Clay vs n8n
A side-by-side comparison to help you choose between Clay and n8n.
Our verdict
Choose Clay if you need out-of-the-box GTM data enrichment and AI-driven outreach at scale; choose n8n for customizable, self-hosted workflow automation with AI nodes. The core trade-off is specialization versus flexibility: Clay is a focused GTM platform with 100+ data sources and AI research agents, priced at $134/month after a free tier, while n8n is a general automation tool with 500+ integrations and self-hosting, starting at $20/month. Both are highly rated (Clay 4.5, n8n 4.6), so your choice hinges on whether you want a ready-made lead enrichment pipeline or a modular foundation to build custom automations.
| Clay | n8n | |
|---|---|---|
| Description | A GTM data platform that enriches leads from 100+ sources and uses AI research agents to personalize outreach at scale. | Source-available workflow automation with native AI nodes for building agents and LLM pipelines, self-hostable. |
| Category | AI automation | AI automation |
| Pricing | paid · Free tier; paid from $134/mo | paid · $20/mo Starter |
| Rating | 4.5 | 4.6 |
| Features | AI research agentsData enrichment from 100+ sourcesMulti provider waterfallIntent signal trackingAd audience syncNative outreach sequencer | Visual workflow builderCode in JavaScript/Python500+ app integrationsAI agent and RAG supportHuman in the loop approvalsSelf hostable via Docker |
| Website | Visit | Visit |
Choose Clay if…
Clay is best for GTM teams, sales professionals, and solopreneurs focused on lead generation and personalized outreach. Its AI research agents and 100+ data sources enable rapid enrichment without manual integration. The free tier allows testing, but full access costs $134/month, making it ideal for those who prioritize outbound sales efficiency over general automation.
Choose n8n if…
n8n fits developers, technical teams, and businesses needing a flexible, cost-effective automation backbone. With 500+ app integrations, visual workflow builder, and native AI agent support, it suits complex multi-step processes beyond sales. Its self-hosting option ensures data privacy, and the $20/month Starter plan offers powerful capabilities for budget-conscious users.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Clay and n8n?
Clay specializes in GTM data enrichment and AI-powered outreach, while n8n is a general workflow automation platform with AI nodes. Clay provides pre-built data sources and research agents; n8n offers unlimited integration possibilities and self-hosting.
Which tool is more affordable?
n8n is cheaper, starting at $20/month for the Starter plan, whereas Clay costs $134/month after a free tier. Clay's price reflects its bundled data sources and AI agents.
Can Clay and n8n be used together?
Yes, they are complementary. You can integrate n8n with Clay via API or webhooks to trigger enrichment or pull data into custom workflows, combining n8n's flexibility with Clay's data sources.
Which is better for a solo founder?
It depends on the use case: choose Clay for lead generation and outreach automation, especially if you need ready-made data enrichment. Choose n8n for automating other business processes like invoicing, social media, or internal approvals.
Do both tools support AI features?
Yes, but differently. Clay includes AI research agents for data enrichment and personalization. n8n supports AI agents, LLM pipelines, and RAG through its AI nodes, allowing custom AI automations.
Template
Run Your Own AI Directory
Everything this site runs on — the directory, the pipelines, the admin console — delivered as one template you deploy and own.
- Full Next.js source code + 10 pipelines
- Admin console with built-in analytics
- Agent Skills for zero-config setup
- Self-hosted — no recurring platform fees
One-time purchase · License key + GitHub repo access · Deploy on any VPS