n8n vs Shield: Pricing Comparison 2026
Side-by-side pricing comparison of n8n and Shield. See all plans, features, and costs at a glance.
Bottom line: n8n starts at Custom pricing and Shield starts at $15/mo. Compare all 7 pricing tiers side by side.
Last updated: March 16, 2026
n8n vs Shield: Quick Pricing Facts
| Feature | n8n | Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Custom pricing | $15/mo |
| Number of Plans | 4 | 3 |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Pricing Model | open-source | flat |
| Annual Discount | N/A | N/A |
n8n and Shield are both priced at Custom pricing, making them equally accessible Other tools. Together they offer 7 pricing plans with 38 features compared, so the best choice comes down to which features match your needs.
Shield stands out with a free plan for getting started. n8n uses open-source pricing while Shield uses flat pricing, which may affect your total cost at scale.
Review the detailed tier-by-tier comparison above to see exactly which features are included at each price point and find the best fit for your Other needs.
| Pricing Plans |  n8n Try it free |  Shield Try it free |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Starter Custom pricing Includes
| |
| Tier 2 | Pro Custom pricing Includes
| ProPopular $15/monthCheapest $12 / year Includes
|
| Tier 3 | Business Custom pricing Includes
| Enterprise Custom pricing Includes
|
| Tier 4 | Enterprise Custom pricing Includes
| — |
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Which Should You Choose?
Choose n8n if:
- •You need 4 pricing tiers for flexible team sizing—more options mean less overpaying for features you don't need
- •You want more features built-in—n8n offers 22 additional features across its plans
- •You prioritize n8n's user experience and interface over price (both tools are similarly priced)
Choose Shield if:
- •You need a free plan with Basic features, Community support—Shield offers no-cost access with no credit card required
- •You prioritize Shield's user experience and interface over price (both tools are similarly priced)
- •You need predictable billing — Shield's flat model avoids surprise overages
Shield offers a free plan [1], eliminating the cost barrier for evaluation, while n8n requires paid subscription from the start. This gives Shield a significant advantage for teams with budget constraints or extended trial periods. Once you outgrow Shield's free tier, upgrading to a paid plan at approximately $15/mo provides substantial additional functionality. Compare this pricing path against n8n's tiering starting at Custom pricing to assess total cost of ownership over 12 months. Shield's 3 tiers provide flexibility at different budgets, while n8n's 4 tiers structure may force you into higher-cost plans than necessary for your use case. If evaluation cost matters to your decision, Shield is the obvious starting point with zero financial commitment. Use the free tier to validate core functionality before committing to paid plans from either tool.
Frequently Asked Questions: n8n vs Shield
How many pricing plans does n8n have vs Shield?
Does n8n or Shield offer a free plan?
Can I save money by paying annually for n8n or Shield?
What is the most popular Shield plan?
Does n8n or Shield offer custom enterprise pricing?
What pricing models do n8n and Shield use?
How do n8n and Shield compare for Other?
Sources
- n8n Official Pricing— Vendor pricing page
- Shield Official Pricing— Vendor pricing page
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