n8n

Free

Fair-code workflow automation platform with native AI capabilities. Combine visual building with custom code, self-host

FreeFree tier

Type

Open Source

Visit Website GitHub (178.6k stars)

About n8n

n8n is the world's most popular fair-code workflow automation platform for technical teams. It combines a visual builder with the flexibility of custom JavaScript and Python code, offering over 400 pre-built integrations. n8n supports native AI capabilities, including AI agent nodes and LangChain integration, enabling users to build intelligent workflows that can chat, summarize, or answer questions. The platform is open source (197k GitHub stars) and can be self-hosted or used via n8n's cloud. Key features include fast iteration with real-time data testing, diverse triggers (webhooks, cron, app events), robust error handling, Git-based version control, and enterprise-grade security (SSO, RBAC, audit logs). Trusted by over 200k community members and rated 4.7/5 on G2, n8n is used by companies like Huel and Vodafone to automate business processes and save thousands of hours.

Key Features

Visual builder with custom JavaScript/Python code nodes

Over 400 pre-built integrations (nodes) and HTTP request node for custom APIs

Native AI support with AI agent nodes and LangChain integration

Fast iteration with real-time data outputs, step re-execution, and data replay

Diverse triggers (webhooks, cron, app events, event streams)

Data transformation tools (merge, loop, filter, split, aggregate)

Advanced error handling, logging, and AI-assisted error analysis

Self-host or cloud deployment with Git-based version control

Enterprise features (SSO SAML, RBAC, audit logs, encrypted secret stores)

Open source (fair-code) with 197k GitHub stars and active community

Pros & Cons

Pros

Open source and self-hostable with full control
No per-step pricing; pay per workflow execution only
Combination of visual building and code for flexibility
Large library of integrations (400+) and easy custom API connections
Strong AI capabilities with LangChain and built-in AI nodes
Fast development with real-time debugging and data replay
Enterprise-grade security and governance features

Cons

Targeted at technical teams; may have a learning curve for non-developers
Self-hosted version requires technical expertise to set up and maintain
Free cloud Starter plan has execution limits (2.5k/month) and limited AI credits (2.3k/month)
Some advanced features (SSO, version control, extended retention) are only in higher-tier paid plans

Best For

Onboarding new employees (IT Ops)Enriching security incident tickets (Sec Ops)Converting natural language into API calls (Dev Ops)Generating customer insights from reviews (Sales)Building AI agents and chatbots for document Q&AAutomating threat intelligence and SOAR workflows (Vodafone saved £2.2M)Creating API endpoints and webhook integrationsMonitoring and alerting with custom error workflows

FAQ

Is n8n open source?

Yes, n8n is fair-code licensed and open source on GitHub with 197,455 stars.

Can I self-host n8n?

Yes, n8n offers a free self-hosted Community Edition available on GitHub.

Does n8n support AI workflows?

Yes, n8n has built-in AI nodes and supports LangChain for building AI agents, chatbots, and document Q&A.

How does pricing work?

n8n charges per workflow execution, not per step. Self-hosted is free. Cloud plans start at €20/month for the Starter plan with 2.5K executions and 2,300 AI credits.

What integrations does n8n support?

n8n has over 400 pre-built integrations (nodes) including apps like Salesforce, Asana, ServiceNow, and many more. The HTTP request node allows connecting to any REST API.