Workflow & Automation
n8n
Workflow automation you can self-host, with code when you need it.
n8n is a source-available automation tool you can run on your own server, which removes the per-task bill entirely and keeps the data in your infrastructure. Nodes can drop into JavaScript or Python when a visual step is not enough. The cloud version is optional.
Pricing: Free when self-hosted (source-available licence); cloud plans are paid
Confirm the current price on n8n's own pricing page ↗Where it is strong
- Self-hosting means no per-operation bill, however much you automate
- Code steps in JavaScript or Python when the canvas is not enough
- Data stays on your own infrastructure
- Large library of community nodes
What it gives up
- It is source-available under a fair-code licence, not OSI open source
- Self-hosting means you own updates, backups and uptime
- The canvas is less forgiving than Make for non-technical users
Notable features
- Visual canvas
- Code nodes
- Self-hosting
- Community nodes
What n8n replaces
Head-to-head comparisons
Other workflow & automation tools we track
Frequently asked questions about n8n
Answers are drawn from the notes on this page. Where a figure is involved we link to the vendor's own page rather than restate a number we cannot keep current.
Can n8n be self-hosted?
Yes. Our entry records n8n as source-available software you can run on your own server, which removes the per-operation bill and keeps data on your infrastructure — under a fair-code licence, not OSI open source. Self-hosting means you own updates, backups and uptime. Confirm the current figures on the n8n pricing page.
What is n8n used for?
Workflow automation you can self-host, with code when you need it. n8n is a source-available automation tool you can run on your own server, which removes the per-task bill entirely and keeps the data in your infrastructure.
How much does n8n cost?
Our entry describes n8n's pricing like this: Free when self-hosted (source-available licence); cloud plans are paid. Prices and plan limits change, so confirm the current figure on the n8n pricing page.
Does n8n have a free plan?
Yes — our entry records a free option: Free when self-hosted (source-available licence); cloud plans are paid. Free allowances change, so check the current limits on the n8n pricing page.
What is n8n good at?
Our notes list these strengths: Self-hosting means no per-operation bill, however much you automate; Code steps in JavaScript or Python when the canvas is not enough; Data stays on your own infrastructure.
What are the trade-offs with n8n?
Our notes list these trade-offs: It is source-available under a fair-code licence, not OSI open source; Self-hosting means you own updates, backups and uptime; The canvas is less forgiving than Make for non-technical users.
Last reviewed 2026-10-14. Spot something wrong? Email info@promotcha.app.