n8n
Self-hostable, code-friendly automation priced per execution, not per task
What is n8n?
n8n is a fair-code workflow automation platform (source available on GitHub, free to self-host) that combines a visual node canvas with drop-in JavaScript or Python anywhere in a flow. It prices cloud plans by workflow executions (not by task or step), which makes branching multi-step workflows dramatically cheaper than Zapier once volume grows.
Workflow automation platforms that connect business apps and reduce repetitive manual handoffs.
See the full Automation guide to compare more tools, buyer criteria, and related workflows.
Use cases to evaluate
Build an internal AI agent that triages support tickets across Zendesk, Linear, and Slack with full audit logs
Self-host an ETL workflow that pulls Postgres data, transforms in JavaScript nodes, and writes to BigQuery on a schedule
Wire a multi-branch lead enrichment pipeline (Apollo, Clearbit, OpenAI) without paying per intermediate API call
Replace a half-dozen brittle cron jobs with a versioned, observable workflow inside your own VPC
Fit to evaluate
Engineering-led teams who need code escape hatches inside a visual builder
Companies with data-residency or HIPAA/GDPR self-hosting requirements
High-execution-volume workflows where per-task billing on Zapier or Make would be punishing
Internal tool builders who want Git-backed workflow versioning and environment promotion
Business fit
Right for you if you have technical team members who want code-level control, want to self-host for data sovereignty or compliance, or run branching workflows where Zapier's per-task billing would explode. Skip if your team is purely non-technical and needs hand-holding setup wizards, since n8n's editor assumes you understand JSON, expressions, and HTTP basics. Skip if you need the absolute widest catalogue of pre-built integrations, because n8n covers ~500 versus Zapier's 9,000 (though arbitrary HTTP APIs always work).
How to evaluate n8n
Use this category when disconnected systems, missed follow-up, or manual handoffs are slowing operations.
Confirm the exact workflow
Map n8n to one concrete workflow first, such as build an internal ai agent that triages support tickets across zendesk, linear, and slack with full audit logs. Avoid buying before the owner, trigger, output, and success metric are clear.
Check category fit
Map the trigger, action, owner, and failure path before choosing a tool.
Compare practical alternatives
Shortlist n8n against Zapier, Make.com, Relay.app so the decision is based on fit, effort, and workflow ownership rather than brand recognition alone.
Validate cost and rollout effort
Community Edition is free and self-hosted from GitHub. Cloud Starter is EUR 20/mo annual for 2,500 executions and unlimited steps. Pro is EUR 50/mo annual for 10,000 executions, 20 concurrent, admin roles, and Git history. Business is EUR 667/mo annual (self-hosted) for 40,000 executions, SSO/SAML/LDAP, environments, and Git version control. Enterprise is custom with 200+ concurrent executions, external secret store, log streaming, and SLA. Also confirm implementation time, support needs, and whether the medium setup matches your team.
Compare n8n with alternatives
Use this quick comparison before booking demos or moving data into a new system.
| Primary workflow | Build an internal AI agent that triages support tickets across Zendesk, Linear, and Slack with full audit logs, Self-host an ETL workflow that pulls Postgres data, transforms in JavaScript nodes, and writes to BigQuery on a schedule |
|---|---|
| Best-fit team | Engineering-led teams who need code escape hatches inside a visual builder, Companies with data-residency or HIPAA/GDPR self-hosting requirements |
| Implementation effort | Medium setup and maintenance profile |
| Pricing check | Execution-based cloud tiers with unlimited steps, plus free self-hosted Community Edition under fair-code license |
| Closest alternatives | ZapierMake.comRelay.appWorkato |
n8n pricing
| Model | Execution-based cloud tiers with unlimited steps, plus free self-hosted Community Edition under fair-code license |
|---|---|
| Snapshot | Community Edition is free and self-hosted from GitHub. Cloud Starter is EUR 20/mo annual for 2,500 executions and unlimited steps. Pro is EUR 50/mo annual for 10,000 executions, 20 concurrent, admin roles, and Git history. Business is EUR 667/mo annual (self-hosted) for 40,000 executions, SSO/SAML/LDAP, environments, and Git version control. Enterprise is custom with 200+ concurrent executions, external secret store, log streaming, and SLA. |
| Checked |
Common questions about n8n
What is n8n?
n8n is a fair-code workflow automation platform (source available on GitHub, free to self-host) that combines a visual node canvas with drop-in JavaScript or Python anywhere in a flow. It prices cloud plans by workflow executions (not by task or step), which makes branching multi-step workflows dramatically cheaper than Zapier once volume grows.
What is n8n used for?
Common use cases: Build an internal AI agent that triages support tickets across Zendesk, Linear, and Slack with full audit logs; Self-host an ETL workflow that pulls Postgres data, transforms in JavaScript nodes, and writes to BigQuery on a schedule; Wire a multi-branch lead enrichment pipeline (Apollo, Clearbit, OpenAI) without paying per intermediate API call; Replace a half-dozen brittle cron jobs with a versioned, observable workflow inside your own VPC.
How much does n8n cost?
Community Edition is free and self-hosted from GitHub. Cloud Starter is EUR 20/mo annual for 2,500 executions and unlimited steps. Pro is EUR 50/mo annual for 10,000 executions, 20 concurrent, admin roles, and Git history. Business is EUR 667/mo annual (self-hosted) for 40,000 executions, SSO/SAML/LDAP, environments, and Git version control. Enterprise is custom with 200+ concurrent executions, external secret store, log streaming, and SLA.
Who is n8n best for?
n8n fits Engineering-led teams who need code escape hatches inside a visual builder, Companies with data-residency or HIPAA/GDPR self-hosting requirements, High-execution-volume workflows where per-task billing on Zapier or Make would be punishing, Internal tool builders who want Git-backed workflow versioning and environment promotion. Right for you if you have technical team members who want code-level control, want to self-host for data sovereignty or compliance, or run branching workflows where Zapier's per-task billing would explode. Skip if your team is purely non-technical and needs hand-holding setup wizards, since n8n's editor assumes you understand JSON, expressions, and HTTP basics. Skip if you need the absolute widest catalogue of pre-built integrations, because n8n covers ~500 versus Zapier's 9,000 (though arbitrary HTTP APIs always work).
What are alternatives to n8n?
Common alternatives to n8n include Zapier, Make.com, Relay.app, Workato, Lindy, Gumloop.