n8n

Source-available workflow automation platform for visual workflows, code and self-hosting

automationworkflowsself-hosted
Websiten8n.io
CategoryAPIs & automation
PricingFreemium
Card requiredNo
← ← Back to directoryGo to n8n ↗ ↗

ABOUT

What is n8n?

n8n is a source-available fair-code workflow automation platform that combines a visual node-based editor with the flexibility to write custom JavaScript or Python code nodes. Workflows can be self-hosted or run on n8n cloud, supporting hundreds of integrations via a modular node system. The platform is particularly popular among developers who want automation without the vendor lock-in of proprietary tools.

BEFORE YOU SIGN UP

What you should know

✓
Open source with self-hostingCommunity Edition is free to self-host under the Sustainable Use License for permitted uses, with workflows running on your own infrastructure.
✓
Powerful code nodesYou can drop into JavaScript or Python mid-flow when the built-in nodes are not enough. This makes n8n usable for genuinely complex logic.
△
Learning curve for node-based workflowsThe visual editor is intuitive for simple flows, but error handling, nested logic and debugging can require time to master.
✕
Documentation quality variesNode reference docs and examples sometimes lag behind the fast release cycle, forcing users to dig into source code or community forums for answers.

COMMUNITY

From the forums

The n8n community on Reddit and GitHub values its source-available fair-code model, active development and the ability to self-host complex workflows without paying per execution. The visual editor combined with code nodes hits a sweet spot for technical teams. Common frustrations include occasional instability in newer releases, documentation that lags behind features and the enterprise tier pricing jump.

— Community sentiment

💬Discuss on Reddit ↗

SEE ALSO · APIs & automation

Alternatives to n8n

Abstract API

Freemium

A practical API suite for IP, email, phone and other validation tasks.

Hookdeck Event Gateway

Freemium

Managed infrastructure for receiving, routing, and delivering webhooks

Inngest

Freemium

Durable execution for event-driven workflows, background jobs and AI agents

Guides mentioning n8n

📖Tutorial

How to install n8n on a VPS

Run your own workflow automation service behind HTTPS

2026-07-30·4 min read

ABOUT US

Honest, independent, no fluff.

No paid placements. Just a clear look at what this does, what it costs, and what to know before you commit.

Read more→

FAQ

Questions, answered.

Is n8n free to self-host?＋

Yes for uses allowed by the Sustainable Use License, including workflows built and edited only inside your organization. Hosting n8n as a service or letting external users configure workflows requires a commercial license.

How does n8n compare to Zapier or Make?＋

n8n offers more flexibility for developers through code nodes and self-hosting, but has fewer pre-built connectors than Zapier. It is best for teams that need custom logic alongside automation.

Can I migrate workflows from the community edition to cloud?＋

Yes, workflows are exportable as JSON and can be imported into any n8n instance, including cloud.