n8n
Workflow and AI agent automation, open source and self-hostable.
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What is n8n?
n8n is the open source alternative to Zapier: a visual automation platform with more than 500 integrations and native AI nodes for building agents and workflows with LLMs. You can use its cloud or self-host it for free on your own server, with full control of your data. A favourite among developers and technical teams.
Pros
- Free and unlimited if you host it yourself (open source Community edition)
- Charges per workflow execution, not per step: far cheaper at scale
- Native AI nodes for building agents with any LLM
- Full control of your data: ideal for GDPR compliance
Cons
- Steeper learning curve than Zapier
- Self-hosting requires technical knowledge and a server
- Fewer integrations than Zapier (500+ against 7,000+)
What n8n is like in practice
Where it stands out
It is open source and can be installed on your own infrastructure, meaning workflow data never leaves it: for automations touching EU customer information, that settles the legal side in one move. And it can call any API, so no missing connector ever blocks you.
Where it falls short
It has fewer ready-made connectors than the commercial alternatives, so for uncommon apps you read API documentation instead of dragging a block. And self-hosting means maintaining a server: updates, backups and someone to respond when a flow stops running on a Sunday.
How its pricing works
Self-hosted it costs whatever your server costs, regardless of how often flows run, and at high volume the difference against per-task billing is enormous. There is also a paid cloud version if you would rather maintain nothing. Add the admin cost when comparing: it is not zero.
Is n8n right for you?
Yes, if…
You are technical and automate seriously: it charges per full execution rather than per step, so it works out far cheaper than Zapier at scale. And if you self-host it, it is free and unlimited.
No, if…
You do not want to touch a server or learn what a webhook is: the learning curve is real. And if you depend on niche applications, Zapier has 7,000 integrations against n8n's 500.
Frequently asked questions
Is n8n free?
The self-hosted Community edition is free and open source with every integration. The managed cloud starts at €24/month.
How is it different from Zapier?
It is open source and self-hostable, charges per full execution (not per task) and is more flexible for complex AI workflows, at the cost of being more technical.
Is it any good for building AI agents?
Yes, it has dedicated nodes for LLMs, memory and tools, and it is one of the most widely used platforms for running AI agents in production.
Compare n8n head to head
Pricing, features and limits of n8n against its direct rivals.
Where n8n appears
Rankings where we have picked this tool.