Updated 2025-02-24

n8n

Open-source workflow automation. Connect APIs, AI, CRM, databases. Self-host for free or use n8n Cloud. Zapier/Make alternative.

Entry:Free (self-hosted); €20 Starter Data:Flexible Best for:Workflow automation, AI pipelines

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Use cases

AI pipelines (chain LLMs, RAG) CRM and sales automation Data sync between systems Support ticket routing Document processing API orchestration Scheduled workflows

Deployment options

n8n can run with cloud AI or with Ollama on your own equipment. Choose based on cost, data sensitivity, and control.

n8n Cloud

Managed hosting by n8n

Pricing: Starter €20/mo (2.5K executions), Pro €50/mo (10K), Business €667/mo (40K), Enterprise custom. Annual saves 17%. Unlimited users and workflows.

Pros:

  • No infrastructure to manage
  • Fast to get started
  • Unlimited users and workflows
  • AI nodes for Claude, OpenAI, etc.

Cons:

  • Execution limits per plan
  • Data on n8n cloud
  • Cost scales with usage

Data handling: Data processed on n8n cloud. Check n8n terms for residency and compliance.

Self-hosted (Community)

Run n8n on your own server

Pricing: Free (Fair-code license). You pay for server (~$5–45/mo) and optional support.

Pros:

  • Free software
  • Full data sovereignty
  • No execution limits
  • Unlimited workflows
  • Same 400+ integrations

Cons:

  • You manage hosting and updates
  • Requires DevOps or IT
  • No built-in SSO (Business license for that)

Data handling: All data stays on your infrastructure. Complete control.

Business fit

Pros

  • Open source; self-host for free
  • 400+ integrations
  • AI nodes for Claude, OpenAI, Anthropic
  • Visual workflow builder
  • No per-user pricing on Cloud

Cons

  • Cloud execution limits
  • Self-hosted needs technical setup
  • Learning curve for complex workflows
When it makes sense: Good for teams wanting Zapier/Make-style automation with self-host option. Self-host when you need data sovereignty or high volume; Cloud when you want convenience.

Data handling

Cloud: data on n8n infrastructure. Self-hosted: data stays on your server. Check n8n privacy policy.
GDPR / compliance: n8n Cloud has data processing terms. Self-hosted: you control compliance.
Data sovereignty: Cloud: check n8n for regions. Self-hosted: full sovereignty.
n8n data policy
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