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n8n

Free

Fair-code workflow automation platform with native AI capabilities. Combine visual building with custom code, self-host or cloud, 400+ integrations.

Model APIsFreeFree tier
Type
Open Source

About n8n

n8n is a fair-code workflow automation platform designed for technical teams. It combines a visual drag-and-drop builder with the ability to write custom JavaScript or Python code directly in workflows. The platform offers over 400 pre-built integrations, native AI capabilities (including LangChain support), and flexible deployment options: self-hosted via Docker or on n8n's cloud. Key features include fast iteration with inline output previews, replay and mock data for testing, a rich set of triggers (webhooks, schedules, app events), and enterprise-grade security and governance (SSO, audit logs, RBAC). n8n is open-source and has a large community with 197k+ GitHub stars, rated 4.7/5 on G2. It is used by companies like Huel and Vodafone to automate business processes, save thousands of hours, and integrate AI safely.

Key Features

Visual workflow builder with native code nodes (JavaScript/Python)
Over 400 pre-built integrations with popular apps and services
Native AI nodes with LangChain support for LLM-powered workflows
Fast iteration with inline output previews, replay and mock data
Diverse triggers: app events, webhooks, cron schedules, event streams
Data transformation: merge, loop, filter, remove duplicates, aggregate
Enterprise features: SSO/SAML/LDAP, audit logs, RBAC, version control
Self-hosted option (Docker) or cloud-hosted (SaaS)
Debugging tools: execution logs, error workflows, AI-assisted analysis
Fair-code license – open source with community edition available

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Open-source and self-hostable, avoiding vendor lock-in
  • 400+ integrations save time building custom connectors
  • Visual builder plus full code flexibility (JS/Python)
  • Native AI support with LangChain for advanced workflows
  • Large community (197k+ GitHub stars, 200k+ members)
  • Fast iteration with inline debugging and replay
  • Enterprise-grade security (SSO, audit logs, RBAC) available
Cons
  • Some advanced features (SSO, audit logs, higher execution limits) require paid plans
  • Learning curve for complex workflows with multiple integrations
  • Self-hosted setup may require DevOps knowledge
  • Limited AI credits on free cloud tier (2,300/month)

Best For

On-boarding new employees with automated IT workflowsEnriching security incident tickets in SIEM systemsConverting natural language into API calls for DevOpsGenerating customer insights from product reviewsBuilding AI agents that chat with your dataAutomating approvals and notifications across departmentsIntegrating CRM, support, and marketing tools without codingCreating custom endpoints and webhook-based integrations

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FAQ

Is n8n free to use?
Yes, n8n offers a free, self-hosted Community Edition with core features. Cloud-hosted plans start at €20/month for the Starter plan, with a 14-day free trial available.
Can I self-host n8n?
Yes, n8n can be self-hosted using Docker. The entire source code is available on GitHub, and self-hosted instances include all core features plus the ability to add npm packages.
Does n8n support AI workflows?
Yes, n8n provides built-in AI nodes and LangChain integration, allowing you to build multi-step AI agents, chat with your data, and use various LLMs. You can run models locally or via APIs.
What integrations does n8n offer?
n8n has over 400 pre-built integrations covering CRM, marketing, dev tools, databases, AI services, and more. If an app is not available, you can use the HTTP Request node or import a cURL command.
Can I write custom code in n8n workflows?
Yes, you can add JavaScript or Python code nodes anywhere in a workflow. Self-hosted instances also allow installing npm packages for additional functionality.