n8n GmbH / n8n.io
Open source workflow automation platform with AI agent capabilities that can be self-hosted for complete data control or used via cloud subscription.
Free plan
Yes
API access
Yes
Open source
Yes
Platforms
3
n8n is an open source workflow automation platform that has built a strong following among technically capable teams who want the power of tools like Zapier and Make.com but with the option to self-host for complete data control and no per-execution pricing constraints.
The self-hosted deployment model is n8n's primary differentiator. By running n8n on their own infrastructure, teams can create unlimited workflow executions with no per-use cost, keep all data within their own environment, and customise the platform without restrictions. For organisations with high automation volume or strict data handling requirements, self-hosting removes the cost and privacy concerns of cloud-based automation platforms.
The workflow builder uses a visual canvas similar to Make.com, with nodes representing application integrations and data operations. n8n has integrations with 400+ apps and supports custom HTTP requests to any API, which extends its connectivity to virtually any service with a web API.
AI agent capabilities, added alongside standard automation, allow building AI-powered workflows using LLM APIs from OpenAI, Anthropic, and others. An AI agent in n8n can receive input, reason about it using an AI model, use tools (web search, calculator, API calls), and take actions based on the outcome. This enables sophisticated AI workflows that combine language understanding with automation actions.
n8n runs as automation platform software built around text and code workflows. Users typically start with a prompt, upload, or connected data source, and the underlying model handles the heavy lifting before returning a result you can refine or export. It's available on web, docker, and server, with API access for teams that want to embed it into their own products.
The capabilities that matter most for teams evaluating n8n.
Run n8n on your own infrastructure for unlimited executions, complete data control, and no per-use costs.
Build LLM-powered workflows where AI agents reason about inputs, use tools, and take actions as part of complex automation.
Connect to major apps and any custom API through HTTP nodes for virtually unlimited automation connectivity.
Free self-hosted (open source). Cloud Starter $20/month (2,500 workflow executions). Pro $50/month. Enterprise custom. No usage limits on self-hosted.
Model
Open Source
Starting price
$20/mo
Free trial
No
Make.com offers more power than Zapier at lower cost without self-hosting complexity. Zapier has broader app coverage and a simpler interface. Activepieces and Windmill are open source automation alternatives.
A side-by-side look at the closest alternative in this category.
n8n
n8n GmbH
Make.com
Make (formerly Integromat)
Key facts about model providers, platforms, and team support.
Model Provider
OpenAI, Anthropic, Agnostic
Platforms
Web, Docker, Server
Deployment
Open Source, SaaS, Self-hosted
Integrations
400+ apps including Slack, Google, Salesforce, GitHub, all major APIs
Team Collaboration
Yes
Launch Year
2019
Compliance signals and data-handling notes as reported by the vendor.
Self-hosted: complete data control, no third-party data handling. Cloud: review n8n's data handling policy. Enterprise cloud includes data processing agreements.
Self-hosted n8n keeps all automation data within your own infrastructure. Cloud version processes data on n8n's servers. Review privacy policy for cloud deployments.
Editorial Verdict
n8n is the best workflow automation choice for technical teams who need complete data control through self-hosting or who require high-volume automation without per-execution pricing. Non-technical teams should use Zapier or Make.com.
Last verified July 24, 2026.
The technical knowledge required to set up and maintain a self-hosted n8n instance is a meaningful barrier. Teams without technical staff comfortable managing server infrastructure and the n8n platform will find the managed cloud service more practical, which removes the cost and privacy advantages of self-hosting.
Free self-hosted (open source). Cloud Starter $20/month (2,500 workflow executions). Pro $50/month. Enterprise custom. No usage limits on self-hosted.
Free plan with 1,000 operations/month and 2 active scenarios. Core $9/month (10,000 operations). Pro $16/month (10,000 operations, advanced features). Teams $29/month. Enterprise custom.
400+ apps including Slack, Google, Salesforce, GitHub, all major APIs
Self-hosted: complete data control, no third-party data handling. Cloud: review n8n's data handling policy. Enterprise cloud includes data processing agreements.
SOC 2 Type II certified. GDPR compliant. Enterprise includes data handling agreements and custom data residency.
Self-hosted n8n keeps all automation data within your own infrastructure. Cloud version processes data on n8n's servers. Review privacy policy for cloud deployments.
Review Make's data handling policy. Workflow data passes through Make's servers. Enterprise includes data processing agreements.
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