Overview
n8n is a workflow automation platform with a node-based visual editor. Its source code is available under a fair-code license, and the Community Edition can be self-hosted for free, while n8n also offers a managed cloud service.
It appeals to technical teams who want visual workflows but also need to drop into JavaScript or Python, call arbitrary APIs and keep data on their own infrastructure. It has become a common choice for building AI agent and LLM workflows.
Key features
- Visual node editorBuild workflows by connecting trigger, action and logic nodes.
- Code nodesWrite JavaScript or Python inside workflows for custom logic.
- Self-hostingRun on your own infrastructure with Docker or npm for data control.
- AI agent nodesBuild agents and LLM chains with memory, tools and vector store integrations.
- Integrations and HTTPHundreds of built-in integrations plus a generic HTTP request node.
Best for
- Technical teams that want visual automation with code escape hatches
- Organizations that must keep workflow data on their own infrastructure
- Builders prototyping AI agent workflows
Pricing
Open source. Self-hosted Community Edition is free under a fair-code license; managed cloud and enterprise plans are priced by workflow executions.
| Plan | What you get |
|---|---|
| Community Edition | Free self-hosted version with the core workflow editor. |
| Cloud | Managed hosting tiers priced by monthly workflow executions. |
| Business | Self-hosted plan adding SSO, environments and collaboration features. |
| Enterprise | Advanced security, scaling and support, cloud or self-hosted. |
Prices and plan limits change often. Check the official website for current pricing. Last reviewed Oct 3, 2026.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Self-hosting gives full control over data and costs
- Execution-based pricing does not charge per step
- Strong support for custom code and AI workflows
Cons
- Fair-code license is not OSI open source and restricts some commercial uses
- Self-hosting requires maintenance, upgrades and monitoring
- Less approachable for non-technical users than Zapier
n8n alternatives
-
Automation Freemium Visit
Zapier
No-code automation connecting thousands of apps with triggers, actions and AI steps.
-
Automation Freemium Visit
Make
Visual automation platform for building complex multi-app scenarios on a canvas.
-
Automation Freemium Visit
Pipedream
Developer-focused integration platform for code-first workflows and API connections.
Related resources
The best free tools for solo founders
Six tools with genuinely useful free or open-source options that let a solo founder plan, build, launch, measure and get paid before spending on software.
5 min read
Zapier vs Make vs n8n, which automation platform fits your team
A side-by-side look at Zapier, Make and n8n covering ease of use, workflow complexity, pricing structure, hosting and AI features.
4 min read
Try n8n
Self-hosted Community Edition is free under a fair-code license; managed cloud and enterprise plans are priced by workflow executions.