n8n: Open‑Core Automation with Self‑Hosted Power

Automate workflows with n8n’s self-hosted or cloud tools. Community Edition is free, scalable, and open-core.

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5 out of 5 stars(9 ratings)

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Automate workflows with n8n’s self-hosted or cloud tools. Community Edition is free, scalable, and open-core.

n8n is a powerful workflow automation platform that lets you connect apps, databases, and APIs visually – either through a self-hosted Community Edition (open-core) or a hosted cloud service with robust enterprise features. It’s ideal for developers, businesses, and teams seeking flexible, cost-effective automation.

Editions & Pricing

Community Edition (Self-Hosted, Free)

Free to install on your own server (Docker, VPS, local) – with unlimited active workflows and executions.
Full access to core features: custom nodes, CLI access, scaling modes, and automation logic.
Add-ons like folders, in-editor debugging, and 24-hour execution history require registering the Community Edition.
You must manage hosting, SSL, backups, and maintenance yourself.

Cloud Plans (Hosted by n8n):

Starter – $24/mo ($20/mo annual): 2.5k executions, 5 active workflows, unlimited users, forum support.
Pro – $60/mo ($50 annual): 10k executions, 15 active workflows, advanced roles, execution history search.
Enterprise – custom pricing: unlimited workflows, audit logs, SSO, SAML/LDAP, Git sync, 365-day insights, and SLA support.

Key Differences: Free vs Paid

Feature	Community Edition	Cloud Starter/Pro/Enterprise
Unlimited workflows/executions	Yes	Limited by plan
Custom nodes, CLI, scaling	Yes	Yes
Collaboration & versioning	No	Starter+
Environments & global variables	No	Pro/Enterprise
SSO, Git, audit logs	No	Enterprise only
Hosting & infrastructure	Self managed	Included

Strengths and Considerations

Self‑Hosted Community Edition

Cost & Control: Zero licensing cost, full control over infrastructure—ideal for small businesses or solopreneurs.
Long‑Term Savings: For heavy workflows, self-hosting beats per-operation platforms like Zapier or Make in cost effectiveness.
Technical Demand: You need technical knowledge—Docker, server setup, SSL, OAuth (e.g. Google Sheets), and continuous maintenance .

Hosted Cloud Plans

Ease and Reliability: Hassle-free setup, automated hosting, SSL, and scaling; ideal for teams lacking technical resources .
Advanced Features: Collaboration, version control, audits, SSO, environment separation—all available to power users.
Execution Limits: Cloud plans charge per workflow execution and active workflows; users with very heavy usage may approach higher tiers.

Community Feedback

Developers praise the platform: “n8n is a polished automation product for zero recurring cost”.
Reddit users highlight transparent pricing and unlimited free usage with self-hosting, contrasting sharply with per-task pricing elsewhere .
Critiques focus on self-hosting challenges—OAuth setup, server upkeep, and missed pro-tier features .

Is It Right for You?

Choose Community Edition if you:

Want full control over infrastructure and costs
Expect high-volume workflow execution
Are comfortable with Docker, DevOps, and server management

Opt for Cloud Starter/Pro if you:

Need quick deployment and minimal setup
Want collaboration, support, and infrastructure handled
Prefer predictable pricing by execution and workflow count

Choose Enterprise if you:

Require SSO, audit logs, versioning, and extended retention
Operate at scale in large organizations

Final Thoughts

n8n stands out by providing a flexible, cost-effective automation platform that scales with your needs. Its Community Edition delivers powerful automation with no execution limits, while its Cloud and Enterprise plans add collaboration, compliance, and support for growing businesses.

Begin with self-hosted n8n to validate workflows, then consider upgrading to Cloud plans if you need advanced features or prefer a managed solution. Either way, n8n offers an impressive blend of power, transparency, and scalability.

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