Our review
n8n combines a visual builder with developer-oriented control. It supports code, custom API calls, webhooks, custom nodes, and self-hosting, making it particularly capable for complex AI and data workflows.
Those advantages come with operational responsibility. Community Edition users must secure, update, monitor, and back up their own instance. n8n Cloud reduces that burden but uses execution-based paid plans.
Why we picked it
Strong technical control, AI-workflow flexibility, and a self-hosted Community Edition.
Pricing and free plan
Community Edition is available for self-hosting; n8n Cloud offers a trial rather than a permanent free cloud plan
Cloud Starter is listed at €20/month billed annually for 2,500 workflow executions; Pro is €50/month billed annually for 10,000. Community Edition is self-hosted.
Key features
Visual workflows with code steps and custom API requests
AI workflows and agent building
Cloud and self-hosted deployment options
Custom nodes, webhooks, CLI, and developer controls
Pros
Powerful for technical and AI-heavy automation
Charges cloud plans by full workflow execution rather than each step
Self-hosted Community Edition provides substantial control
Cons
Requires more technical skill than beginner-first tools
Self-hosting adds infrastructure, security, and maintenance responsibility
Some collaboration and governance features are paid
Who should use it
Technical teams and advanced operators building complex workflows, AI agents, or integrations that benefit from code and deployment control.
Who should not use it
Nontechnical users wanting the quickest supported setup, or teams unable to maintain a self-hosted service securely.