What is n8n?
n8n is a source-available workflow automation tool that can be self-hosted or used in the cloud, with deep AI agent nodes built on LangChain, code steps and hundreds of integrations.
Best for: Technical teams, Automation builders, Agencies.
Key features
- Visual workflow editor
- AI agent nodes
- Self-hosting
- Code nodes
- 400+ integrations
Pros and cons
Pros
- Self-host for free
- Very flexible for technical users
- Strong AI agent support
Cons
- More technical than Zapier
- Cloud plans limit executions
n8n pricing
| Pricing model | Free plan |
|---|---|
| Starting price | Free |
| Platforms | Web, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Launched | 2019 |
Prices change often. Check the n8n website for current plans.
Our verdict
n8n scores 8.9/10 in our review. Its biggest strength: self-host for free. The main drawback: more technical than Zapier. If it isn't the right fit, OpenAI API is the closest alternative.
n8n compared
Frequently asked questions
What is n8n?
n8n is a source-available workflow automation tool that can be self-hosted or used in the cloud, with deep AI agent nodes built on LangChain, code steps and hundreds of integrations.
Is n8n free?
n8n has a free plan with limits.
What are the best n8n alternatives?
Popular alternatives include OpenAI API, Zapier, Claude Code, Anthropic API.
Who is n8n best for?
n8n is best for technical teams, automation builders, agencies.