n8n is a workflow automation platform built for users who want more control than a typical no-code automation tool. It combines a visual workflow builder with custom code, APIs, AI agents, and self-hosting. This makes it useful for developers, automation professionals, startups, and technical teams that need to connect apps and build more advanced business workflows.
n8n
Flexible Workflow Automationby n8n GmbH
Flexible workflow automation platform for building app integrations, AI agents, and advanced business automations.
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What is n8n?
What users sayUsers often like n8n because it gives them more freedom than basic no-code automation platforms. The visual workflow builder is useful for everyday automation, while developers appreciate the option to use code, APIs, and self-hosting when they need more control. The main downside is that advanced workflows and self-hosting require more technical knowledge.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Can be self-hosted for more control over data
- Visual workflow builder is flexible for complex automations
- Supports custom code when no-code tools are not enough
- Strong AI agent and AI workflow capabilities
- Charges by complete workflow execution instead of every individual step
- Large community and plenty of ready-made integrations
Cons
- Takes more time to learn than simpler automation tools
- Self-hosting requires technical knowledge and maintenance
- Complex workflows can be harder to troubleshoot
- Business plan is expensive for smaller teams
- Some security and governance features require higher plans
- Not the best choice for users who only need very simple automations
Our verdict
n8n is a strong automation platform for users who want flexibility and control rather than the simplest possible setup. Its visual builder works well for regular automation, while custom code, APIs, AI agents, and self-hosting make it much more useful for technical teams. The Community Edition is particularly attractive for developers who are comfortable managing their own server. The main drawback is the learning curve, especially when workflows or self-hosted setups become complex.
Who is n8n for?
Developers
Flexible automation with code, APIs, webhooks, and self-hosting
- APIs
- Custom code
- Self-hosting
- Users wanting only simple one-step automation
- Non-technical beginners
Plan we would pick: Community Edition
Automation Professionals
Builds complex workflows with branching, data processing, and integrations
- Advanced workflows
- APIs
- AI automation
- Very basic automation
- Zero-setup requirements
Plan we would pick: Pro
Startups
Flexible automation for product and internal business processes
- AI workflows
- Business automation
- APIs
- Teams without technical resources
- Very small automation needs
Plan we would pick: Pro
Agencies
Builds custom automation workflows for internal and client processes
- Client automation
- Data workflows
- AI agents
- Agencies needing only basic email automation
Plan we would pick: Pro
Technical Teams
Combines visual automation with developer tools and collaboration
- Development workflows
- APIs
- AI agents
- Completely non-technical teams
Plan we would pick: Business
Enterprise Teams
Provides governance, scaling, security, and deployment controls
- Enterprise automation
- Governance
- Scaling
- Small teams with simple workflows
Plan we would pick: Enterprise
Industry fit
Software DevelopmentExcellent combination of APIs, code, webhooks, and automation.
Strong fit
98
SaaSStrong for product workflows, internal automation, and API integration.
Strong fit
97
IT & TechnologySelf-hosting and technical workflow controls are particularly useful.
Strong fit
97
AI AutomationStrong AI nodes, agents, MCP, and model integration capabilities.
Strong fit
98
AgenciesFlexible for custom client and internal workflows.
Strong fit
92
E-commerceUseful for orders, CRM, inventory, notifications, and data workflows.
Strong fit
90
MarketingCan automate leads, campaigns, CRM, and reporting.
Strong fit
91
Small BusinessPowerful but more technical than simpler no-code automation platforms.
Conditional
82
EnterpriseAdvanced governance, security, scaling, and self-hosting options.
Strong fit
95
Key features
Visual Workflow Builder
Builds automation workflows by connecting nodes on a visual canvas.
AI Agents
Creates agent-based workflows that can use AI models, tools, and business data.
App Integrations
Connects workflows with hundreds of supported apps and services.
Custom Code
Adds custom logic when visual nodes alone are not enough.
Self-hosting
Runs n8n on your own infrastructure for greater deployment and data control.
Webhooks
Starts workflows and exchanges data using webhooks.
API
Provides programmatic access for managing and integrating n8n.
MCP Support
Connects compatible AI tools and agent workflows through MCP.
Custom Nodes
Allows developers to build integrations and functionality for services not covered by existing nodes.
Workflow Templates
Provides ready-made workflows that can be customized.
Git Version Control
Supports workflow version control on eligible business plans.
Multiple Environments
Separates development and production workflows on eligible plans.
Queue Mode
Supports scalable workflow execution in self-hosted deployments.
n8n pricing
Prices checked October 6, 2026
Most popular
Starter
€20 month
- 2,500 workflow executions
- Unlimited steps
- Unlimited users
- 1 shared project
- 5 concurrent executions
- AI agents
- MCP
- AI nodes
- 1,600 Assistant credits per month
Pro
€50 month
- 10,000 workflow executions
- Unlimited steps
- Unlimited users
- 3 shared projects
- Up to 50 concurrent executions
- 7 days of insights
- Admin roles
- Workflow history
- Assistant credits
Business
€667 month
- 40,000 workflow executions
- Self-hosted
- 6 shared projects
- SSO
- LDAP
- 30 days of insights
- Multiple environments
- Queue mode
- Git version control
Enterprise
Custom custom
- Custom workflow executions
- Unlimited shared projects
- 200+ concurrent executions
- 365 days of insights
- External secret store
- Log streaming
- Extended data retention
- Dedicated support with SLA
Community Edition
Free self-hosted
- Self-hosted n8n
- Workflow automation
- Community integrations
- Custom nodes
- No hosting fee from n8n
Pricing calculator
Starter €20 / seat, Pro €50 / seat from 1 seats.
Is n8n right for you?
Answer a few quick questions to see our pick.
How n8n compares
n8n stands out because it combines visual no-code automation with developer-level flexibility. Users can build workflows visually, add custom code, connect APIs, create AI agents, and choose between n8n Cloud and self-hosting. Its execution-based pricing is also different from platforms that charge for every individual step or action in a workflow.
| Capability | n8n | Zapier | Make | Microsoft Power Automate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visual workflow builder | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Strong |
| No-code automation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Custom code | Excellent | Limited | Strong | Yes |
| AI agents | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MCP support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Varies |
| Webhooks | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| API access | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Custom nodes | Yes | Limited | Yes | Connectors |
| Self-hosting | Yes | No | No | Limited |
| Free self-hosted edition | Yes | No | No | No |
| Unlimited workflow steps on paid plans | Yes | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Enterprise plan | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Integrations
23 integrations listed
- Google Sheets
- Gmail
- Google Drive
- Slack
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Teams
- Notion
- Airtable
- HubSpot
- Salesforce
- Shopify
- WooCommerce
- PostgreSQL
- MySQL
- GitHub
- GitLab
- OpenAI
- Anthropic
- Google Gemini
- Telegram
- Discord
- HTTP Request
- Webhooks
Security, data & support
Security & compliance
- SOC 2Audited
- SOC 3Available
- GDPRSupported
- Encryption at restAES-256 for n8n Cloud
- Encryption in transitSupported
- Multi-factor authenticationSupported
- SSOAvailable on eligible plans
- SAMLSupported on eligible plans
- LDAPSupported on eligible plans
- Role-based access controlSupported
- External secret storeEnterprise
- Log streamingEnterprise
- Extended data retentionEnterprise
- Dedicated support SLAEnterprise
Your data, in plain words
- n8n processes data required to run workflows and connect third-party services.
- n8n Cloud customer instances are logically isolated from each other.
- Cloud databases and backups are encrypted at rest.
- Traffic between users and n8n Cloud is encrypted in transit.
- Credentials can be connected through OAuth or API keys depending on the service.
- n8n does not log or export connected credentials by default.
- Self-hosted users are responsible for securing their own infrastructure and data-at-rest configuration.
- Enterprise customers can access additional security, retention, logging, and secret-management controls.
Support
- DocumentationAll usersSelf-service
- Community ForumAll usersCommunity based
- Forum SupportStarter, Pro and BusinessResponse time varies
- Dedicated SupportEnterpriseAvailable
- Support SLAEnterpriseDefined SLA
API & languages
- Public APIYes
- WebhooksYes
- Custom nodesYes
- JavaScript supportYes
- Python supportYes
- HTTP requestsYes
- MCP supportYes
- AI nodesYes
- AI agentsYes
- Self-hostingYes
- Git version controlBusiness and higher
- Queue modeBusiness and higher
- External secret storeEnterprise
- English
English is the primary supported interface and documentation language for n8n. Workflows can process multilingual text and data, and connected AI models may understand many languages, but this should not be treated as official multilingual interface support.
n8n FAQs
Is n8n free?
Yes. n8n provides a free self-hosted Community Edition. Cloud plans are paid.
How much does n8n cost?
The hosted Starter plan currently starts at €20 per month when billed annually.
What is n8n used for?
n8n is used to connect apps, automate business processes, move data, call APIs, and build AI-powered workflows and agents.
Can I self-host n8n?
Yes. Self-hosting is one of n8n's major advantages and a Community Edition is available.
Does n8n require coding?
No for many workflows, but JavaScript, APIs, and technical knowledge can be useful for advanced automation.
Does n8n support AI agents?
Yes. n8n includes AI nodes, agent capabilities, and MCP support.
How does n8n pricing work?
Paid plans are mainly priced by monthly workflow executions rather than charging for each individual step.
What is a workflow execution?
It is one complete run of a workflow, regardless of how many steps that workflow contains.
Does n8n have an API?
Yes. n8n provides an API for programmatic workflows and platform management.
Is n8n good for developers?
Yes. Its code support, APIs, custom nodes, self-hosting, and AI capabilities make it particularly useful for technical users.
Does n8n support SSO?
Yes. SSO and LDAP are available on eligible higher plans.
Is n8n secure?
n8n publishes SOC 2 and SOC 3 information and provides encryption, authentication, and enterprise security controls.
Alternatives to n8n
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