What is n8n?
n8n is a workflow automation platform. You build workflows on a visual canvas by connecting nodes: a trigger such as a webhook or a schedule, then steps that call apps, APIs, databases and AI models.
It is popular with developers because you can drop into JavaScript or Python when the visual nodes are not enough, build AI agent workflows, and self-host the free Community Edition on your own server.
n8n key features
- 01
Visual workflow builder
Connect triggers, apps and logic on a canvas and see data flow between steps.
- 02
Many integrations
Ready-made nodes for hundreds of apps, plus HTTP requests for any API.
- 03
Code when needed
Write JavaScript or Python inside a workflow for custom logic.
- 04
AI agents
Build AI agent workflows that use language models, tools and memory.
- 05
Self-hosting
Run the free Community Edition on your own infrastructure for full control of your data.
Is n8n right for you?
Best for
- Developers automating work between apps, APIs and databases
- Teams that need to self-host for data control
- Building AI agents connected to real business tools
Things to consider
- The free option is self-hosting; you run and maintain the server.
- The cloud has free trials but no permanent free plan.
- It is more technical than simple no-code automation tools.
n8n pricing
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Community Edition | Free | Self-hosted. |
| Starter (cloud) | €20/month | Billed annually, with a free trial. |
| Pro (cloud) | €50/month | Billed annually, with a free trial. |
| Business | €667/month | Self-hosted, billed annually. |
| Enterprise | Custom |
Checked on 22 Oct 2026 against the official pricing page ↗. Prices can change, so confirm before you buy.
How to get started with n8n
- Start a cloud trial on n8n.io, or self-host the Community Edition following the official docs.
- Create a workflow and add a trigger such as a webhook, a form or a schedule.
- Add nodes for the apps or APIs you want to connect and test each step with real data.
- Activate the workflow and monitor its executions.
n8n alternatives
Claude Code
by Anthropic
Anthropic's coding agent that works in your terminal, IDE or browser to edit code, run commands and fix bugs across a codebase.
- Not on the Claude Free plan. Included with Claude Pro ($20/month) and above, or pay as you go through the API.
- Checked 22 Oct 2026
Lovable
by Lovable
Builds full-stack web apps from chat prompts, with code you can export or sync to GitHub.
- Free plan available. Paid plans from $25/month.
- Checked 22 Oct 2026
Devin
by Cognition
An autonomous AI software engineer from Cognition that runs coding tasks as parallel cloud agents and via a desktop app.
- Free plan available. Pro $20/month; Max $200/month.
- Checked 22 Oct 2026
n8n FAQ
Is n8n free?
The Community Edition is free to self-host. The managed cloud plans start at €20 per month, billed annually, with a free trial.
Can n8n build AI agents?
Yes. n8n has nodes for building AI agent workflows that connect language models to tools, memory and your apps.
Do I need to code to use n8n?
No, most workflows are built visually. Coding is optional for custom logic using JavaScript or Python.