What is n8n?
n8n is a workflow automation platform for connecting apps, APIs, and AI steps, which you can self-host for free or run on n8n Cloud. Cloud starts at €20/month (billed annually) and charges per workflow run, not per step. It suits technical teams that want control; beginners will find Zapier easier.
Best for: Custom automations, AI workflows, lead routing, CRM updates, and backend business processes.
n8n pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Community Edition | Free | Self-hosted under the Sustainable Use License (internal business or personal use) |
| Starter (Cloud) | €20/mo | 2,500 workflow executions/month, 5 concurrent; billed annually |
| Pro (Cloud) | €50/mo | 10,000 executions/month, higher concurrency; billed annually |
| Business | €667/mo | 40,000 executions/month, SSO, Git version control; self-hosted only; billed annually |
Prices checked on the official n8n pricing page. n8n lists its prices in euros. n8n Cloud has a free trial (1,000 executions) rather than a free plan. Vendors change prices often, so confirm before you buy.
n8n pros and cons
Pros
- Every plan includes unlimited users, unlimited workflows, and every integration
- Priced per workflow execution, so long multi-step workflows don't cost more
- Free to self-host for internal use
Cons
- Self-hosting means running, updating, and securing your own server
- The free edition's license only allows internal business or personal use
- No free cloud plan, only a trial
Choose something else if…
n8n FAQ
Is n8n free?
The self-hosted Community Edition is free under n8n's Sustainable Use License, which allows internal business and personal use. n8n Cloud has a free trial but no free plan.
How does n8n pricing work?
n8n charges per full workflow execution, no matter how many steps the workflow has. The Cloud Starter plan includes 2,500 executions a month for €20, billed annually.
Can you self-host n8n?
Yes. The Community Edition is self-hosted and free for internal use, and the paid Business plan is currently self-hosted only.
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Implementation notes
Some AI tools are easy to start using on your own. Others become more valuable when they are connected to your existing systems, such as forms, email, calendars, CRMs, spreadsheets, websites, or internal workflows.
If you are evaluating n8n for business use, think about where the tool should fit into your process, what data it needs, who will use it, and what result you expect it to produce.
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