The short answer
Choose n8n if you want a proven automation tool with a large integration library. Consider Hivelock if your main need is AI agents with built-in approvals, tenant isolation and a tamper-evident audit trail, and you are comfortable with an early-access product.
Side-by-side comparison
| Area | Hivelock | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Controlled AI agents and workflows | Workflow automation with AI features |
| Status | Early access | Established product with a large community |
| Integrations | 26+ connectors, plus remote MCP servers | 400+ integrations |
| Licence | Open source, AGPL-3.0, with a commercial option | Sustainable Use License for the Community edition |
| Self-hosting | Yes, with a free Community edition on GitHub | Free Community edition under the Sustainable Use License |
| Single sign-on | OpenID Connect, with SAML through Keycloak | Paid plans. Not in the Community edition |
| Workflow version history | Included, with compare and restore | Git version control is not in the Community edition |
n8n details checked on 6 November 2026 against its edition comparison and licence FAQ. Plans and features change, so confirm them with n8n.
Where n8n is stronger
- A longer track record and a larger community.
- Many more ready-made integrations.
- A wide range of general automation beyond AI agents.
Where Hivelock is focused
- Agents are limited to the actions you choose, and changes in chat wait for approval.
- Workspaces are separated with PostgreSQL row-level security.
- Each workspace has its own encryption key for secrets and run data.
- Changed MCP tools stay blocked until someone reviews them.
Which should you choose?
If you already run n8n well, you may not need to switch. If you are starting AI agent work in a security-minded company, compare both with one real process before deciding.
Common questions
Is Hivelock open source?
Yes. The Community edition is open source under AGPL-3.0, with a commercial licence for paid editions. The code is on GitHub.
Can Hivelock replace n8n?
Not for every case. n8n has far more integrations and a longer history. Test your own workflow before moving anything.
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