Do I need to know how to code to use n8n?

No, basic workflows can be built visually without code, but custom code nodes are available for advanced logic when needed.

How is n8n different from Zapier?

n8n can be self-hosted for free with full data control and custom code, while Zapier is a fully managed, simpler no-code platform.

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Automation Freemium

n8n

Fair-code automation platform with visual workflow editor and self-hosting option.

Visit Website n8n.io

Pricing

Freemium

Key Features

Visual Workflows
Self-hosted
Open Source
API Integration
Custom Functions

What is n8n?

n8n is a workflow automation tool similar to Zapier but built to be self-hostable and highly extensible, popular with developers and technical teams. It connects apps and APIs through a visual node-based editor and supports custom code steps for complex logic.

How n8n works

You build workflows visually by dragging and connecting "nodes" representing triggers, actions, and logic (like conditionals and loops) between different apps and APIs. Because it can be self-hosted, technical teams get full control over data and can write custom JavaScript/Python code nodes for logic that pre-built integrations don't cover.

Is n8n free?

n8n is source-available and free to self-host with unlimited workflows if you run your own server. A paid cloud-hosted version is also available, priced by workflow execution volume, for teams that don't want to manage their own infrastructure.

What can you use n8n for?

Building complex, multi-step automations with custom logic and code
Self-hosting workflow automation for full data control and privacy
Connecting internal APIs and databases that aren't in typical no-code app libraries
Automating AI agent pipelines that call multiple tools and APIs
Replacing costly per-task pricing of other automation platforms at scale

Pros

Free and unlimited when self-hosted
Full custom code support for complex logic
Visual editor is still accessible to non-developers for simpler workflows
Strong fit for AI agent and multi-API automation pipelines

Cons

Self-hosting requires some technical setup and maintenance
Cloud-hosted plan pricing scales with execution volume
Steeper learning curve than the simplest no-code tools

Frequently asked questions

Yes, self-hosting n8n is free with unlimited workflows; a paid cloud-hosted option is also available for teams that prefer managed hosting.

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How n8n works

What can you use n8n for?

Building complex, multi-step automations with custom logic and code

Self-hosting workflow automation for full data control and privacy

Connecting internal APIs and databases that aren't in typical no-code app libraries

Automating AI agent pipelines that call multiple tools and APIs

Replacing costly per-task pricing of other automation platforms at scale