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What is n8n?
n8n is a workflow automation tool that connects apps, APIs, and AI models through a visual node-based editor. Unlike closed SaaS automation tools, it can be self-hosted, which makes it popular with engineering teams that need control over data and infrastructure.
Key features
- Visual, node-based workflow builder with 400+ app integrations
- Native nodes for calling AI models and building agents
- Self-hosting option, or a managed cloud version
- Custom code nodes (JavaScript/Python) for anything integrations don't cover
- Error handling, retries, and scheduled triggers built in
- Version-control-friendly workflow export as JSON
How to get started
- Choose self-hosted (Docker) or sign up for n8n Cloud
- Create a new workflow and add a trigger (webhook, schedule, or app event)
- Add nodes to transform data, call AI models, or connect other apps
- Test the workflow with sample data before activating it
- Turn it on and monitor executions from the dashboard
n8n pricing
n8n is open source. Self-host it free, or use n8n Cloud for a managed version.
| Plan | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Community (self-hosted) | Free | Full workflow features on your own server |
| Cloud Starter | ~$20-24/mo | Managed hosting, a set number of active workflows |
| Cloud Pro | ~$50-60/mo | More executions, concurrency, admin features |
| Enterprise | Custom | SSO, scaling, and support |
Cloud plans price on workflow executions, not per user.
Our take: Self-host if you have the ops skills, since it's genuinely free. Use Cloud when you'd rather not run a server.
Prices change often. Check the official site above for current rates before you commit.
Use cases
- Automating lead intake and CRM updates
- Building AI agents that call multiple tools and APIs
- Syncing data between apps without manual work
- Scheduled reports pulled from several data sources
- Internal tooling that needs custom logic beyond simple triggers
n8n vs. alternatives
| Tool | How it compares |
|---|---|
| n8n | Self-hostable AI workflow automation for technical teams. |
| Dify | AI-app-specific instead of general automation |
| Make | more polished no-code automation UI |
FAQ
Is n8n free to use?
n8n's plans: Free if self-hosted, paid n8n Cloud plans. Pricing and free-tier limits change over time, so check the official site above for the latest details.
What is n8n used for?
Self-hostable AI workflow automation for technical teams.
Who is n8n best for?
n8n is a good fit for automating lead intake and CRM updates, or building AI agents that call multiple tools and APIs.
What are the alternatives to n8n?
Commonly compared alternatives include Dify and Make, see the comparison above for how they differ.
How much does n8n cost?
n8n is free to self-host. The managed Cloud plans start around $20 a month and scale by how many workflow executions you run, not by seat.
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MLast reviewed: 2026-08 · Reviewed by AIKetra editors · How we evaluate tools