n8n is an open-source workflow automation tool with a fair-code license. Self-host for complete control over your data and workflows. Visual editor builds complex automations. 400+ integrations with apps and services. Write custom code when needed. The workflow automation tool developers can extend and customize.

Available on: Web

Louis Corneloup Updated May 26, 2026 · how we evaluate Source n8n.io ↗

Ratings Across the Web

4.7 (305 reviews)

n8n holds an aggregate rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 305 reviews across SourceForge and G2, last checked September 17, 2026.

SourceForge 1 reviews

5/5

G2 304 reviews

4.7/5

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

Workflow automation
Self-hosted option
220+ integrations
Code nodes
Error handling
Credential sharing

Pricing

Freemium

n8n offers a generous free tier with optional paid upgrades for advanced features.

View pricing

Is n8n worth the price?

Great value

n8n is the most cost-effective option if you self-host (unlimited workflows for $0) or run moderate cloud volumes.

Its killer advantage: one execution = one full workflow run, regardless of how many steps. A 20-step workflow costs the same as a 2-step one.

The trade-off: cloud plans are EUR-denominated and mid-tier is expensive (Business at EUR 800/mo), and self-hosting demands DevOps skills.

Hidden Costs & Gotchas

Cloud execution limits

Starter 2,500/mo, Pro 10,000/mo, Business 40,000/mo -- workflows pause when you hit the limit (no overage on Starter/Pro)

Business plan overage

EUR 4,000 for 300,000 additional executions (~EUR 0.013/execution)

Self-hosting DevOps time

2-5 hours/month for updates, monitoring, troubleshooting.

Cloud plans are EUR-denominated -- USD costs fluctuate with exchange rates

No built-in error alerting on Community Edition -- you need to set up external monitoring

Business plan jump is steep

Pro EUR 60/mo to Business EUR 800/mo (13x increase) just to get SSO and git integration

Cloud servers are EU-only (Frankfurt) -- higher latency for US/APAC teams

Full n8n pricing: every plan, hidden costs and alternatives

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4.7/5

Across 305 verified user reviews on G2, SourceForge

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Best n8n Alternatives

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Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

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n8n FAQ

How does n8n support developers in building custom automations?

n8n allows developers to write custom code within its workflows, providing flexibility beyond its 400+ integrations. This enables technical teams to extend and customize automations to fit specific needs. Its visual editor helps in building complex automations while retaining the option for code-level control.

Which teams benefit most from using n8n?

n8n is best suited for technical teams that require deep control over their automation workflows and data. Its open-source nature and self-hosting capabilities appeal to organizations prioritizing data sovereignty and customizability. Teams that need to integrate a wide array of applications and services will also find it beneficial.

How does n8n compare to Zapier for workflow automation?

n8n offers an open-source, self-hostable solution with a fair-code license, providing complete control over data and workflows, which differs from Zapier's managed service model. While n8n allows for custom code and extensive customization, it has fewer native integrations compared to Zapier. n8n is designed for more technical users who want to extend and customize their automation tools.

What kind of trade-offs should users consider when choosing n8n?

Users should be aware that n8n is a more technical tool, requiring some expertise for optimal use and customization. Additionally, while it offers a broad range of integrations, it has fewer native integrations compared to some alternatives. The benefit of self-hosting and code flexibility comes with the responsibility of managing the infrastructure.

Does n8n include a free tier?

Yes, n8n is available on a free tier, allowing users to get started with its workflow automation capabilities. For more extensive usage and additional features, paid plans are offered. This pricing model provides flexibility for different user needs and scales.

Can n8n be used to automate backend processes for applications?

Yes, n8n is categorized as a Low-Code Backend tool, making it suitable for automating various backend processes. Its ability to integrate with over 400 apps and services, combined with custom code options, allows developers to build robust backend automations. The self-hostable nature also provides control over the execution environment for these processes.

Source: n8n.io

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