n8n

What is n8n?

n8n is a source-available (fair-code), self-hostable workflow automation platform aimed at developers and technical teams who want to connect apps, APIs, and data with a mix of visual nodes and real code. It can be self-hosted for free on your own infrastructure or run as a managed cloud service, where paid plans are metered by workflow executions rather than per-task. In recent years it has leaned heavily into AI, offering native LangChain-based nodes for building AI agents and LLM-powered workflows, positioning itself as an automation and AI-orchestration layer for technical teams.

★ Best known for: Self-hostable, code-friendly automation for developers

Key features

• ✓Visual builder with JavaScript/Python code steps
• ✓400+ integrations plus a generic HTTP node
• ✓Native AI / LangChain nodes for agents and RAG
• ✓Self-hosting via Docker/npm for full data control
• ✓Fair-code, source-available license
• ✓Sub-workflows, webhooks, and Git version control

Who n8n is best for

• Teams that build custom automations and want code-level control (JavaScript/Python)
• Teams that need self-hosting for data sovereignty, compliance, or cost control
• Teams building AI agents and LLM-driven workflows

Ideal team: Technical and developer-led teams (startup to mid-market) that want to self-host and customize automations rather than rely on a closed, per-task SaaS.

n8n pricing