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AUTOMATION
n8n vs Power Automate
n8n for flexibility and cost; Power Automate for Microsoft integration and enterprise governance.
Pros and Cons
n8n
Strengths
- Open source, self-hosting available
- Advanced AI nodes for LLMs and intelligent workflows
- No vendor lock-in
- Predictable and lower cost
- Flexibility to integrate with any API
Limitations
- No native Microsoft 365 integration
- Requires infrastructure management
- Fewer enterprise governance tools
Power Automate
Strengths
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and Dynamics
- Desktop RPA for automating Windows applications
- Enterprise-grade governance and compliance
- Included in many Microsoft 365 licenses
- AI Builder for no-code AI capabilities
Limitations
- Vendor lock-in with Microsoft
- Cost increases with premium usage
- Less flexible for non-Microsoft integrations
Which to choose?
n8n for SMEs that want freedom and AI-powered workflows. Power Automate for Microsoft-centric businesses with desktop RPA needs.
Our verdict
If your SME is built on Microsoft 365 and needs to automate desktop Windows applications (invoicing, legacy management software), Power Automate is the natural choice. If you want flexibility, AI-powered workflows, and low costs, n8n delivers more value. Many businesses use both: Power Automate for the Microsoft ecosystem, n8n for everything else.
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