n8n
ServiceNow
| Feature | n8n | ServiceNow |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free / from $24/mo | Contact sales |
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Rating | 4.6 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Best For | developers, technical-teams, agencies, cost-conscious-teams, ai-builders | enterprise, it-departments, large-organizations, government |
| Founded | 2019 | 2004 |
| Workflows | ✓ | ✗ |
| Self Hosting | ✓ | ✗ |
| Code Nodes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ai Agents | ✓ | ✗ |
| Api | ✓ | ✗ |
| Docker | ✓ | ✗ |
| Itsm | ✗ | ✓ |
| Itom | ✗ | ✓ |
| Workflow Automation | ✗ | ✓ |
| Cmdb | ✗ | ✓ |
| Service Portal | ✗ | ✓ |
| Virtual Agent | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ 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
✓ ServiceNow Pros
- Industry leader in ITSM
- Highly customizable
- Powerful workflows
- AI integration
✗ ServiceNow Cons
- Very expensive
- Complex implementation
- Requires dedicated admin
The Verdict
n8n is built for developers and technical teams, with a focus on workflows and self-hosting. ServiceNow targets enterprise and it departments and leads with itsm and itom.
ServiceNow uses custom enterprise pricing, while n8n starts at $24/mo — a tangible advantage for teams with a fixed budget.
n8n has a free plan, which gives it a meaningful edge for individuals and small teams exploring their options. ServiceNow requires a paid subscription from day one.
Feature-wise, n8n offers broader built-in capabilities (7 features vs 6), while ServiceNow takes a more focused approach — which can mean a simpler, faster onboarding experience.
Bottom line: n8n has a slight overall edge — but if industry leader in itsm matters most to you, ServiceNow may still be the right call.
