect workflows to 2,192 integrations, including Slack and OpenAI
  • Choose n8n-hosted plans or self-host with Docker
  • Build workflows in YAML or a no-code editor, with topology views
  • Retries, replay, alerts, and detailed execution histories aid troubleshooting
  • Open-source and managed-cloud options support different deployment needs
Cons
  • Starter includes just 1 shared project
  • Business is self-hosted, while hosted deployment is on other listed tiers
  • Custom execution volumes and unlimited shared projects are Enterprise features
  • AI is supported but less central than general workflow orchestration
  • Enterprise Edition requires sales contact and annual commitment
  • Kestra Cloud requires an access request and scales by usage
Our verdict

n8n connects applications, APIs, databases, and internal tools in visual, node-based workflows. It is aimed at solo builders, technical teams, and organizations that want to automate processes while retaining options for code and…

Read the review →

Kestra is a declarative workflow orchestration platform for data engineers, software engineers, and platform teams. Workflows can be defined in YAML or a no-code editor, then started by schedules, webhooks, polling, realtime events, APIs,…

Read the review →
  1. n8nAi Automation 9.3Free plan · 14-day trial
  2. KestraAi Automation 8.8Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • n8n — where it wins

    • Build multi-step workflows with branching, triggers, and code steps
    • Connect workflows to 2,192 integrations, including Slack and OpenAI
    • Choose n8n-hosted plans or self-host with Docker

    Where it doesn't

    • Starter includes just 1 shared project
    • Business is self-hosted, while hosted deployment is on other listed tiers
    • Custom execution volumes and unlimited shared projects are Enterprise features

  • Kestra — where it wins

    • Build workflows in YAML or a no-code editor, with topology views
    • Retries, replay, alerts, and detailed execution histories aid troubleshooting
    • Open-source and managed-cloud options support different deployment needs

    Where it doesn't

    • AI is supported but less central than general workflow orchestration
    • Enterprise Edition requires sales contact and annual commitment
    • Kestra Cloud requires an access request and scales by usage
  • n8n9.3/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    Flexible visual automation with code, AI workflows, and cloud or self-hosted deployment.

    Visit n8nFull verdict →
  • Kestra8.8/10 · Free plan

    A flexible orchestration platform with strong execution visibility and broad deployment options.

    Visit KestraFull verdict →

More comparisons

All ai automation comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update