n8n
Open workflow automation that lets teams self host or use cloud to build integrations, data pipelines, and human in the loop processes with 400 plus nodes and code when needed.
Overview
n8n is an extensible workflow automation platform that balances low code building with full code control. Use the visual canvas to connect SaaS apps, webhooks, databases, and queues, then mix in JavaScript and HTTP nodes when custom logic is required. Triggers start flows on schedules or events, while branching, error handling, and item level loops keep pipelines resilient.
Self hosting gives control over data and scaling, the managed cloud removes ops overhead, and both share the same editor. Versioning, environments, and secrets help teams promote flows safely. Typical work includes lead routing, ticket enrichment, ETL style syncs, and AI agents that call models and tools.
With a fair code license and an active node ecosystem, n8n fits startups that want freedom and enterprises that require governance and auditability without vendor lock in.
Key features
- Visual builder: Assemble workflows with triggers branches and loops and inspect data at every step for quick debugging
- Hybrid low code: Drop JavaScript or HTTP calls alongside nodes so custom logic ships without leaving the canvas
- Deploy choice: Run self hosted for data control or choose cloud for managed infrastructure and monitoring
- Secrets and envs: Store credentials and runtime settings securely to keep integrations maintainable across stages
- Error handling: Configure retries fallbacks and notifications so flows recover gracefully from API failures
- Scaling options: Use queues and workers to process high volume jobs and long running tasks reliably
- AI friendly: Orchestrate prompts tools and model calls to create agent style automations when needed
- Community nodes: Extend with hundreds of integrations contributed by the ecosystem to accelerate delivery
Best for
- Route leads to CRM with enrichment and scoring for faster follow up
- Sync tickets across support tools and status pages with ownership rules
- Build ETL style jobs that consolidate reports for finance and ops
- Automate product analytics backfills on schedules with retries
- Create AI assistants that call APIs and write to knowledge bases
- Power Slack and email alerts with contextual run logs for teams
- Replace glue scripts with observable flows that multiple people can edit
- Prototype integrations quickly before investing in custom services
Capabilities
Visual workflows
Connect triggers branches and loops on a canvas where each node shows live input and output so debugging and iteration are fast.
Low code plus code
Add JavaScript HTTP and function nodes so uncommon business rules ship without creating a separate service.
Self host or cloud
Choose full control on your servers or a managed cloud that handles updates metrics and availability.
Secrets and errors
Manage credentials and retries with alerts so integrations survive API limits and transient failures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does pricing start for n8n Cloud?
A free tier exists for small projects and paid cloud plans commonly start near $20 per month with higher tiers for team features and capacity.
Can I self host for data control?
Yes, you can run n8n on your own infrastructure and keep credentials data and logs within your environment.
Is coding required to use n8n?
No, most flows are low code but you can insert JavaScript and HTTP nodes where custom logic is needed.
How do I manage secrets safely?
Use the built in credentials store and environment variables so keys never live in plain text inside workflows.
Can n8n handle high volume jobs?
Yes, deploy workers and queues to scale processing and configure retries and batching for reliability.
