| Product | n8n |
| Website | n8n.io |
| Category | Automation / Workflow |
| License | Fair-code (source available, free to self-host) |
| Pricing | Self-hosted free, Cloud from $24/mo |
What Is n8n?
n8n (pronounced “n-eight-n”) is a workflow automation platform that you can self-host or use as a cloud service. Build visual workflows that connect apps, process data, and automate tasks. Unlike Zapier, n8n lets you write code (JavaScript/Python) when the visual builder isn’t enough, and self-hosting means no per-task pricing.
The appeal of n8n is control. Your data stays on your infrastructure, there are no task limits, and you can customize everything. For technical teams that need automation beyond what Zapier offers, n8n provides the flexibility of code with the accessibility of a visual builder.
Key Features
Visual Workflow Builder
Drag-and-drop workflow editor with 400+ nodes (integrations). Connect nodes with lines, configure each node, and run the workflow. Each node shows its output, so you can debug step by step.
Code When You Need It
Any node can run custom JavaScript or Python. When a pre-built integration doesn’t do exactly what you need, write code. This is the key differentiator from Zapier: n8n is visual by default, code when necessary.
Self-Hosted
Run n8n on your own server with Docker. No task limits, no per-execution pricing, no data leaving your infrastructure. For teams with compliance requirements or high-volume automations, self-hosting eliminates the cost scaling problem.
AI Agent Workflows
Build AI agent workflows: connect LLMs (OpenAI, Anthropic, local models) with tools, memory, and data sources. n8n provides AI-specific nodes for building agent loops, RAG pipelines, and autonomous workflows.
Who Is This For?
- Technical teams that need automation with code access
- Companies with compliance requirements (self-hosted data stays on-premise)
- High-volume automation (no per-task pricing on self-hosted)
- Anyone building AI agent workflows
Pros
- Self-hosted option (no task limits, data stays local)
- Code (JS/Python) when visual isn’t enough
- 400+ integrations
- AI agent workflow nodes
- Fair-code license (source available)
- Active community
Cons
- Self-hosting requires DevOps skills
- Fewer integrations than Zapier (400 vs 7000+)
- UI less polished than Zapier
- Documentation can be spotty
- Fair-code license (not fully open source)
Verdict
n8n is the best automation platform for technical teams. The combination of visual builder, code access, and self-hosting solves the three biggest problems with Zapier: cost at scale (no per-task pricing), flexibility (write code when the UI isn’t enough), and data control (self-host on your infrastructure).
The tradeoff is ease. Zapier is easier for non-technical users and has 7,000+ integrations. n8n is for teams that have at least one person comfortable with Docker and JavaScript. If your team can self-host, n8n saves money and gives you more control. If not, use Zapier or n8n Cloud.
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