n8n
PhantomBuster
| Feature | n8n | PhantomBuster |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free / from $24/mo | Free / from $69/mo |
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Rating | 4.6 / 5 | 4.1 / 5 |
| Best For | developers, technical-teams, agencies, cost-conscious-teams, ai-builders | sales-teams, recruiters, growth-hackers, lead-generation |
| Founded | 2019 | 2016 |
| Workflows | ✓ | ✗ |
| Self Hosting | ✓ | ✗ |
| Code Nodes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ai Agents | ✓ | ✗ |
| Api | ✓ | ✗ |
| Docker | ✓ | ✗ |
| Linkedin Automation | ✗ | ✓ |
| Data Extraction | ✗ | ✓ |
| Email Finder | ✗ | ✓ |
| Workflow Chains | ✗ | ✓ |
| Scheduling | ✗ | ✓ |
| Crm Export | ✗ | ✓ |
| Api Access | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ 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
✓ PhantomBuster Pros
- Pre-built automations for LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.
- No coding required for complex scraping workflows
- Cloud-based (runs 24/7 without your computer)
- Chain multiple Phantoms for sophisticated workflows
✗ PhantomBuster Cons
- Violates most social platform terms of service
- Account ban risk on LinkedIn and other networks
- Credits system limits usage on lower plans
The Verdict
n8n is built for developers and technical teams, with a focus on workflows and self-hosting. PhantomBuster targets sales teams and recruiters and leads with linkedin-automation and data-extraction.
On pricing, n8n is the clear winner for budget-conscious users — starting at $24/mo compared to $69/mo for PhantomBuster. That $45/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.
n8n edges out on user ratings (4.6 vs 4.1). While both are well-regarded, that gap reflects real differences in user satisfaction worth considering.
Bottom line: n8n has a slight overall edge — but if pre-built automations for linkedin, twitter, etc. matters most to you, PhantomBuster may still be the right call.
