n8n

n8n (pronounced “n-eight-n”) is a node-based workflow automation platform that connects apps, webhooks, APIs and AI models on a visual canvas. Drag nodes together to move data between tools, add branching logic and error handling, and drop into JavaScript or Python wherever a visual node is not enough.

Key facts: n8n offers 400+ native integrations and can call any API over HTTP, so almost any service can join a workflow. Its AI side is first-class rather than bolted on: LangChain-based AI agent nodes, persistent memory across runs, vector-database integrations for retrieval workflows and human-in-the-loop review steps for jobs that need a person to approve before acting.

Plans: The Community Edition is free to self-host with unlimited workflows and unlimited executions — you pay only for your own server. Managed n8n Cloud starts with Starter at $20/month billed annually ($24 month-to-month) for 2,500 executions, Pro at $50/month billed annually ($60 month-to-month) for 10,000 executions, and Business and Enterprise plans are higher or custom. Billing is per execution — one full workflow run, however many steps it contains.

Best for: technical teams and data-sensitive organisations that want serious automation without per-step pricing, and who are happy to self-host for full control. Watch out: it rewards JSON and API fluency, so non-technical operations teams without engineering support will find a simpler visual tool easier to start with.

Pros

• Visual, node-based workflows connecting apps, webhooks, APIs and AI models.
• More than 400 integrations, with branching logic and error handling built in.
• Drop into JavaScript or Python wherever a visual node is not enough.
• Free to self-host with unlimited executions, and AI agent nodes are included.

Watch out for

• Visual workflows still need logical thinking; complex automations take time to design and test.
• Self-hosting saves subscription cost but adds setup and maintenance responsibility.
• Automations that touch live data should be tested carefully before they run unattended.

Best for

Developers, operations teams and AI builders automating work across many apps. Who should skip it: anyone who only needs one simple app-to-app sync may find a simpler automation tool quicker.

Pricing

n8n is free to self-host with unlimited executions; hosted plans are also available, so check the official pricing page for current plans and limits.

FAQs

What is n8n? A node-based workflow automation platform that connects apps, webhooks, APIs and AI models on a visual canvas.

Can I use AI agents in n8n? Yes, it includes AI agent nodes alongside its 400+ integrations.

Is it really free? It is free to self-host with unlimited executions; hosted plans are separate.