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n8n is open-source workflow automation software that connects your business apps, automates repetitive tasks, and lets you add AI agents—all without paying per task or worrying about your data leaving your server.
The 5 Things That Make n8n Different
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1. Visual Builder That Actually Works
Drag and drop your workflow on a canvas. No code required for simple automations. But when you need logic, you switch to a code node and write real JavaScript or Python. Not pretend code. Real code.
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2. Real Code Support
Need a formula, calculation, or custom logic? Write JavaScript. Need to process data? Use Python. Your code runs inside n8n. No third-party "code node" that only supports basic operations.
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3. AI Agents Built In
Native LangChain integration. Deploy AI agents that can use tools, access memory, make decisions, and reason through problems. Connect OpenAI, Claude, or local Ollama models. No plugin needed.
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4. Self-Hosting: Your Data, Your Server
Zapier charges you per task and keeps your data in their cloud. n8n lets you run on your own hardware. No monthly per-task fees. No data in a third-party cloud. Just your server.
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5. 400+ Integrations
Slack, Gmail, Salesforce, Notion, GitHub, HubSpot, Stripe, Twilio, and many more. If an app has an API, n8n can integrate with it. Same integrations whether you use Zapier or n8n.
Who Is n8n For?
| Audience |
Why n8n Wins |
| Small Businesses & Freelancers |
Self-host for free. No per-task fees. Save money as you grow. |
| Teams That Need Custom Logic |
Write JavaScript or Python. Do math. Transform data. No limits. |
| Regulated Industries |
Self-host on your server. Healthcare, finance, legal: your data never leaves your network. |
| AI Builders |
Native LangChain. Agents with tools and memory. Deploy AI workflows without platform lock-in. |
How n8n Compares (Honest Version)
| Feature |
n8n |
Zapier |
Make |
| Pricing Model |
Free self-host; cloud from $20/mo |
Per-task pricing ($39-$600+/mo) |
Per-operation ($10-300+/mo) |
| Self-Hosting |
Yes, full support |
No |
No |
| Custom Code |
JavaScript, Python, native |
Limited; needs webhooks |
JavaScript, some Python |
| AI Agents |
LangChain native |
Third-party integrations only |
Third-party integrations only |
| Data Privacy |
Your server, your data |
Cloud-only, Zapier's servers |
Cloud-only, Make's servers |
| Open Source |
Yes, MIT license |
No |
No |
| Integrations |
400+ |
5000+ |
1000+ |
The Numbers That Matter
$2.5B
Valuation (October 2025)
Series C funding; backed by NVIDIA, Accel, Meritech, Redpoint
100K+
GitHub Stars
Hit 100K in May 2025. MIT open source. Everyone can see the code.
~$40M
Estimated ARR
Company is profitable and growing. Not a startup burning cash.
$313.5M
Total Funding
Founded 2019 in Berlin. 67 employees. Stable and well-funded.
Get Started in Seconds
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Self-host right now: Open a terminal and type npx n8n. It installs and runs at localhost:5678. That is it. Requires Node.js 18+. Works on Mac, Windows (WSL2), and Linux.
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Cloud: Go to
n8n.io, sign up, get a free tier. Cloud plans start at $20/month. No credit card for free tier.