
n8n
Fair-code workflow automation with native AI capabilities
The Lens
N8n is the open source alternative to Zapier. It gives you a visual workflow builder where you drag nodes, connect them, and watch data flow through. Over 400 integrations built in.
Self-hosting is free under a 'sustainable use' license (not fully open source, you can't resell it as a service). The cloud version starts at $24/mo. The self-hosted version has no feature restrictions, no execution limits, and no user limits.
The catch: setting up n8n in Docker and keeping it running takes real skill. Updates can break workflows. The 'sustainable use' license means you can't build a competing automation platform on top of it. And while the visual builder is powerful, complex logic (loops, error handling, conditional branches) gets messy in a node graph. Sometimes a Python script is cleaner than 40 connected nodes.
Get tools like this every Wednesday
One featured tool, three on the radar. No fluff.
Free vs Self-Hosted vs Paid
free self hosted paid cloud**Self-hosted (free):** All features, unlimited workflows, unlimited executions. Requires Docker. The license (Sustainable Use) is not OSI-approved. You can use it freely for your own automation but can't offer n8n as a managed service.
**Cloud pricing:** - Starter ($24/mo): 2,500 executions, 5 workflows - Pro ($60/mo): 10K executions, unlimited workflows - Enterprise: Custom
**The self-hosting math:** A $6/mo VPS runs n8n comfortably. Compare that to Zapier ($20/mo for 750 tasks) or Make ($9/mo for 10K operations). Self-hosted n8n with unlimited executions for $6/mo is dramatically cheaper than any cloud automation tool.
**When cloud makes sense:** If you don't want Docker ops, the $24/mo starter plan is cheaper than Zapier and includes AI capabilities. But 2,500 executions/mo is tight if you have busy webhooks.
Self-host free on a $6/mo VPS. Cloud starts at $24/mo for 2,500 executions.
Similar Tools
About
- Stars
- 187,267
- Forks
- 57,500
Explore Further
More tools in the directory
openclaw
Your own personal AI assistant. Any OS. Any Platform. The lobster way. 🦞
370.3k ★claw-code
The repo is finally unlocked. enjoy the party! The fastest repo in history to surpass 100K stars ⭐. Join Discord: https://discord.gg/5TUQKqFWd Built in Rust using oh-my-codex.
190.9k ★VS Code
Visual Studio Code
184.7k ★


