n8n
n8n is a source-available workflow automation platform with native LangChain-based AI Agent nodes. It offers a free self-hosted Community Edition with unlimited executions, while Cloud plans start at €20/month for 2,500 executions. Its core trade-off is flexibility and cost control at high volume against operational responsibility and a steeper learning curve.
What is n8n?
n8n is a workflow automation platform built around a node-based visual canvas, similar in concept to Make but with a stronger emphasis on code-level control and deployment flexibility. Its defining characteristic is the availability of a self-hosted Community Edition under a Fair-Code license: users can run n8n on their own servers indefinitely at no software cost, with unlimited executions and access to nearly the full feature set. The paid Cloud plans (Starter €20/month, Pro €50/month) and the self-hosted Business plan (€667/month) add managed hosting, collaboration features, SSO, Git version control, and enterprise governance.
The AI layer is implemented through AI Agent nodes based on LangChain. These agents connect to chat models (OpenAI, Anthropic, local models via Ollama) and tool sub-nodes, allowing the agent to decide which tools to call. Parameters in connected tools can be populated dynamically by the model using the `$fromAI()` function, reducing manual configuration for variable inputs [citation:2][citation:15].
How does n8n work?
Users build workflows by adding trigger nodes (webhook, schedule, app event) and connecting processing nodes on the canvas. Each node can contain JavaScript or Python code, or use preset integrations. For AI workflows, an AI Agent node is connected to a chat model and one or more tool sub-nodes. The agent receives input, determines which tools to invoke, and executes them to complete the task. The `$fromAI()` function allows the model to fill in tool parameters dynamically based on context, rather than requiring hardcoded values [citation:15].
On self-hosted installations, execution timeout, concurrency limits, data retention, and pruning behavior are controlled through environment variables, giving operators direct control over resource usage [citation:3]. On Cloud plans, executions are metered from trigger to finish; sub-workflows invoked via Execute Workflow node count as separate executions. When the plan limit is reached on Starter or Pro, workflows pause until the next cycle.
Use Cases
- Self-hosting automation workflows on internal infrastructure to keep data on-premises, particularly for teams handling sensitive or regulated data
- Building AI agents that use local LLMs (via Ollama) for confidential data processing without sending content to external API providers
- Running high-volume, multi-step workflows where per-execution billing is more economical than per-step or per-task pricing
- Implementing DevOps-style workflow management with Git version control, multiple environments (dev/staging/prod), and SSO on Business or Enterprise plans
- Connecting to internal APIs and custom services via HTTP Request nodes without relying solely on preset integrations
Pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
| Plan | Price | Billing | Included usage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community (Self-hosted) | $0 | free | Unlimited executions and workflows. Full core feature set excluding SSO, projects, external secrets, log streaming, multi-main mode, Git version control, and workflow sharing beyond the instance owner. | — |
| Starter (Cloud) | €20 | per month, billed annually | 2,500 executions per month; 5 concurrent executions; 1,600 Assistant credits/month; AI Agent nodes and MCP support. | — |
| Pro (Cloud) | €50 | per month, billed annually | 10,000 executions per month; up to 50 concurrent executions; 9,600 Assistant credits/month; 7-day insights; admin roles; workflow history. | — |
| Business (Self-hosted) | €667 | per month, billed annually | 40,000 executions per month; SSO/SAML/LDAP; Git version control; multiple environments; queue mode for scaling; 30-day insights. | — |
| Enterprise | Custom | custom pricing | 200+ concurrent executions; 365-day insights; external secret store; log streaming; dedicated support with SLA; extended data retention. | — |
Common Limitations
- Execution-based billing on Cloud · Cloud plans meter per workflow execution from trigger to finish, regardless of step count. Sub-workflows called via Execute Workflow node count as separate executions. When the execution limit is reached on Starter or Pro, workflows pause until the next billing cycle or an upgrade.
- Community Edition feature gaps · The free self-hosted Community Edition excludes SSO (SAML/LDAP), projects, external secrets, log streaming, multi-main mode, Git version control, and workflow/credential sharing beyond the instance owner and creator [citation:5][citation:12].
- Self-hosted operational burden · Community Edition users are responsible for server provisioning, updates, backups, monitoring, and scaling. n8n provides no official support for the free tier. Paid self-hosted Business plans still require the user to manage infrastructure; the license covers features, not hosting.
- Business plan is self-hosted only · The Business plan (€667/month billed annually) is available only for self-hosted deployments. Teams wanting managed hosting must use Cloud Starter (€20/month) or Cloud Pro (€50/month) [citation:1][citation:7].
- Trial data deletion · After a Cloud trial ends, workflow data is retained for 90 days before permanent deletion. Users must export workflows within that window; after 90 days, recovery is not possible [citation:4][citation:11].
- Execution timeout defaults · The default execution timeout is set to -1 (no timeout) on self-hosted instances, but the maximum configurable timeout per workflow defaults to 3,600 seconds (1 hour). Cloud plans have their own execution time caps not fully disclosed on the public pricing page [citation:3][citation:9].
Key Features
- Self-hosted Community Edition with unlimited executions
- AI Agent nodes based on LangChain
- JavaScript and Python code nodes
- Per-execution billing on Cloud plans
- Git version control and multiple environments (Business+)
n8n vs. Make and Zapier
This comparison uses official pricing and product documentation. It focuses on structural differences in billing, deployment options, and AI implementation, not on subjective assessments of ease of use.
| Tool | Positioning | Key differences | Best fit | Pricing note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| n8n Official pricing Community edition features AI Agent docs | A source-available automation platform with self-hosting and LangChain-based AI Agents. | Free self-hosted Community Edition with unlimited executions. Cloud plans bill per workflow execution regardless of step count. AI Agents are LangChain-based and support local LLMs. Offers Git version control and multiple environments on Business+. No permanent free Cloud plan; 14-day trial only. | Technical teams that want to self-host automations, control data locality, or run high-volume workflows where per-execution billing is more economical than per-step pricing. | Community self-hosted: $0 with unlimited executions. Cloud Starter: €20/mo (annual) for 2,500 executions. Cloud Pro: €50/mo for 10,000 executions. Business self-hosted: €667/mo. Enterprise custom. |
| Make Official pricing | A visual automation platform with AI Agents embedded in the scenario canvas. | Credit-based billing where module actions and AI token usage consume credits. AI Agents are included on all paid plans. Offers a permanent free tier with 1,000 credits/month and 5-minute execution limits. Cloud-only; no self-hosting option. | Teams that want visual, multi-step workflow orchestration with adaptive AI steps in one canvas, without managing infrastructure. | Free: $0 with 1,000 credits/mo. Core from $9/mo, Pro from $16/mo, Teams from $29/mo. AI Agents included on paid plans. No self-hosted option. |
| Zapier Official pricing | A task-based automation platform focused on linear, step-by-step Zaps. | Task-based billing (each successful action counts as a task). Free plan allows only two-step Zaps and 100 tasks/month. AI features are separately priced add-ons. Largest app catalog among the three. Cloud-only. | Users who need the fastest path to simple two-app automations and want the widest selection of preset integrations, with minimal setup complexity. | Free: 100 tasks/mo, two-step Zaps. Professional from $19.99/mo (annual). Team from $69/mo. AI features separately priced. |
Comparison checked against official product information on 2026-11-05. Features and pricing may change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is n8n free?
The self-hosted Community Edition is free indefinitely with unlimited executions, but lacks SSO, projects, Git version control, and enterprise governance. Cloud plans start at €20/month for 2,500 executions, and the self-hosted Business plan is €667/month.
How does n8n's pricing model work compared to Make and Zapier?
n8n Cloud bills per workflow execution (trigger to finish), regardless of step count. Make bills per operation (module action) and Zapier per task (successful action). For multi-step workflows, n8n's per-execution model can be more economical; for simple automations, it may not be [citation:14].
Can I use n8n with local LLMs?
Yes. The AI Agent node supports connecting to local model providers including Ollama, allowing workflows to use models like Llama or Qwen without sending data to external API providers.
What happens when I reach my Cloud execution limit?
On Starter and Pro plans, workflows pause until the next billing cycle or an upgrade. On Business and Enterprise, workflows continue and overages are billed at €4,000 per 300,000 extra executions, invoiced 45 days later [citation:14].
Is n8n suitable for non-technical users?
n8n assumes familiarity with APIs, JSON, and server operations for self-hosted deployment. While the visual canvas is approachable, non-technical users may find Make or Zapier's managed experience easier to start with.
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