n8n is an open-source workflow automation platform that can be self-hosted for complete data ownership or used via n8n Cloud. It provides 400+ integrations, a visual node-based editor, and supports custom JavaScript/Python code nodes for complex automation logic. Loved by developers and technical teams who need enterprise-grade automation without paying Zapier or Make pricing — particularly attractive for automations involving sensitive data that cannot leave your infrastructure.
Open-source workflow automation with code flexibility.
Best for: Technical teams who want powerful, self-hostable workflow automation with the ability to write custom code.
- Free plan
4.6/5 ratingEditorial score 90/100n8n.io
The editorial note
What to know about n8n
Is it right for you?
Who n8n suits
Choose it if
- Technical teams who want powerful, self-hostable workflow automation with the ability to write custom code.
Look elsewhere if
- Non-technical business users wanting simple point-and-click automation — Zapier or Make offer better usability for people without coding knowledge or DevOps experience
What you get
Key features
- Visual node-based workflow editor
- 400+ pre-built integrations
- JavaScript and Python code nodes
- Self-hosting option (Docker, npm)
- Webhook triggers and scheduling
- Error handling and retry logic
- Sub-workflows for reusable logic
- AI agent workflows with LLM nodes
Works with
Integrations8
What it costs
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Community (Self-hosted) | FreeBilled monthly | Open source, unlimited workflows, self-hosted, all integrations, MIT license |
| Cloud Starter | $20 / monthBilled monthly | Managed cloud, 5k workflow executions/month, 5 active workflows, community support |
| Cloud Pro | $50 / monthBilled monthly | 50k executions/month, 15 active workflows, workflow history, priority support |
| Enterprise | CustomBilled monthly | Unlimited executions, SSO, custom branding, dedicated support, SLA |
Prices are recorded from the vendor's public pricing page and can change. Check before you buy.
The trade-off
Pros and cons
Pros
- Self-hosted option gives complete data privacy and control at no per-automation cost
- 400+ pre-built integrations plus ability to make HTTP requests to any API
- JavaScript and Python code nodes handle complex data transformation without workarounds
- Active open source community with regular new integrations and feature additions
- Fair-code license allows commercial use while requiring sharing of modifications
Cons
- Self-hosting requires DevOps knowledge for deployment, updates, and maintenance
- Less polished UI than Zapier or Make for non-technical users setting up basic automations
- Debugging complex workflows is more difficult than visual tools like Make
- n8n Cloud pricing for managed hosting is less competitive than Make for equivalent usage
Quick read
At a glance
- Category
- Development & Coding
- Pricing model
- Freemium
- Entry plan
- Free
- Free plan
- Available
- Free trial
- Not listed
- Website
- n8n.io
The verdict
Our take on n8n
The best open-source automation tool — self-hosting and code flexibility make it far more powerful than Zapier for technical teams.
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