n8n
Open-source workflow automation tool with a node-based visual editor, code steps and built-in AI agent nodes.
Overview
n8n is an open-source workflow automation platform available as a self-hosted install or a managed cloud service. It connects hundreds of services through a visual node editor and allows JavaScript and Python code steps for custom logic that no connector covers. AI agent nodes can chain reasoning steps, call tools and loop until a goal is met. n8n suits developers and technical teams that want code-level flexibility combined with a visual builder, particularly when data privacy or cost concerns make self-hosting preferable to a SaaS platform.
Key features
- Visual node-based flow builder
- JavaScript and Python code nodes
- AI agent nodes with tool calling and looping
- Self-hostable on any server or container
- Hundreds of built-in service integrations
Pricing
- Pricing model
- Open source
- Monthly
- Open source, free to self-host
- Yearly
- Not on record
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free trial
- Yes
- Last verified
- Checked October 4, 2026
Pros
- Self-hosting removes per-task cost at high automation volumes
- Code nodes handle transformations that visual-only tools cannot
- AI agent nodes enable multi-step reasoning without custom model hosting
Cons
- Self-hosted version requires server maintenance and updates
- Steeper setup compared to fully managed SaaS tools
Who should use it
- Developers who need code steps alongside visual automation nodes
- Teams with data residency requirements who need to self-host
- Technical users building multi-step AI agent workflows
Intermediate, Advanced · Individuals, Small teams, Mid-size teams, Enterprise
Who shouldn't
- Non-technical users who want a guided, no-code setup experience
- Teams with no capacity to maintain a server when self-hosting
Facts
- Category
- AI automation
- Platforms
- Web, Command line, API
- Integrations
- Slack, GitHub, Google Workspace, Postgres, MongoDB, Airtable, Webhook
- API
- Available
- Skill level
- Intermediate, Advanced
- Team size
- Individuals, Small teams, Mid-size teams, Enterprise
- Data and privacy
- n8n can be self-hosted, keeping all workflow data and credentials on your own infrastructure.
Alternatives
- ZapierAI automation
No-code automation platform that connects thousands of web apps through trigger-and-action workflows called Zaps.
From $29.99/month - MakeAI automation
Visual workflow builder that lets users design automations as a canvas of connected modules with fine-grained data control.
From $12/month - ActivepiecesAI automation
Open-source workflow automation platform with a visual builder that can be self-hosted or used via the cloud.
Open source · hosted from $20/month - PipedreamAI automation
Developer-focused integration platform where workflows are written in Node.js, Python or other languages and run as serverless functions.
From $99/month
Frequently asked questions
How much does n8n cost?
Open source, free to self-host. Checked October 4, 2026.
Does n8n have a free plan?
Yes. n8n is free to use.
Who is n8n best for?
Developers who need code steps alongside visual automation nodes; Teams with data residency requirements who need to self-host; Technical users building multi-step AI agent workflows.
Which platforms does n8n run on?
Web, Command line, API.
Does n8n have an API?
Yes, n8n offers an API.
What are the alternatives to n8n?
Tools often weighed against n8n include Zapier, Make, Activepieces, Pipedream.