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In a world where workflow management is becoming increasingly complex, it's vital to find a tool that not only meets your needs, but also remains affordable. Millennials, start-ups and SMEs often turn to solutions that promise automation at little or no cost.
In this article, we take a look at n8n and the central question: is n8n free?. We'll analyze the differences between cloud and self-hosting plans, the hidden costs of self-hosting, and find out when it's best to use the freemium plan or switch to a paid plan. Finally, a comparison with Make's pricing model will provide additional insight.
Introducing n8n
n8n is an automation tool for creating robust, customized workflows to connect various applications via APIs. Thanks to its open source system, n8n stands out for its flexibility and vast customization options. However, the question of cost is essential: is it really a free solution? And what are the potential pitfalls of freemium?
Cloud plans vs. self-hosting
Plan Cloud (n8n.io)
The n8n cloud plan (n8n.io) is the solution of choice for those who prefer to avoid the complexities of server management. Starting at €20/month, this plan includes n8n-managed hosting, a limited number of runs, and official support. This plan is ideal for companies looking for a turnkey solution without having to worry about the technical backend of their workflow automation.
Self-hosted plan
On the other hand, the self-hosted plan is completely free and open-source. It allows users to host n8n on their own infrastructure, with no limit on the number of runs or workflows. However, it does involve additional responsibilities such as configuration, maintenance and management of potential server problems.
Advantages and limitations of the self-hosted option
Advantages of the self-hosted option
One of the biggest advantages of self-hosting is the savings you make on subscription fees. What's more, you benefit from unlimited use and access to most n8n features at no extra cost. This gives you maximum flexibility to develop and automate your workflows according to your specific needs.
Limits of the self-hosted option
Despite its many advantages, the self-hosted option also has its drawbacks. Notably, there's no official support available: you'll have to make do with community forums to resolve problems. What's more, the manual configuration of OAuth integrations and the absence of enterprise features such as SSO and version control can prove restrictive for larger companies.
Hidden costs of self-catering
Stand-alone n8n hosting may seem free at first glance, but in reality it comes with hidden costs. For a start, hosting your server could cost around 5-10 $ per month, depending on specifications. In addition, the time invested in initial configuration, ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting can represent a considerable cost, especially for small teams. Docker management, necessary updates and regular backups are all tasks for which time and resources need to be allocated.
When to choose the freemium plan
The freemium (self-hosted) plan is ideal for small businesses, startups or developments in the test phase. If you have the technical skills to manage your own server and configure integrations, then this option will provide you with a robust, scalable test platform. It's also suitable for workflows of medium to high complexity, to capture the flexibility offered by unlimited use.
When to switch to a paid plan
If your business is growing and you need advanced features and dedicated support, upgrading to a paid plan becomes a necessity. Premium features such as global variables, extended workflow history and official support are essential for large-scale operations. What's more, if you don't have the in-house resources to manage the infrastructure, the cloud plan will offer you worry-free management with automatic updates and responsive customer support.
Comparison with Make's pricing model
Make's (ex-Integromat) pricing model differs significantly from that of n8n. Make charges by the number of operations, which can quickly increase for companies with complex workflows. By contrast, n8n cloud charges by the number of workflow executions. For users opting for self-hosted, costs are limited to fixed hosting fees, which may prove more economical over the long term depending on the scale of use. This cost distinction makes n8n a potentially more economical option for highly complex or numerous workflows.
Conclusion: What is the true cost of n8n?
All in all, n8n offers a flexible and potentially free automation solution with its self-hosted options. However, the hidden costs of self-hosting, including maintenance time and the technical skills required, need to be taken into account. The freemium plan may suffice for small businesses or test phases, while larger organizations with more complex needs might find paid plans more suitable. Comparing n8n with Make's pricing model, it becomes clear that the choice between these two systems depends on the nature and volume of your workflows.
To optimize the automation of your workflows efficiently and cost-effectively, it's essential to understand your own workflows and your needs in terms of technical support and functionality.
Would you like to find out how n8n can transform your day-to-day operations? Discover all the services we can automate for you: Our automation services.
And if you're ready to take the next step, contact us or take direct appointment.
FAQ
Is n8n completely free?
Yes, the open source version of n8n is free if you host it yourself. There is also a paid cloud version managed by the n8n team.
Why host your own n8n?
Self-hosting enables total control data, a advanced flexibility in integrations, and a cost reduction for technical teams capable of managing an infrastructure.
What are the options for hosting n8n?
n8n can be hosted on services such as DigitalOcean, Hetzner, Render or even on a local server via Docker or Node.js. The official documentation provides comprehensive guides.
What are the technical requirements for hosting n8n?
Basic knowledge of Docker, Node.js, or VPS deployment is recommended. A server with at least 1 GB RAM and a modern CPU is sufficient for moderate workloads.
Is self-hosting secure?
Yes, if best practices are followed: HTTPS via SSL, active firewall, regular updates and storage of credentials in a secure environment manager.
