Windmill vs n8n Cloud
Is switching from n8n Cloud to Windmillworth it? Here's a detailed comparison of pricing, features, and ownership.
Windmill and n8n Cloud both serve workflow automation and api integration, but they differ fundamentally in pricing and ownership. n8n Cloud costs $24/month ($288/year), while Windmill is available for Free (self-hosted) / Enterprise from $120/mo. As an open-source tool, Windmill's code is publicly auditable and community-driven. This comparison breaks down exactly what you gain, what you lose, and whether switching makes sense for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Switching to Windmill saves you $288/year — $864 over 3 years
n8n Cloud costs
$288/yr
3-year cost
$864
Windmill costs
Free (self-hosted) / Enterprise from $120/mo
Best for
- +Developer teams
- +Internal tool builders
- +Companies with strong engineering culture
Not ideal for
- −Non-technical users
- −Teams wanting drag-and-drop simplicity
Feature Comparison
| Feature | n8n CloudSubscription | WindmillAlternative |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $24/mo $288/year | Freemium· Free (self-hosted) / Enterprise from $120/mo |
| Platforms | Web, Desktop (typical) | WindowsmacOSLinux |
| Offline Support | Limited (typical) | ✓Full offline |
| Open Source | No | ✓Open source |
| Ownership | Renting | Full ownership |
| Cloud Dependency | High (typical) | Mostly offline |
| Migration | — | HIGH |
Pricing
n8n Cloud
$24/mo
$288/year
Windmill
Freemium· Free (self-hosted) / Enterprise from $120/moPlatforms
n8n Cloud
Web, Desktop (typical)Windmill
Offline Support
n8n Cloud
Limited (typical)Windmill
✓Full offlineOpen Source
n8n Cloud
NoWindmill
✓Open sourceOwnership
n8n Cloud
RentingWindmill
Full ownershipCloud Dependency
n8n Cloud
High (typical)Windmill
Mostly offlineMigration
n8n Cloud
—Windmill
HIGHSwitching Analysis
+What you gain with Windmill
- +Code-first approach
- +Supports Python/Go/TS/Bash
- +Built-in app builder
- +SOC 2 compliant
−What you lose
- −More developer-focused
- −Smaller community
- −Higher learning curve
Who Should Switch?
✓Good candidates for Windmill
- +Developer teams
- +Internal tool builders
- +Companies with strong engineering culture
✗Should keep using n8n Cloud
- −Non-technical users
- −Teams wanting drag-and-drop simplicity
Migration Guide
Switching from n8n Cloud to Windmill is rated as high. Here's how to make the move:
Export your data
Go to n8n Cloud's settings and export your data in CSV, PDF, or native format. Most tools support bulk export.
Install Windmill
Download Windmill from the official website. It costs Free (self-hosted) / Enterprise from $120/mo — a one-time purchase.
Import and configure
Import your exported data into Windmill. Set up your preferences, shortcuts, and workflows to match your existing setup.
Run in parallel
Use both tools side-by-side for a week or two. This lets you verify everything works before fully switching.
Cancel subscription
Once you're confident Windmill meets your needs, cancel your n8n Cloud subscription. You've escaped the subscription!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windmill a good alternative to n8n Cloud?
Yes, Windmill is a solid alternative to n8n Cloud. It offers a free tier with open source code, making it a great choice for users looking to escape subscriptions. Windmill handles the core functionality that most n8n Cloud users rely on daily.
How much can I save by switching from n8n Cloud to Windmill?
Switching from n8n Cloud ($288/year) to Windmill (Free (self-hosted) / Enterprise from $120/mo) can save you approximately $288 per year, or $864 over three years. The savings start immediately with zero upfront cost.
What do I lose by switching from n8n Cloud to Windmill?
The main trade-offs include: More developer-focused, Smaller community, Higher learning curve. However, Windmill still covers the core functionality most users need. The gaps are typically in advanced features and ecosystem integrations, not daily-use capabilities.
Can I migrate my data from n8n Cloud to Windmill?
Yes. Most n8n Cloud data can be exported in standard formats (CSV, PDF, or native format) and imported into Windmill. The migration difficulty is rated as high, so plan for a more involved transition.
Is Windmill a one-time purchase?
Yes, Windmill costs Free (self-hosted) / Enterprise from $120/mo. You pay once and own it forever — no monthly or annual subscription fees.
Does Windmill work on the same platforms as n8n Cloud?
Windmill is available on windows, macos, linux. This covers all major platforms, so you can use it on all your devices.
Explore more
Ready to stop renting n8n Cloud?
Windmill is a free to start alternative that lets you own your tools.