Fair-code automation platform that lets you connect apps and build workflows with AI integrations and custom nodes.
n8n is a fair-code automation platform that gives you complete control over your workflows through self-hosting while offering a cloud option for convenience. Unlike proprietary automation tools, n8n is source-available (fair-code license), allowing you to run it on your own infrastructure, customize the code, and maintain complete data privacy. This makes it particularly valuable for companies with strict security requirements, developers who want extensibility, and organizations that need to integrate internal systems without external data exposure.
What sets n8n apart is its developer-friendly approach combined with visual workflow building. Power users can write JavaScript directly in nodes for custom logic, create custom integrations, and extend functionality while non-technical users enjoy an intuitive drag-and-drop interface similar to Make or Zapier. The platform offers 400+ integrations, supports complex workflows with branching logic and loops, and provides detailed execution histories for debugging. n8n's self-hosted nature means unlimited executions without per-operation costs once deployed, making it economical for high-volume automation.
Whether you choose self-hosting for control or n8n Cloud for convenience, the platform delivers enterprise-grade automation capabilities. Teams appreciate the fair-code approach, active open-source community, regular updates, and flexibility to customize workflows beyond what closed platforms allow.
n8n's fair-code model gives you the best of both worlds—self-host for free or use their cloud service. The workflow builder is powerful and the community is active. Perfect for technical teams wanting control over their automation infrastructure and data.
Run n8n on your own infrastructure for complete control over data, privacy, and security. No external service sees your workflow data or credentials.
Use Case:
Healthcare company processes patient data through automation workflows running entirely on their HIPAA-compliant servers without external API calls exposing sensitive information.
Source-available code allows customization, custom node creation, and extending functionality. Active community contributes integrations and improvements.
Use Case:
Development team creates custom nodes for proprietary internal systems, contributing general-purpose ones back to the community.
Write custom JavaScript directly in workflows for data transformation, complex logic, or operations not covered by standard nodes.
Use Case:
Transform API responses using custom JavaScript to parse complex JSON structures, perform calculations, or implement business logic inline.
Pre-built nodes for popular services plus HTTP Request node for any API. Integrations include databases, cloud services, marketing tools, and more.
Use Case:
Integrate with PostgreSQL, Slack, Google Workspace, Salesforce, AWS, and custom internal APIs all in one workflow.
Support for loops, conditional branching, error handling, sub-workflows, and complex logic that simple automation tools can't handle.
Use Case:
Process lists of items with loops, route through different paths based on conditions, and handle errors gracefully with retry logic.
Every workflow execution is logged with full input/output data for each node, making debugging and troubleshooting straightforward.
Use Case:
When a workflow fails, view exactly which node failed, what data it received, and what error occurred—no guessing required.
Self-hosted n8n has no execution limits or per-operation costs. Run millions of workflow executions without additional fees.
Use Case:
E-commerce site processes thousands of orders daily through n8n workflows with zero per-execution costs since it's self-hosted.
Share and discover workflow templates created by the community. Import proven workflows and customize for your needs.
Use Case:
Import a 'Slack notifications for GitHub commits' template and customize it for your team's specific repositories and channels.
$0
one-time infrastructure cost
Developers, companies with hosting infrastructure, and privacy-focused organizations
$20
per month [needs verification]
Teams wanting managed automation without self-hosting complexity
Custom
contact sales
Businesses requiring enterprise features, support, and higher execution volumes
Ready to get started with n8n?
View Pricing Options →Organizations with strict data privacy requirements run n8n self-hosted to keep all automation data on their own infrastructure.
Businesses processing thousands of daily executions use self-hosted n8n to avoid per-operation costs of cloud automation services.
Development teams create custom nodes for proprietary systems and integrate internal tools without external API exposure.
Technical teams appreciate JavaScript code in workflows, custom node creation, and extensibility for complex automation needs.
Companies deploy n8n on existing infrastructure for enterprise automation without expensive per-seat or per-execution licensing.
Teams wanting automation capabilities without vendor lock-in choose n8n for its fair-code nature and self-hosting option.
n8n integrates seamlessly with these popular platforms and tools:
We believe in transparent reviews. Here's what n8n doesn't handle well:
Yes, n8n's self-hosted version is free with unlimited workflows and executions. You only pay for your hosting infrastructure (VPS, Docker hosting, etc.). n8n Cloud is a paid managed hosting option starting around $20/month.
n8n is source-available and can be self-hosted for complete data privacy and unlimited executions. Zapier is proprietary and cloud-only. n8n offers more customization and developer features but has fewer pre-built integrations. n8n is often more cost-effective for high-volume use.
For n8n Cloud, no—it's similar to other automation platforms with visual workflow building. For self-hosting, you need technical skills to deploy and maintain the infrastructure. JavaScript knowledge helps but isn't required for basic workflows.
You can export workflows from self-hosted to Cloud or vice versa. However, executions and credentials don't transfer automatically. Migration requires manual setup.
Fair-code is n8n's license model: source code is available for you to use, modify, and self-host, but you can't sell it as a competing commercial service. It's more open than proprietary software but with usage restrictions unlike pure open-source.
Self-hosted n8n can work on private networks without internet access (useful for isolated environments). However, integrations with external services obviously require connectivity to those services.
Self-hosted users rely on community forums and documentation. n8n Cloud includes email support. Pro/Enterprise plans offer priority support and SLAs.
Yes, you can create custom nodes in JavaScript for any service or system. n8n's extensibility is one of its key advantages for developers.
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