n8n
A workflow automation platform that mixes a visual builder with code, lets you run AI agents with approvals, and can be self-hosted or used in the cloud.
Key Takeaways
Build AI agents and workflows you can see and control
Free Trial · €20 per month · €50 per month · €667 per month
- Developers and technical teams
- IT, security and DevOps teams
- Solo builders automating business work
What is n8n?
n8n is a workflow automation platform for technical teams. You build workflows on a visual canvas, drop into JavaScript or Python when needed, and connect to more than 500 native integrations, any API over HTTP, and agents through MCP.
It puts AI agents inside readable workflows, so you can watch runs live, replay past runs, add human approval steps and set rules on AI actions. Version history, error re-runs and built-in documentation help teams keep automations stable. You can use the hosted cloud or self-host with Docker, and a Community Edition is on GitHub.
n8n suits IT, security, DevOps and sales teams, as well as solo builders who want flexibility. Pricing counts full workflow executions, not steps or users.
Who is Using n8n?
IT teams
Automate new user onboarding across Slack, Jira, Notion and more.
Security and DevOps teams
Triage alerts and investigate threats with AI-assisted workflows.
Sales teams
Qualify leads and keep CRM records current automatically.
Key Features
- AI Agent Orchestration: Run AI agents inside workflows with structured inputs, guardrails and human approvals.
- Code + Visual Builder: Build visually and add JavaScript or Python steps where needed.
- 500+ Integrations: Connect native integrations, any HTTP API and agents through MCP.
- Full Execution Visibility: Watch runs live, replay past runs and re-run only the step that failed.
- Self-Hosted or Cloud: Use n8n's hosted service or deploy on-prem with Docker.
- Version history: See who changed a workflow and when.
Pricing Plans
Starter
- Billed annually; free trial, no card required
- 2.5K workflow executions
- 5 concurrent executions
- Agents, MCP and AI nodes
- 1,600 Assistant credits per month
- Forum support
Pro
- Billed annually; free trial, no card required
- 10K workflow executions
- Up to 50 concurrent executions
- 3 shared projects
- Admin roles
- Workflow history
Business
- Billed annually; self-hosted only
- 40K workflow executions
- SSO and LDAP
- Multiple environments
- Version control using Git
- Queue mode for scaling
Enterprise
- Contact sales
- Custom workflow executions
- 200+ concurrent executions
- Log streaming
- External secret store integration
- Dedicated support with SLA
Which n8n plan should you pick?
Starter suits people building their first workflows and agents. Pro fits solo builders and small teams running automations in production. Business is for companies under 100 employees that need SSO, Git and multiple environments, and Enterprise covers strict compliance needs.
Building your first workflows and agents.
Solo builders and small teams in production.
Companies under 100 employees needing collaboration.
Organizations with strict compliance needs.
n8n Use Cases
Refund handling
Look up an order and ask for approval in Slack before processing a refund.
Outcome: Refunds handled with a human check.
Alert triage
Have an agent investigate alerts and route them by severity.
Outcome: The right people see urgent issues first.
Lead qualification
Answer and score new inquiries with an AI agent and update the lead record.
Outcome: Sales spends time on qualified leads.
How n8n fits into your stack
Integrations
500+ native nodes plus any API via HTTP and agents via MCP.
Deployment
Runs in n8n's cloud, on-prem, or with Docker; source code is on GitHub.
Observability
Higher plans stream logs to tools such as Datadog and support Git-based version control.
Pros
- +Pay per execution: A full workflow run counts once no matter how many steps it has.
- +Unlimited users and workflows: Every plan includes unlimited users, workflows and integrations.
- +Self-hosting option: You can run it on-prem or with Docker and keep data in your own environment.
- +Code when needed: Code steps in JavaScript or Python sit alongside the visual builder.
Cons
- −Prices in euros: The pricing page lists plans in EUR.
- −Steep Business jump: Business costs 667€ per month billed annually and is self-hosted only.
- −Technical leaning: The code and self-hosting options suit technical users more than beginners.
Limitations & when to consider alternatives
- Execution caps. Starter includes 2.5K executions and Pro includes 10K per month.
- Concurrency limits. Starter allows 5 concurrent executions.
- Run time limits. Starter runs stop at 5 minutes, while higher plans allow 40 minutes.
- You want a purely no-code tool for non-technical staff.
- You need pricing in US dollars with a monthly plan under 20€.
- You do not want to think about execution counts.
How to Use n8n
Start a free trial
Sign up for a hosted trial with no card, or self-host the Community Edition.
Build a workflow
Add a trigger and steps on the visual canvas.
Add AI and logic
Insert AI agent nodes, code steps or human approvals.
Run and monitor
Activate the workflow and check runs in the execution log.
Who is n8n For?
Technical teams
Developers and engineers who want code-level control.
Companies with data rules
Teams that need to self-host to keep data in-house.
Startups
Companies under 20 employees may qualify for 50% off Business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is n8n free?
There is a free trial for hosted plans, and a self-hosted Community Edition is available on GitHub.
How much does n8n cost?
Billed annually, Starter is 20€ per month, Pro is 50€ and Business is 667€. Enterprise is priced by sales. Annual billing saves 17%.
What counts as an execution?
A workflow run from start to finish, no matter how many steps it has.
Can I self-host n8n?
Yes. You can deploy it on-prem or with Docker, and the Business plan is self-hosted only.
Is there a startup discount?
Companies with fewer than 20 employees can check if they qualify for 50% off the Business plan.
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