# n8n-mcp vs serena
_MCP Servers · independent comparison_

> n8n-mcp and serena are both open-source mcp servers you can self-host for free. n8n-mcp is written primarily in TypeScript; serena in Python. Neither is universally better — pick by fit.

## Side by side

**n8n-mcp**
- Open source · MCP server · 23k★ · TypeScript · MIT · active 2 days ago
- Best for: Giving an AI assistant deep knowledge of n8n's 2,285 workflow nodes.
- Avoid if: You do not use n8n — the server only exposes n8n node documentation.
- [listing](https://agentsearchengine.app/agents/n8n-mcp) · [official](https://www.n8n-mcp.com/)

**serena**
- Open source · SDK / library · 28k★ · Python · MIT · active 1 day ago
- Best for: Giving a coding agent symbol-level code navigation, refactoring, and debugging via MCP.
- [listing](https://agentsearchengine.app/agents/serena) · [official](https://oraios.github.io/serena)

## Key differences

- n8n-mcp is written primarily in TypeScript; serena in Python.

## Which to choose

**Choose n8n-mcp if:** Giving an AI assistant deep knowledge of n8n's 2,285 workflow nodes.

**Choose serena if:** Giving a coding agent symbol-level code navigation, refactoring, and debugging via MCP.

## FAQ

**What's the main difference between n8n-mcp and serena?**
n8n-mcp is written primarily in TypeScript; serena in Python.

**Is n8n-mcp or serena better?**
Neither is universally better. n8n-mcp is the stronger fit for Giving an AI assistant deep knowledge of n8n's 2,285 workflow nodes; serena for Giving a coding agent symbol-level code navigation, refactoring, and debugging via MCP. Use the side-by-side specs to decide by your own constraints.

**Is n8n-mcp or serena free?**
n8n-mcp is free to run and self-host; serena is free to run and self-host. Both are free to self-host — you only pay for the infrastructure and any model or API usage.

**Which is more popular, n8n-mcp or serena?**
By GitHub stars — a proxy for open-source adoption — serena is ahead (28k vs 23k). Stars measure attention, not necessarily the better fit for you.

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Source: [Agent Search Engine](https://agentsearchengine.app) — https://agentsearchengine.app/compare/n8n-mcp-vs-serena