About
Overview
n8n is a source-available workflow automation tool. Unlike Zapier, n8n allows you to write custom JavaScript/Python code directly within the workflow, and you can self-host it on your own server, ensuring complete data privacy.
Pricing & Free Tier
Free Tier: Yes. Free if you self-host (run it via Docker on your own VPS).
Cloud Starter: €20/month. Includes 2,500 executions.
Cloud Pro: €50/month. Adds 10,000 executions and workflow versioning.
How to Use
- Deploy n8n via Docker:
docker run -it --rm --name n8n -p 5678:5678 n8nio/n8n - Access the UI at
localhost:5678. - Create a new workflow, add a trigger node (e.g., Webhook or Cron).
- Add action nodes, or write custom code using the "Code" node.
Important Notes
- Self-Hosting Cost: While the software is free, you must manage your own VPS, updates, and backups. It requires technical knowledge.
- Learning Curve: Understanding how to map data (JSON) between nodes is required, making it less beginner-friendly than Zapier.