n8n
n8n is a flexible workflow automation platform for technical and non-technical users, with self-hosting and AI capabilities.
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Best use case with n8n
Building flexible automations and AI workflows you fully control — with the option to self-host for cost and data ownership.
n8n (pronounced "n-eight-n", short for "nodemation") is a workflow automation tool that lets you connect apps, APIs, databases, and AI models on a visual canvas. Unlike fully closed platforms, n8n can be self-hosted, giving you control over costs and data.
Why n8n stands out
n8n hits a sweet spot between no-code simplicity and developer flexibility. You can build a lot by dragging nodes — and when you hit a limit, drop into a Code node or the HTTP Request node to do almost anything.
Best for
If you want automation you truly own — with room to grow into AI agents and custom integrations — n8n is hard to beat.
Cloud vs self-hosted pricing
| Option | Cost | You manage | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-hosted | Free (server cost only) | Everything | Cost control, privacy, scale |
| Cloud Starter | ~$20–24/mo | Nothing | Fast start, no DevOps |
| Cloud Pro | ~$50+/mo | Nothing | Teams, more executions |
A key advantage: n8n Cloud bills per workflow execution, not per individual step — so multi-step workflows don't multiply your cost the way task-based tools do.
The nodes you'll use most
- HTTP Request — call any REST API (the universal escape hatch).
- Webhook — trigger workflows from external apps in real time.
- Code — run custom JavaScript or Python.
- IF / Switch — branch logic based on data.
- Set / Edit Fields — shape data between steps.
- AI Agent — build assistants that reason and call tools.
- Merge / Split — combine or fan out items.
Getting started
You can start on n8n Cloud in minutes, or self-host with Docker for full control. Not sure which? Read our n8n Cloud vs self-hosted comparison, or start with What is n8n? and n8n for beginners.
Start automating with n8n
Spin up n8n Cloud in minutes, or self-host for full control.
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Key features
- Visual node-based workflow builder
- 500+ integrations plus a generic HTTP Request node
- Self-hosting via Docker (data stays on your server)
- Built-in AI Agent & LangChain nodes
- Code node (JavaScript & Python) for custom logic
- Webhooks, schedule/cron, and app event triggers
- Sub-workflows, error workflows, and retries
- Workflow templates library & version history
Pros & cons
Pros
- Extremely flexible — automate almost anything
- Self-hosting option for cost and data control
- Strong AI agent and HTTP capabilities
- Active community and 1,000+ templates
- Fair pricing — Cloud bills per execution, not per task/step
Cons
- Steeper learning curve than no-code-only tools
- Self-hosting requires server maintenance
- Fewer polished native apps than Zapier in some niches