n8n vs Windmill
Both n8n and Windmill are European-built, GDPR-compliant solutions in the automation & workflow space. This comparison breaks down their features, pricing, compliance posture, and data residency so you can make an informed choice for your team.
Quick Overview
n8n
EU- Headquarters
- Berlin, DE
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- Yes
Windmill
EU- Headquarters
- Paris, FR
- Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
- Yes
Key Differences
- n8n offers a free tier, while windmill offers a free tier. The different pricing models mean you should evaluate which approach better fits your usage pattern.
- Data residency differs: n8n hosts data in Germany, EU, while Windmill hosts in EU. If your organisation requires data to stay in a specific EU country, this distinction matters for compliance.
- n8n holds SOC 2 certification, providing third-party assurance of its security practices. Windmill does not currently hold these certifications, which may matter if your organisation requires them for vendor approval.
- n8n was founded in 2019, giving it a 3-year head start over Windmill (founded 2022). More time in market often means a larger user community and more mature integrations, though newer entrants may offer more modern architectures.
- Each product has unique strengths: n8n offers Visual workflow editor and 400+ built-in integrations, while Windmill provides Script and flow editor and TypeScript/Python/Go/Bash support. Your choice depends on which capabilities matter most for your workflow.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | n8n | Windmill |
|---|---|---|
| Name | n8n | Windmill |
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Free Tier | ||
| GDPR | ||
| ISO 27001 | ||
| Open Source | ||
| Headquarters | Berlin, DE | Paris, FR |
| Data Centers | DE, EU | EU |
| Visual workflow editor | ||
| 400+ built-in integrations | ||
| Custom JavaScript/Python code nodes | ||
| Webhook and scheduled triggers | ||
| Conditional logic and loops | ||
| Error handling and retries | ||
| AI agent capabilities | ||
| Credential management | ||
| Execution history and logs | ||
| Self-hosting option | ||
| Script and flow editor | ||
| TypeScript/Python/Go/Bash support | ||
| Scheduling | ||
| Webhooks | ||
| Approval flows | ||
| Error handling | ||
| Self-hosting | ||
| UI builder | ||
| Resource management |
Pricing Comparison
n8n
Freefree self-hosted / cloud plans
Windmill
Freefree (self-hosted) / cloud
Compliance Comparison
n8n
GDPRSOC 2DPA
Windmill
GDPRDPA
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How to Choose
You need enterprise-grade support and stability
Choose n8n
You prefer a nimble provider with personalised support
Choose Windmill
n8n vs Windmill — FAQ
What is the main difference between n8n and Windmill?
Both n8n and Windmill are European automation & workflow solutions with full GDPR compliance. The key differences lie in their approach: n8n uses free self-hosted / cloud plans pricing while Windmill uses free (self-hosted) / cloud. n8n is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, while Windmill is based in Paris, France. Your choice should depend on your specific requirements for features, pricing, and data residency.
Which is more affordable, n8n or Windmill?
Both n8n and Windmill offer free tiers, so you can try either without cost. Pricing models differ (free self-hosted / cloud plans vs. free (self-hosted) / cloud), so compare based on your usage pattern rather than just the starting price.
Are both n8n and Windmill GDPR compliant?
Yes. Both n8n and Windmill are European companies that store data within the EU/EEA and offer Data Processing Agreements. Neither is subject to the US CLOUD Act or FISA surveillance. For GDPR purposes, either option eliminates the legal risks associated with using US-based services.