n8n is a workflow automation platform with a node-based editor, hundreds of integrations, and the option to self-host, which removes per-task pricing entirely. It supports custom code nodes, so you can drop into JavaScript when the visual builder runs out.
Who it is for
A developer who wants automation workflows on their own server and will maintain them.
Key features
- Node-based workflow editor
- Self-hosted with no per-task fee
- Custom JavaScript in code nodes
- 400-plus prebuilt integrations
- Queue mode for scaling workers
- Fair-code license, not OSI open source
Where it falls short
Self-hosting means maintaining a server, the hosted pricing is not the cheapest, and the community is smaller than the market leader's.
Pricing
Self-hosting the community edition is free with unlimited executions; cloud plans start around $24 a month, and SSO plus environments are the paid gates.
Prices move; the tier structure is the part that stays true. Check current pricing on n8n.
Alternatives to n8n
Frequently asked
Is n8n free?
Partly. Self-hosting the community edition is free with unlimited executions; cloud plans start around $24 a month, and SSO plus environments are the paid gates.
What is n8n best for?
A developer who wants automation workflows on their own server and will maintain them.
What are the best alternatives to n8n?
The closest substitutes we list are Make and Zapier. They sit in a similar price bracket but make a different trade-off, so read the weaknesses section of each review before switching.
Which platforms does n8n run on?
n8n is available on Web and Docker.