n8n is a workflow automation tool for Developers and Small businesses, offered as open source. Founded in Germany in 2019. Popular alternatives include Pipedream, Activepieces, Windmill.
About n8n
n8n is a workflow automation platform from Berlin, founded in 2019 by Jan Oberhauser. It uses a node-based visual editor where each step is a node, and it lets you mix ready-made integrations with custom JavaScript or Python whenever the visual tools are not enough. Its source is available under a fair-code license, so companies can self-host it for free with unlimited workflows and executions, which is its biggest advantage over Zapier and Make.
n8n ships with hundreds of integrations plus generic HTTP, webhook, database and code nodes that reach almost any API. It has become a favorite for AI automation: agent nodes built on LangChain, chat triggers, vector stores, memory and tool calling let teams build chatbots, RAG pipelines and agents that act on business data, using models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Mistral or local models. The cloud edition is priced by workflow executions, counting a full run rather than each step, and Enterprise adds SSO, environments with git, log streaming and scaling with queue mode.
n8n fits technical teams, agencies and operations engineers who want automation they can control, inspect and host themselves, including in Turkey or the EU for data residency. It requires more technical comfort than Zapier, self-hosting means owning updates and uptime, and some integrations are less polished. Zapier remains easiest for non-technical users, Make offers a visual middle ground, Pipedream suits developers who prefer code-first workflows, and Windmill is stronger for script-based internal tools.
Key features of n8n
- Visual node editor with branching, loops, merge and error handling
- 400+ native integrations plus generic HTTP and webhook nodes
- Code nodes in JavaScript and Python
- AI agent nodes with LangChain, vector stores and memory
- Self-hosting with Docker or npm; queue mode for scale
- Credentials management, versioning and environments (Enterprise)
Pros and cons
Pros
- Self-host for free with unlimited runs
- Per-execution cloud pricing is far cheaper than per-task
- Strongest AI/agent tooling among automation platforms
- Full control: code when needed
Cons
- Steeper learning curve than Zapier
- Fewer and sometimes less polished integrations
- Self-hosting means you maintain uptime and updates
- Fair-code license restricts reselling as a service
n8n pricing
n8n uses a open source model. A 14-day free trial is available.
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Community (self-hosted) | €0 | Self-hosted on your own server; fair-code license |
| Starter (Cloud) | €24 / mo | €20/mo billed annually; 2,500 executions, 1 shared project |
| Pro (Cloud) | €60 / mo | €50/mo billed annually; 10,000 executions, 3 shared projects |
| Business (self-hosted) | €800 / mo | €667/mo billed annually; 40,000 executions, SSO, LDAP |
| Enterprise | Custom | Cloud or self-hosted, unlimited projects, 200+ concurrency |
Source: n8n.io · checked on Oct 20, 2026
How n8n compares in Workflow automation
- Rank by votes
- #1 / 22
- Starting price
- $0
- Free alternatives
- 3
0 votes from members
Category median is $25/mo
Free or open-source tools in Workflow automation
n8n ranks #1 of 22 workflow automation tools by community votes and is not directly comparable on price.
Common use cases
- 1AI agent that answers questions over company documents and Slack
- 2ETL jobs moving data between databases and APIs on a schedule
- 3Replacing expensive Zapier plans with a self-hosted instance
- 4Webhook-driven backend automations for a SaaS product
Best for
Technical teams and developers who want powerful, affordable automation and are comfortable with Docker or a cloud plan.
Not ideal for
Non-technical users who want plug-and-play templates and premium support; Zapier or Make fit better.
Integrations
- 400+ nodes
- OpenAI
- Anthropic
- Slack
- Google Sheets
- Postgres
- HTTP Request
- Webhooks
Our take
n8n is the best automation platform for anyone who can run a Docker container, and the best place to build practical AI agents without code. Non-technical teams should start with Zapier and graduate to n8n when the bill hurts.
FAQ
- What is n8n?
- n8n is a Workflow automation tool: Source-available workflow automation you can self-host.
- How much does n8n cost?
- n8n is Open source; there is no mandatory paid plan.
- What are the best alternatives to n8n?
- Community-listed alternatives to n8n include Pipedream, Activepieces, Windmill, Microsoft Power Automate.
- Does n8n have a free trial?
- Yes, n8n offers a 14-day free trial.
- What does n8n integrate with?
- n8n integrates with 400+ nodes, OpenAI, Anthropic, Slack, Google Sheets, Postgres and more.
- Which platforms does n8n support?
- n8n is available on web.
- Who is n8n for?
- Technical teams and developers who want powerful, affordable automation and are comfortable with Docker or a cloud plan.
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