⚡ TL;DR — 30-Second Verdict
Choose n8n if you need general workflow automation that also includes AI steps — connecting CRMs, databases, APIs, and AI in one flow. Choose Dify if you're building AI-first applications like chatbots, RAG systems, or LLM pipelines where the AI logic is central. n8n is the Swiss army knife; Dify is the AI-native specialist.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | n8n | Dify |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | General workflow automation | AI application development |
| AI features | AI nodes added on top | AI-native with RAG, agents, etc. |
| Integrations | 400+ non-AI integrations | Major LLM + vector DB focus |
| RAG support | Via AI nodes | Built-in knowledge base + RAG |
| Self-hosting | Easy Docker deploy | Docker deploy, cloud available |
| No-code UX | Mature, polished | Polished for AI workflows |
| GitHub stars | 40k+ | 45k+ |
What Is n8n?
n8n is the best self-hostable alternative to Zapier/Make. The code node (JavaScript) makes it significantly more powerful than no-code alternatives for complex transformations. The LLM/AI integration has matured considerably — you can now build sophisticated RAG pipelines and AI agents visually. For teams that want workflow automation without handing all data to a cloud service, n8n is the answer.
— AI Nav Editorial Team on n8n
What Is Dify?
Dify is the most complete open-source LLM application platform. It combines the visual workflow builder of n8n, the RAG capabilities of LlamaIndex, and a production-ready API layer in a single deployable system. For teams building multiple LLM applications on a shared platform (not just a single RAG app), Dify's app management and collaboration features are worth the operational overhead.
— AI Nav Editorial Team on Dify