n8n

Source-available workflow automation tool allowing inline code and self-hosting. Deploy on your infrastructure or use the fully managed cloud environment.

About n8n

n8n is an advanced workflow automation platform designed with a node-based visual interface that also accommodates native code. It allows technical teams to connect APIs, databases, and third-party applications while offering the flexibility to write JavaScript or Python directly inside workflows to handle complex data transformations.

The platform is source-available and operates on a fair-code model. Teams can self-host the Community Edition without licensing fees to retain absolute data sovereignty and bypass execution limits, or they can utilize n8n Cloud for a fully managed infrastructure experience.

Key Features

Visual Node Editor: Drag-and-drop interface for connecting applications and logic branching without strict coding requirements.
Inline Code Steps: Execute custom JavaScript or Python directly within the workflow canvas to manipulate complex data payloads.
Webhook Triggers: Initiate workflows instantly via inbound HTTP requests from external systems.
Self-Hosted Deployment: Run the Community Edition on your own servers via Docker to manage data privacy and compliance internally.
Error Handling: Built-in error triggers and retry logic to gracefully manage API failures or data inconsistencies.
Global Variables: Manage environment variables and secrets securely across multiple automated workflows.

Pricing

Community Edition: $0 Free, source-available software for self-hosting. Unlimited workflows and executions; you only pay for your own server infrastructure.
Cloud Starter: €20/mo (billed annually) Fully managed hosting, 2,500 executions per month, 1 shared project, and 5 concurrent executions.
Cloud Pro: €50/mo (billed annually) Includes 10,000 to 50,000 executions based on tier, 3 shared projects, up to 50 concurrent executions, workflow history, and global variables.
Cloud Enterprise: Custom pricing Custom execution limits, organization-wide features, advanced security, and service level agreements (SLA).
Business (Self-Hosted): €667/mo (billed annually) Advanced licensing for self-hosted instances requiring enterprise features, dedicated support, and administrative controls.

Use Cases

IT infrastructure and alerting automation
Complex data transformation and ETL processes
Automated incident response and ticket routing
Custom API endpoint creation via webhooks

Pros & Cons

Pros:

True self-hosting capabilities with no execution caps on the Community Edition.
Deep flexibility by allowing JavaScript and Python inline.
Transparent and predictable execution-based billing on Cloud plans.

Cons:

Steeper learning curve requiring baseline technical knowledge.
Self-hosting requires internal infrastructure maintenance and security management.

Integrations

PostgreSQL, GitHub, Slack, Jira, Airtable

FAQ

How is n8n pricing calculated on Cloud plans?

n8n Cloud plans bill per workflow execution, not per step. A workflow run counts as one execution regardless of how many nodes it contains.

Is the n8n Community Edition free?

Yes, the Community Edition is free to self-host and includes unlimited workflows and executions, all integrations, and inline code steps. You are only responsible for your server costs.