What n8n does
n8n is a workflow automation platform for building AI agents and multi-step automations in a visual editor, with the option to drop into code. It connects to 500+ apps natively, any API over HTTP, and AI coding assistants through MCP. You can use the hosted cloud version or self-host the Community Edition on your own server or with Docker. Unlike tools that bill per step or user, n8n charges per complete workflow run, and every plan includes unlimited users and workflows.
Best for
- Technical teams automating internal processes
- Building AI agents with human approval steps
- Companies that must keep data on their own servers
- Developers who want a visual builder plus code
Key features
Visual workflow builder
Build automations step by step on a canvas, open any step to see what it does, and add code where needed.
AI agents with guardrails
Connect any model, use structured inputs and outputs, and add human-in-the-loop approvals, for example in Slack.
500+ integrations
Native nodes for common apps, any API via HTTP request, and MCP for agents and coding assistants.
Self-hosting
Run n8n on-premises or with Docker to keep data in your own environment.
Debugging and history
Re-run only the step that failed, replay past runs with mocked data, and track changes in version history.
n8n pricing
n8n has a free plan. The self-hosted Community Edition is free; it lacks paid features such as SSO, projects, shared credentials and Git version control. Paid plans start at 20€/month billed annually. Free trial of n8n Cloud, no credit card required. Prices were shown in euros for our region; annual billing saves 17% versus monthly. Companies under 20 employees may qualify for 50% off Business. Prices checked on the official site on Nov 9, 2026.
| Community Edition | $0 | Self-hosted |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | 20€/month billed annually | 2,500 executions a month, cloud-hosted |
| Pro | 50€/month billed annually | 10,000 executions a month |
| Business | 667€/month billed annually | 40,000 executions, self-hosted, SSO |
| Enterprise | Contact sales | Contact sales |
Source: n8n pricing page
Pros and cons
What it does well
- Billing is per complete workflow run, not per step or per user.
- Free self-hosted edition lets you keep data in your own infrastructure.
- Large open-source community and 500+ native integrations.
Know before you sign up
- The cheapest cloud plan caps you at 2,500 executions a month and 5 concurrent runs.
- The free Community Edition lacks SSO, projects, credential sharing and Git version control.
- The Business plan is currently self-hosted only.
Alternatives to n8n
Questions about n8n
What is n8n?
n8n is a workflow automation platform for building AI agents and multi-step automations in a visual editor, with the option to drop into code. It connects to 500+ apps natively, any API over HTTP, and AI coding assistants through MCP. You can use the hosted cloud version or self-host the Community Edition on your own server or with Docker. Unlike tools that bill per step or user, n8n charges per complete workflow run, and every plan includes unlimited users and workflows.
Is n8n free?
n8n has a free plan. The self-hosted Community Edition is free; it lacks paid features such as SSO, projects, shared credentials and Git version control. Paid plans start at 20€/month billed annually. Free trial of n8n Cloud, no credit card required. Prices were shown in euros for our region; annual billing saves 17% versus monthly. Companies under 20 employees may qualify for 50% off Business. Prices checked on the official site on Nov 9, 2026.
How much does n8n cost?
Paid plans start at 20€/month billed annually; plans listed on the official pricing page: Community Edition ($0), Starter (20€/month billed annually), Pro (50€/month billed annually), Business (667€/month billed annually), Enterprise. Prices were shown in euros for our region; annual billing saves 17% versus monthly. Companies under 20 employees may qualify for 50% off Business.
Who is n8n best for?
Technical teams automating internal processes, Building AI agents with human approval steps, Companies that must keep data on their own servers and Developers who want a visual builder plus code.
Where can I use n8n?
n8n is available on Web, according to its official site.
What are some alternatives to n8n?
Similar automation tools include CrewAI, Gumloop, Make and Relevance AI. Compare them on the Automation page.