Unpacking n8n Pricing: A 2025 Guide to Plans, Tiers, and Value

So, you're looking at n8n and wondering about the price tag, right? It's a common question. People see this powerful automation tool and think, 'Is this going to cost me an arm and a leg?' Well, it's not quite that simple, but it's also not overly complicated. We're going to break down the n8n pricing structure, talk about the free stuff, the paid plans, and help you figure out which way to go. Think of it like choosing a phone plan – there are options, and you want the one that fits your life without surprises. Let's get this sorted.

Key Takeaways

• n8n's core pricing is based on workflow executions, meaning you pay for each time an automation runs from start to finish.

• The Community Edition is a free, self-hosted version that offers most features without limits on executions, making it a great option for those with technical skills.

• n8n Cloud offers managed plans starting at $24/month for 2,500 executions, providing a more hands-off experience with tiered limits.

• Paid plans introduce features like Single Sign-On, Git integration, and multi-environment support, which are important for larger teams or strict compliance needs.

• Choosing between self-hosting and n8n Cloud depends on your technical ability, budget, and need for managed services versus full control.

Understanding n8n Pricing Models

When you start looking into n8n, the first thing that probably comes to mind is, "How much is this going to cost me?" It’s a fair question, and the answer isn't a simple number because n8n has a couple of ways you can use it, each with its own cost structure.

The Core of n8n Pricing: Execution-Based Value

At its heart, n8n's paid plans are built around how often your automations actually run. They call this "workflow executions." Basically, every time one of your automated workflows completes its job, from start to finish, it counts as one execution. It doesn't matter if your workflow has two steps or twenty; a completed run is a single tally. This is a pretty straightforward way to think about it, especially if you have a good idea of how frequently your automations will be active.

Here's a quick look at how the cloud plans stack up:

Plan	Monthly Cost	Executions Included	Active Workflows
Starter	$24	2,500	5
Pro	$60	10,000	15
Enterprise	Custom	Unlimited	Unlimited

This model is quite different from some other tools that might charge you per individual step within a workflow. With n8n, you're paying for the completed job, not the individual tasks within it.

Self-Hosting n8n: The True Free Version

Now, if you're looking to keep costs at absolute zero, n8n has a fantastic option: the Community Edition. This is the open-source version you can download and install on your own server or even your personal computer. The big draw here is that there are no limits on how many times your workflows can run, and you get access to most of the platform's features. You're essentially getting the full power of n8n without paying a subscription fee. The catch? You're responsible for setting it up and keeping it running smoothly. This means you'll need some technical know-how, perhaps with tools like Docker, and you'll have to handle updates, security, and backups yourself. It's a trade-off between convenience and cost, giving you ultimate control if you're comfortable with the technical side.

Choosing between self-hosting and a cloud plan often comes down to your team's technical skills and how much time you want to spend on maintenance versus building automations.

n8n Cloud: Managed Services and Tiers

For those who prefer not to manage their own infrastructure, n8n Cloud offers a fully hosted solution. This is where the execution-based pricing model really comes into play. You pick a plan based on the number of workflow executions you anticipate needing each month. The Starter plan is designed for individuals or small teams just getting started, offering a set number of executions and active workflows. As your automation needs grow, you can move up to the Pro plan, which provides significantly more executions and workflow capacity. For larger organizations with complex requirements, the Enterprise plan offers custom solutions with unlimited executions and dedicated support. The cloud option takes the technical burden off your shoulders, letting you focus purely on building and running your automations.

Exploring the Free Community Edition

So, you're curious about n8n and wondering if you can get started without opening your wallet. The good news is, yes, you absolutely can. n8n offers a robust Community Edition that's free to use, and it's pretty capable for a lot of automation needs.

What Features Are Available for Free?

The Community Edition is where most of the magic happens, and it's not just a watered-down version. You get access to a huge library of over 350 integrations, meaning you can connect to tons of different apps and services. Need to pull data from a Google Sheet, send a notification to Slack, and then update a record in your CRM? The free version can handle that. Plus, you can run custom code using JavaScript or Python if you need to do something a bit more specific. Webhooks and API triggers are also included, so you can start automations based on real-time events. Error handling and retry logic are built-in too, which is super helpful for making sure your workflows don't just break and disappear.

• 350+ Integrations: Connect to a wide array of popular services.

• Custom Code Execution: Use JavaScript or Python for custom logic.

• Webhooks & API Triggers: Automate based on external events.

• Error Handling: Build more resilient workflows.

Limitations of the Free Version

While the Community Edition is generous, it's not without its limits, especially when you start thinking about teams or more advanced security needs. Features like Single Sign-On (SSO) for easier team logins, detailed audit logs to track who did what and when, and version control with Git integration are reserved for paid plans. Think of it like getting a fantastic set of tools, but a few specialized, high-end ones are kept behind a locked cabinet. Also, the license has some rules: you can use it for internal business operations or non-commercial projects. If you plan to build a product where your customers directly use the n8n interface, you'll need a commercial license. It's a fair-code license, balancing open access with commercial interests.

The Community Edition is a fantastic starting point, offering the core automation power of n8n. However, for larger teams requiring centralized management, advanced security protocols, or robust auditing capabilities, exploring the paid tiers becomes a logical next step.

Optimizing Your Free Setup

If you're running the Community Edition, especially if you've self-hosted it, there are a few smart ways to get the most out of it. Using webhooks instead of constantly polling services can significantly cut down on executions and reduce the load on your server. If you have heavy workflows, try scheduling them for off-peak hours when your server isn't as busy. For those self-hosting, make sure you're using HTTPS, perhaps with Let's Encrypt, and consider setting up IP whitelisting or a VPN for added security. It’s all about being smart with your resources and security practices to keep things running smoothly and safely.

Diving into n8n Cloud Plans

So, you've looked at the free version and maybe even tinkered with self-hosting, but you're thinking about a more managed experience. That's where n8n Cloud comes in. It's basically n8n as a service, meaning they handle the servers, updates, and all that backend stuff so you can just focus on building your automations. They've got a few different plans to choose from, depending on what you need.

Starter Plan: Entry-Level Automation

This is the most basic paid tier. It's designed for individuals or small teams just getting started with n8n Cloud. You get a decent number of executions per month and a few active workflows to play around with. It's a good step up from the free version if you need a bit more room to grow without a huge commitment.

• Monthly Cost: $24

• Executions: 2,500

• Active Workflows: 5

Pro Plan: Enhanced Capabilities

If you're running more complex automations or have a larger team, the Pro plan is likely a better fit. It bumps up the number of executions significantly and allows for more active workflows. This plan is often chosen by businesses that are starting to rely on n8n for more critical processes.

• Monthly Cost: $60

• Executions: 10,000

• Active Workflows: 15

Enterprise Plan: Custom Solutions

For larger organizations with specific needs, there's the Enterprise plan. This isn't a one-size-fits-all deal. You get unlimited executions and workflows, which is pretty much what you'd expect. The real value here is the custom support, advanced security features, and tailored solutions that n8n can provide for your business.

The Enterprise plan is really about getting dedicated support and features that align with strict business requirements, like advanced security protocols and custom integrations. It's for when your automation needs are mission-critical and require a higher level of service and control.

This plan is usually discussed directly with the n8n sales team to figure out exactly what you need and how much it will cost. It's for those who need the full package, including things like Single Sign-On and dedicated support.

Key Features Differentiating Paid Plans

So, you've looked at the free version and maybe even dabbled with self-hosting. That's great! But as your automation needs grow, or if you're working in a larger team with specific security requirements, you'll start noticing some features that are locked behind the paid tiers. It's not just about more executions; it's about the tools that make managing automation at scale actually feasible and secure.

Single Sign-On and Advanced Security

For businesses, especially those with strict security policies, Single Sign-On (SSO) is a big deal. It means your team can log in using their existing company credentials, usually managed through systems like SAML or LDAP. This simplifies user management and adds a significant layer of security. No more forgotten passwords or managing separate logins for your automation tool. This feature is typically found in the Enterprise plan, offering a more robust security posture.

Version Control and Git Integration

Imagine building a complex workflow. What happens when you need to make a change? Or what if you want to revert to an older version? Paid plans, particularly the Enterprise tier, often include version control and Git integration. This allows you to track changes to your workflows, collaborate more effectively with team members, and maintain a history of your automation development, much like you would with software code. It’s a lifesaver for maintaining stability and enabling team collaboration on automation projects. You can explore how different platforms handle this in workflow automation platform analysis.

Multi-Environment Support and Audit Logs

When you're running critical automations, you don't want to test them directly in your live production environment. Paid plans often provide support for multiple environments – think development, staging, and production. This lets you build and test workflows safely before deploying them. Alongside this, audit logs are invaluable. They provide a detailed record of who did what, when, and to which workflow. This is essential for compliance, troubleshooting, and understanding how your automation system is being used across the organization. It's a level of oversight that's hard to achieve with the free version alone.

These advanced features are not just nice-to-haves; they are often requirements for businesses operating in regulated industries or those prioritizing robust security and operational control. They represent a significant step up from the core functionality available in the Community Edition, justifying the investment for teams with complex needs.

Choosing the Right n8n Deployment

So, you've looked at n8n and you're wondering how you're actually going to run it. It's not just a one-size-fits-all situation, and picking the right way to deploy it can make a big difference in how smoothly your automations run and how much time you spend fiddling with it.

When to Opt for Self-Hosting

Self-hosting n8n, especially the Community Edition, is like having a fully customizable workshop. You get the most control here. If your team has folks who are comfortable with servers, Docker, or Kubernetes, this is probably your best bet. You can tweak things, integrate it deeply into your existing infrastructure, and generally have your way with it. It's also the path if you're really trying to keep costs down on the software itself, though you'll have your own infrastructure and maintenance costs to think about.

• Maximum Control: You decide where it runs, how it's secured, and how it scales.

• Cost Savings (Potentially): No recurring fees for the software itself, but factor in server and maintenance time.

• Deep Integration: Easier to connect with other internal systems.

• Privacy First: Your data stays within your own network.

Running n8n yourself means you're the one responsible for keeping it updated, secure, and running smoothly. Think of it like owning a classic car – you get a lot of pride and customization, but you also need to know how to fix it when it breaks down.

When Managed Cloud Solutions Make Sense

If the idea of managing servers, updates, and security patches sounds like a headache you'd rather avoid, then n8n Cloud is likely your friend. This is where n8n handles all the backend heavy lifting. You just sign up, build your workflows, and it works. It's great for teams that want to get started quickly without needing dedicated IT staff to manage the platform. The different tiers in n8n Cloud offer more features and capacity as you grow, which can be simpler than trying to scale your own self-hosted setup.

• Ease of Use: Get started quickly without server management.

• Scalability Handled: n8n manages the infrastructure to handle more workflows and executions.

• Automatic Updates: You always have the latest features and security patches.

• Predictable Costs: Usually a straightforward monthly or annual fee.

The Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds

Sometimes, you don't have to pick just one. A hybrid approach can work too. Maybe you run your most sensitive or complex workflows on a self-hosted instance for maximum control and cost-effectiveness, but use n8n Cloud for simpler, less critical automations or for quick prototyping. This lets you balance the benefits of control with the convenience of a managed service. It requires a bit more planning, but it can give you the flexibility to adapt as your needs change.

Maximizing Value with n8n

So, you've looked at the plans, you've considered the features, but how do you actually get the most bang for your buck with n8n? It's not just about picking a plan; it's about how you use the tool and what you expect from it. Let's break down how to really make n8n work for your budget and your automation goals.

Comparing n8n Pricing to Alternatives

When you're shopping around for automation tools, it's easy to get lost in a sea of features and pricing tiers. n8n stands out because it offers a free, self-hosted version. This is a pretty big deal if you're on a tight budget but still need the full power of automation. Other platforms might seem cheaper at first glance, but their cloud offerings can start adding up quickly as your usage climbs. It really comes down to what you need. If you want deep customization and control, n8n often provides more long-term value, especially if you're willing to put in the time to learn it. For simpler tasks, other tools might be easier to jump into, but n8n gives you more room to grow.

Total Cost of Ownership Considerations

Thinking about the total cost isn't just about the monthly subscription fee. If you're self-hosting, your costs include server time, maintenance, and the time your team spends managing it. While the software itself is free, the infrastructure and labor aren't. On the flip side, cloud plans have predictable monthly costs, but you need to watch out for usage spikes that can increase your bill. It's about balancing the upfront investment and ongoing effort. For many, optimizing costs at scale involves smart resource management, which is where understanding FinOps principles can really help you manage expenses efficiently.

Building complex workflows can sometimes feel like a rabbit hole. What seems simple on the surface can quickly become complicated with error handling, API limits, and keeping everything updated. It's important to factor in the time and technical skill needed to keep your automations running smoothly, not just to build them.

Real-World Use Cases and Savings

Let's look at some practical examples. Imagine syncing customer data between your CRM and a spreadsheet. A basic setup might be manageable on the free tier. But if you're automating complex data transformations, integrating with multiple niche services, or running hundreds of workflows daily, you'll likely need a paid plan or a robust self-hosted setup. The savings come from:

• Reduced Manual Labor: Automating repetitive tasks frees up your team for more important work.

• Fewer Errors: Automated processes are less prone to human mistakes.

• Faster Operations: Tasks that took hours can be done in minutes.

• Scalability: As your business grows, your automation can keep pace without a proportional increase in headcount.

For instance, a small marketing team might save 10 hours a week by automating social media posting and lead follow-ups. A larger e-commerce business could save hundreds of hours by automating order processing and inventory updates. The key is to identify the most time-consuming, error-prone tasks in your business and see how n8n can address them. This often means looking beyond just the initial setup and considering the long-term benefits of reliable automation.

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Wrapping It Up: Is n8n Worth It?

So, after all that talk about plans and prices, what's the final word on n8n? It really comes down to what you need and what you're comfortable with. If you've got some tech skills and want to save money, the free, self-hosted Community Edition is a seriously good deal. You can build a lot with it without spending anything, aside from maybe a few bucks for a server. But if you're looking for a managed service with support and extra features like single sign-on, the paid cloud plans start to make sense, especially as your automation needs grow. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation, but n8n offers a flexible way to automate things, whether you're going the free route or opting for a paid plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is n8n totally free to use?

Yes, n8n has a free version called the Community Edition. You can download it and host it yourself on your own computer or server. This version lets you run as many automations as you want without any limits on how many times they run. It's a great way to start automating things without spending any money.

Can I use the free n8n for my business?

You can use the free n8n for your business, but there are some rules. It's okay for your company's internal tasks or if you're not selling services directly based on n8n. However, if you want to build a product where your customers directly use n8n, you'll need to get a paid plan.

What's the difference between the free and paid n8n plans?

The free version has most of the main features you'll need for automation. The paid plans, like n8n Cloud, offer extra goodies. These include things like easier ways to log in for your team (Single Sign-On), keeping track of changes to your workflows (version control), and better support. They are more for bigger teams or companies that need extra security and management tools.

How does n8n's pricing compare to other tools like Zapier?

n8n usually charges based on how many times your automations run (executions). Other tools, like Zapier, might charge you for each single step within an automation. This means n8n can be cheaper if you have complex automations with many steps, because you only pay for the whole automation running, not for every little piece of it.

Is it hard to set up n8n if I host it myself?

Setting up n8n yourself does require some technical know-how. You'll likely need to be comfortable with things like using Docker or setting up servers. If you're not very techy, you might find it easier to use n8n Cloud, which is a managed service where they handle all the technical setup for you. But if you're okay with a bit of tech work, self-hosting can save you a lot of money.

When should I think about moving from the free version to a paid plan?

You should think about a paid plan if you're running a very large number of automations (like more than 50,000 per month) or if your business needs special features like advanced security, team management tools, or detailed logs for tracking who did what. For most smaller users or teams, the free version is usually more than enough.