n8n
n8n is a workflow automation tool — an alternative to Zapier and Make — that you can self-host for free for internal business use. It counts usage per workflow execution rather than per step, supports code and API calls, and keeps automation data on infrastructure you control. Note that n8n is source-available under its Sustainable Use License, not open source in the strict sense.
- Replaces:
- Zapier
- Source-available:
- Sustainable Use License (source-available)
n8n in plain terms
n8n connects apps and APIs through a visual workflow builder with hundreds of built-in nodes, plus the ability to call any HTTP API or run JavaScript and Python steps. Its "fair-code" Sustainable Use License makes the source public and permits free self-hosting for internal business purposes, while restricting some commercial uses such as reselling it as a service.
A good fit when…
- Multi-step or high-volume workflows where per-task pricing gets expensive
- Automations that touch sensitive data you want kept in your own environment
- Workflows that need custom code, branching, or calls to internal APIs
- Teams with someone technical to build and maintain workflows
Choose something else when…
- Non-technical teams that want the simplest possible builder — Zapier is easier
- Businesses planning to offer automation to their own customers as a service — check the license first
- Very low-volume, simple automations where a free SaaS tier already covers you
What running it involves
- Docker (n8n’s recommended self-hosting route) or a Node.js install
- SQLite by default; PostgreSQL recommended for production (n8n supports actively maintained Postgres versions)
- Queue mode with Redis and separate worker processes when you need to scale executions
- A reverse proxy with SSL and a stable public URL for webhooks
n8n stores credentials for every connected service, so encryption-key management, backups, and access control matter more than raw server size.
If you’d rather not self-host
n8n Cloud lists Starter at €20 per month for 2,500 executions and Pro at €50 per month for 10,000 executions, billed annually, as of September 2026.
Requirements and prices are from the project’s own docs and pricing pages as of September 2026 — see sources below.
Deploying and customizing n8n
Workflow design
Automations built around your processes, with error handling and alerts so failures don’t go unnoticed.
Custom nodes
Reusable nodes for your internal APIs and systems, so non-developers can use them safely.
AI steps
Document extraction, classification, and summarization wired into workflows with human review where it matters.
Credential security
Encrypted credential storage, scoped access, and audit-friendly configuration.
Scaling
PostgreSQL and queue mode with workers when volume grows.
Zapier migration
Existing Zaps rebuilt, consolidated, and run in parallel before cutover.
Migrating to n8n
There is no automatic Zapier-to-n8n converter, so each Zap is rebuilt as an n8n workflow. Simple Zaps take minutes; complex ones are a good opportunity to consolidate. Running old and new in parallel for a short period catches differences before Zapier is switched off.
n8n vs Zapier
n8n vs Zapier compared on pricing model, licensing, self-hosting, and ease of use — including how executions and tasks are counted.
Custom Workflow & Approval Apps
Custom workflow and approval apps that replace email chains — routing requests, enforcing approval rules, and keeping a full audit trail.
n8n — common questions
Is n8n free to self-host?+
Is n8n open source?+
What database does n8n use?+
How does n8n scale?+
Sources
Automating Business Workflows With n8n (Self-Hosted)
How to automate repetitive business workflows with self-hosted n8n — what to automate first, how it compares to Zapier, and why owning your automation matters.
AI Document Automation: Cut Manual Data Entry for Good
How AI document automation extracts data from PDFs, invoices, and forms — what it can reliably do in 2026, where to use it, and how to keep a human in the loop.
How to Cut Your SaaS Bill Without Losing Capability
A practical playbook to reduce SaaS costs in 2026 — audit per-seat tools, consolidate overlap, and replace the worst offenders with self-hosted open source you own.
Thinking about n8n?
Tell us what you use today and what you need. We'll tell you honestly whether n8n fits, and scope it if it does.