n8n is an open source workflow automation tool you can self-host — a Zapier alternative that connects your apps and APIs on a visual canvas, with the option to drop into code when you need it.

What is n8n?

n8n is an open source tool for automating work between your apps. You build automations by dragging nodes onto a canvas — a trigger, the apps you want to connect, and the logic in between — and you can drop into JavaScript or Python whenever the no-code path runs out.

What is n8n best for?

Teams that want Zapier-style automation without per-task pricing or routing their data through someone else’s cloud — and developers who need to extend workflows with real code.

What can n8n do?

Connect 400+ apps, plus a generic HTTP node for any REST API
Add custom logic with JavaScript or Python code nodes and expressions
Build AI agent and RAG workflows with native AI / LangChain nodes
Run it your way: self-host with Docker, or use the managed n8n Cloud
Scale executions with webhooks, schedules, and queue mode

Is n8n free?

Yes — n8n is free to self-host, and you only pay for your own server. n8n Cloud is a paid subscription priced on executions and active workflows, so you’re paying for the hosting convenience, not the software itself.

Where does n8n fall short?

It’s source-available, not OSI open source. The Sustainable Use License lets you self-host and use it internally but restricts reselling it as a service.
Running it at scale takes real setup — you configure queue mode with separate worker processes to handle concurrent executions, not just start a container.
It’s heavier and more developer-focused than simple no-code tools, so expect a learning curve.

What does n8n replace?

n8n is a self-hosted alternative to Zapier and Make. It does the same connect-your-apps-and-automate job, but you run it on your own infrastructure and aren’t billed per task.

FAQ

Is n8n open source? Not by the strict definition — it’s source-available under the Sustainable Use License. The code is public and free to self-host, but you can’t resell it as a hosted service.

Can I self-host n8n for free? Yes. Self-hosting is free; you only pay for the server it runs on. n8n Cloud is the paid, managed option.

Is n8n a good Zapier alternative? For technical teams, yes — more flexibility and no per-task pricing. If you want the simplest possible setup with no servers, Zapier or a hosted no-code tool may be easier.

What do I need to self-host n8n? A server with Docker, and for production a Postgres database plus queue and worker mode for scaling.

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