n8n
A workflow automation tool for technical users, with a visual node editor, code steps and AI agents. It can be self-hosted.
✓ A useful fit for
Technical users building complex or high-volume automations, or teams that want to self-host
↳ Worth knowing
It has a steeper learning curve than Make or Zapier. Cloud plans are listed in euros, and self-hosting makes you responsible for updates, security and backups.
Is this a good starting point for you?
This tool can be useful once you have a clear goal. Set aside some time for setup and testing before relying on it. Our suggestion is based on the tool’s purpose and published features, rather than a hands-on benchmark.
Who n8n is for
n8n suits developers, technical marketers and operations people who want more control than Make or Zapier: code steps, custom API requests, AI agents and the option to run it on their own server.
Pros and cons
✓ Pros
- Free self-hosted Community Edition
- Pricing counts whole workflow runs, not each step
- Code steps (JavaScript or Python) and custom API requests
- Unlimited users and workflows on every plan
↳ Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-technical users
- Cloud plans are listed in euros
- Self-hosting means you handle updates, security and backups
- Smaller beginner template library than Zapier
Good first tasks to try
- Send new form entries to a spreadsheet and a Slack channel
- Summarise incoming support emails with an AI step
- Sync contacts between two apps every night
- Build a simple AI agent that answers questions from a document
Pricing summary
Community Edition: free to self-host. Cloud Starter: €20/month billed annually. Pro: €50/month billed annually. Business: €667/month billed annually. Enterprise by quote. A Cloud free trial (1,000 executions) needs no credit card.
Is it worth paying for?
Self-hosting is free if you can maintain a server. Otherwise compare n8n Cloud Starter (€20 a month billed annually) with Make’s free plan using your real number of runs. Pay monthly first if you’re unsure.
Checked 14 October 2026 on the official pricing page. Prices are in the currency shown, may exclude tax, and change often: confirm on the provider’s site before paying.
How to start with n8n
Start a free n8n Cloud trial, or self-host the Community Edition if you know Docker.
Open a template and connect two apps you already use, such as a form and a spreadsheet.
Run it manually, inspect each step’s data, then activate it and watch the executions list.
Quick facts
| Category | Productivity |
|---|---|
| Free access | Free self-hosted edition; Cloud trial |
| Learning curve | Allow time for setup |
| Good for | Automate a task, Run my business |
Privacy and safety tips
Think about what data your workspace or automations can access, and give tools only the permissions they need. Test new automations with sample data, keep a simple record of what each one does, and review AI-generated content before it reaches customers or colleagues.
Alternatives to consider
- Zapier: Reducing repetitive app-to-app work.
- Make: Building multi-step automations, including AI steps, on a visual canvas.
Related guides
- Make vs n8n: which automation tool?: Make vs n8n compared: visual no-code automation vs a technical, self-hostable builder. Free plans, prices checked today and who each suits.
Frequently asked questions
Is n8n free?
The self-hosted Community Edition is free. n8n Cloud has a free trial; paid Cloud plans start at €20 a month billed annually.
Is n8n good for beginners?
It’s usable, but it suits people comfortable with webhooks, JSON and APIs. Make is usually easier for non-technical beginners.
What is an execution in n8n?
One complete run of a workflow, however many steps it has. n8n prices Cloud plans by executions.
Where does n8n Cloud store data?
n8n says hosted Cloud data is stored in the EU, in Frankfurt, Germany.
Make your first try a useful one.
Open the official tool
Check the current plan and create an account if required.
Start with one small task
Bring a clear goal and use non-sensitive example material.
Check the result before you use it
Review facts, formatting, permissions and anything the tool may have misunderstood.
A helpful next read
Your first useful AI conversation
A small task. A clear request. A better starting point.
Let’s try it ↗