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Introduction: Simple, accessible and secure automation
As an SME or freelancer, every minute counts. Automation has become essential for optimizing your time, increasing efficiency and boosting your competitiveness. If you're using n8n, a powerful and versatile automation tool, one of the key questions is: "Should I choose a cloud-hosted solution or self-host it on my own server?"
Visit self-hostingSelf-hosting can seem daunting at first, especially if you don't have a dedicated technical team. However, with the right tools and simplified methods, self-hosting n8n becomes an accessible task even without DevOps expertise.
In this guide, ActivDev takes you step by step, without complex technical jargon, to understand and implement n8n self-hosting. Together we'll see how to take advantage of all its benefits, while minimizing the technical difficulties.
What exactly is self-hosting?
Self-hosting n8n simply means that you install the application on a server that you own or rent from a supplier (such as Hetzner, DigitalOcean or Render). In this way, you have complete control over the operation, security and availability of your tool, with no intermediaries involved.
This type of accommodation is often chosen by those who wish to :
- maximum control over their data;
- reduce the recurring costs of cloud services;
- customize the installation to fit in with their existing infrastructure.
Let's take a look at the main benefits of this approach.
Why self-host n8n? Practical benefits
Here are three major advantages of self-hosting, particularly relevant to SMEs and freelancers:
1. Enhanced safety :
Your data remains entirely under your control. Unlike cloud solutions, where information circulates on external servers, self-hosting lets you know exactly where your data is stored, who accesses it, and how it's protected. This is a key argument, particularly when it comes to complying with European data protection regulations (RGPD).
2. Cost reduction :
Cloud services can be expensive as your volume of use increases. By opting for self-hosting, you pay only for your server (often at a fixed rate), regardless of how intensively you use it. This makes self-hosting a very cost-effective solution, especially if you use your workflows frequently.
3. Freedom and personalization :
With a self-hosted instance, you're completely free to integrate the applications and tools you want, with no technical constraints imposed by a third-party supplier. So you can flexibly adapt n8n to your business reality.
Options for self-hosting n8n
Are you convinced of the benefits of self-hosting, but don't know where to start? Here's a clear, practical presentation of the main ways to host your n8n instance, tailored to your profile.
Option 1: Docker - The most flexible method
Docker is a very popular solution for hosting n8n, as it greatly simplifies upgrades and management of your installation. Specifically, Docker acts as an independent container that isolates n8n from the rest of your system, reducing the risk of errors or incompatibilities.
Advantages :
- Highly stable: your installation won't break during system updates.
- Easy upgrading: just a few clicks to upgrade to a new version of n8n.
- Easy to maintain over the long term, ideal if you have little time to devote to administration.
Disadvantages :
- Still requires minimal initial training.
- On a personal PC (laptop or desktop), Docker complicates access to external webhooks (problem for testing certain workflows requiring an accessible web address).
Ideal for :
SMEs and freelancers who want a highly flexible and stable long-term solution, and who use an external server rather than a personal computer.
Option 2: Direct server installation (for advanced users)
This option simply means installing the n8n application directly on your server, without an isolated container like Docker. This is the most transparent solution, but also the most demanding in terms of technical skills.
Advantages :
- Total control over every element of the system (useful if you have very specific requirements).
- No restrictions linked to an external container or platform.
Disadvantages :
- Requires manual management of updates, which increases the risk of errors.
- More difficult to maintain without good technical experience.
Ideal for :
Freelancers or SMEs with solid technical experience or an IT team capable of actively managing their server.
Option 3: Simplified solutions - Dokploy/Hetzner, DigitalOcean, Render, Railway
Among self-hosting methods, several platforms stand out for their simplicity and ease of use, ideal for SMEs and freelancers who want to avoid technical complexity while retaining the autonomy of a self-hosted server. Let's take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of the main solutions mentioned in our previous discussions and taken from the transcripts provided.
Hetzner with Dokploy: the perfect balance
Dokploycoupled to a server Hetzneroffers a self-hosted solution that is particularly well-suited to those who are just starting out or who want simple server management:
Key benefits :
- Intuitive interface Complete server management via a simple interface, accessible even without advanced technical expertise.
- Quick installation N8n can be installed in just a few clicks, thanks to a predefined template integrated directly into Dokploy.
- Automatic HTTPS Dokploy automatically manages the SSL/TLS certificate via Let's Encrypt, guaranteeing effortless data security.
Disadvantages to consider:
- A few compulsory initial steps You need to create and configure a custom domain (with Namecheap, OVH or other) to easily access your n8n instance.
- Minimal but necessary management Even if Dokploy makes things a lot simpler, you still need to keep an eye on the management of updates and backups.
ActivDev recommendation:
An ideal solution for SMBs looking for the perfect balance between ease of use, performance and flexibility, at a reasonable cost (from €5-10 per month from Hetzner, depending on the server chosen).
DigitalOcean: ultimate simplicity but scalable costs
DigitalOcean is a particularly attractive option for beginners, thanks to its one-click installation from their Marketplace (mentioned in our previous discussions and transcript).
Key benefits :
- Extremely fast installation One-click installation from the DigitalOcean marketplace makes installation immediate and intuitive, even without any technical skills.
- Extensive documentation DigitalOcean has a large community and extensive documentation, useful if you need rapid assistance.
- Reliable, high-performance servers Solid infrastructure, excellent availability and proven stability.
Disadvantages to consider:
- Obligation to use an external domain As mentioned in the transcript, direct access via IP is not enough. You need an external domain name configured via DNS, which adds an extra initial step.
- Scalable cost Very attractive at the outset (approx. €6/month), costs can quickly rise depending on the server power required for very active workflows.
ActivDev recommendation:
Very good option for beginners or small freelancers looking for a quick start without too much initial financial commitment, but beware of evolving costs as your needs grow.
Render and Railway: ultra-fast start-up without complexity
These two solutions represent the quickest and easiest option for those who want to set up immediately and without any technical management:
Main benefits (according to transcripts) :
- 3-minute installation One of the easiest ways to get started, literally in a few clicks via Docker. No complex manual configuration.
- Free of charge (freemium) Railway offers free start-up credits (5$), ideal for risk-free testing.
- No server management No need to manage system updates or infrastructure - it's all taken care of.
Disadvantages to consider:
- Potentially high long-term costs : These platforms charge on a per-use basis, which can become costly if your workflows are very frequent or complex.
- Fewer technical inspections As mentioned above, you are limited in the precise settings of the server.
Notable differences between Render and Railway :
- Render is appreciated for its intuitive user interface and extreme simplicity. Ideal for those who absolutely must avoid technical complexity.
- Railway is a little more developer-oriented, with GitHub integration, ideal if you have a developer or small technical team.
ActivDev recommendation:
Perfect solution for freelancers or very small businesses looking for an ultra-fast start-up with no technical worries. Beware, however, of escalating costs over the long term.
Practical summary of ActivDev recommendations :
| Platform | Easy to install | Initial cost | Long-term cost | Technical management | Ideal target audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hetzner + Dokploy | Easy | Low | Medium | Low | SMEs looking for a balance between simplicity and price |
| DigitalOcean | Very easy | Low | Medium-high | Very low | Start-up freelancers or SMEs |
| Render/Railway | Ultra-easy | Very low (initial credits) | High for intensive use | Very low | Freelancers in a hurry without a technical team |
Conclusion: Which platform to choose for self-hosting n8n?
- For an excellent balance between simplicity and cost, opt for Hetzner with Dokploy.
- If you want maximum simplicity and very low initial costs, try out DigitalOceanwhile keeping an eye on evolving costs.
- If you want to start immediately without any configuration, Render or Railway will be your best solution.
Want to automate your business? 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
How much does the Cloud version cost?
The Cloud version of n8n starts at around €20/month with runtime limits. Packages increase according to the number of active workflows and execution volume.
Is the self-hosted version really free?
Yes, as long as you install it yourself on your own infrastructure. You only pay for hosting (e.g. DigitalOcean at €5/month).
Is there a corporate version?
Yes, n8n offers Enterprise with priority support, SSO, audit, and private hosting on a dedicated server. This offer is subject to quotation.
How much does self-hosting cost?
In addition to the server, you need to factor in time costs (maintenance, security, updates) and potentially backup costs (S3 AWS for example), transactional email (e.g. Mailgun) or external databases.
Can we combine the self-hosted and Cloud versions?
Not directly, but some teams use the Cloud version for rapid testing, then migrate to self-hosted for production.
