Grist
n8n
| Feature | Grist | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free / from $10/mo | Free / from $24/mo |
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Rating | 4.3 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 |
| Best For | developers, data-teams, non-profits, open-source-advocates | developers, technical-teams, agencies, cost-conscious-teams, ai-builders |
| Founded | 2019 | 2019 |
| Relational Data | ✓ | ✗ |
| Python Formulas | ✓ | ✗ |
| Custom Widgets | ✓ | ✗ |
| Access Rules | ✓ | ✗ |
| Incremental Imports | ✓ | ✗ |
| Api | ✓ | ✓ |
| Workflows | ✗ | ✓ |
| Self Hosting | ✗ | ✓ |
| Code Nodes | ✗ | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✓ |
| Ai Agents | ✗ | ✓ |
| Docker | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ Grist Pros
- Fully open-source (Apache 2.0)
- Python formulas instead of spreadsheet formulas
- Self-hostable
- Strong access control and permissions
✗ Grist Cons
- Fewer integrations than Airtable
- Smaller template library
- Less intuitive for non-technical users
✓ n8n Pros
- Free self-hosting (forever)
- Full JavaScript/Python in every node
- AI agent workflow builder
- No per-task pricing when self-hosted
✗ n8n Cons
- Requires technical setup for self-hosting
- 400+ integrations vs Zapier's 7,000+
- Steeper learning curve than Zapier or Make
The Verdict
Grist is built for developers and data teams, with a focus on relational-data and python-formulas. n8n targets developers and technical teams and leads with workflows and self-hosting.
On pricing, Grist is the clear winner for budget-conscious users — starting at $10/mo compared to $24/mo for n8n. That $14/mo difference adds up quickly for growing teams.
Both offer free plans, so you can test each with your real workflow before committing to a subscription.
Feature-wise, n8n offers broader built-in capabilities (7 features vs 6), while Grist takes a more focused approach — which can mean a simpler, faster onboarding experience.
Both tools are a solid fit for developers — in those cases, the decision often comes down to workflow style and how your team prefers to organize work.
Bottom line: n8n has a slight overall edge — but if fully open-source (apache 2.0) matters most to you, Grist may still be the right call.
