n8n

Open-source workflow automation with self-hosting and unlimited executions

Freemium

About n8n

n8n is the automation tool for developers and cost-conscious power users who want unlimited workflows without Zapier's per-operation pricing. Unlike Zapier and Make, n8n charges per workflow execution (not per step), so complex 100-node workflows cost the same as simple 2-node ones. The game-changer: completely free self-hosted Community Edition—run unlimited workflows on your own VPS ($5-10/month) with no limits. Cloud plans start at $20/month (2,500 executions), rising to $50/month Pro (10k executions). The 2025 pricing update removed active workflow limits across all plans. n8n's power lies in flexibility: write custom JavaScript, self-host for data control, and access 1,000+ integrations. Best for developers, startups valuing cost efficiency long-term, and enterprises needing on-premises deployment. Not beginner-friendly like Zapier or Make.

Key Features

Execution-based pricing: charge per workflow run, not per step

Self-hosted Community Edition with unlimited everything (free)

1,000+ pre-built integrations

Write custom JavaScript for advanced logic

Git-based version control (Business plan)

Queue-mode scaling for concurrent workflows

SSO and LDAP enterprise authentication

No active workflow limits (2025 update)

Fair-source license (requires license key ping for Business/Enterprise)

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Best long-term cost efficiency: unlimited free if self-hosted
• Execution-based pricing hugely cheaper than Zapier/Make for complex workflows
• Full data control and privacy with self-hosting
• Developer-friendly: custom code, API-first design
• No per-user fees—unlimited users on all plans
• Startup plan: $400/month unlimited executions (<20 employees, <$5M funding)

Cons

• Steep learning curve—designed for technical users
• Self-hosting requires DevOps skills (server setup, maintenance)
• Fewer integrations than Zapier (1,000 vs 6,000+)
• Cloud plans more expensive than Make ($20 vs $9 starting)
• Business/Enterprise license requires daily license server ping
• Less beginner-friendly UI than Make or Zapier

Best For

Developers and technical teams comfortable with code Startups optimizing costs long-term (free self-hosted) Enterprises needing on-premises, full data control High-volume workflows where execution pricing beats per-step Teams requiring Git workflows and version control