n8n

What Is n8n?

n8n is an open-source workflow automation tool that lets technical teams build complex automations across 400+ integrations using a visual node-based editor. The defining feature: you can self-host n8n on your own servers, keeping all workflow data and credentials in your infrastructure. For teams with data residency requirements or compliance constraints, this makes n8n the only viable option.

n8n Cloud is available for teams that prefer managed hosting. The tool supports complex automation patterns including loops, sub-workflows, error handling, and custom code nodes (JavaScript, Python).

Key Features

• Self-hosting option, run n8n on your servers, VPS, or Kubernetes cluster for full data control
• 400+ integrations, covering all major SaaS tools, databases, and protocols (HTTP, SMTP, FTP)
• Code nodes, write JavaScript or Python directly in workflow steps for custom logic
• Sub-workflows, reusable workflow components that can be called from other workflows
• Error workflows, dedicated error handling flows triggered on failure
• AI nodes, LangChain integration for building AI agents and LLM-powered automations
• Version control, workflows stored as JSON, compatible with Git for change tracking
• Webhook triggers, real-time event triggering from any external system

Self-Hosting vs. n8n Cloud

Self-hosting gives you complete data sovereignty: no third-party access to your workflow data, credentials, or API keys. It requires a server (the n8n Docker image runs on any Linux host) and basic DevOps capability for maintenance and updates. n8n Cloud removes this overhead with a managed deployment starting at $20/month, but workflows run on n8n’s infrastructure.

Who Is n8n Best For?

Enterprise teams with compliance or data residency requirements that preclude cloud-hosted automation tools. Technical teams that want to write custom code within automation workflows. Developers building AI agents using LangChain nodes. Organizations that want automation infrastructure they fully own and can customize at the code level.

Pricing

• Community (self-hosted): Free forever, unlimited workflows, core integrations
• Starter (cloud): $20/month, 5 active workflows, 5,000 executions/month
• Pro (cloud): $50/month, 15 active workflows, 10,000 executions/month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing, unlimited workflows, SSO, dedicated support
• Self-hosted users can access all features for free; cloud pricing applies only to n8n’s managed service

Limitations

Self-hosting requires server management, monitoring, and updates — not suitable for non-technical teams. The integration library (400+) is smaller than Zapier (6,000+) or Make (1,700+), with fewer native integrations for niche SaaS tools. The interface has a steeper learning curve than Zapier.

Verdict

n8n is the right choice for technical teams that need maximum control over their automation infrastructure. The self-hosted option is unmatched in the category for compliance use cases, and the code nodes allow automation logic that no other no-code tool supports. For teams that can manage the infrastructure, it’s also free at any scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is n8n really free? Yes, the self-hosted version of n8n is open-source and free forever with no workflow or execution limits. n8n Cloud (managed hosting) has paid plans starting at $20/month.

Can non-developers use n8n? n8n is primarily designed for technical users comfortable with servers or cloud infrastructure for self-hosting, and JSON/JavaScript for custom logic. Non-developers may find Zapier or Make easier to start with.

How does n8n compare to Zapier? n8n supports more complex workflows and self-hosting, while Zapier has 10x more integrations and a simpler interface. n8n is better for technical teams with complex needs; Zapier is better for non-technical users who need broad app coverage quickly.

Does n8n support AI workflows? Yes. n8n has dedicated LangChain nodes for building AI agents, connecting to LLMs (GPT-4, Claude, Gemini), and implementing RAG (retrieval-augmented generation) pipelines within automation workflows.