What is n8n?

n8n is an open-source workflow automation platform that enables users to connect apps and automate tasks without writing code. Founded as a low-code automation tool, n8n uses a trigger-and-action model where triggers start workflows followed by linked action sequences. Unlike competitors that charge per step or user, n8n charges based on monthly workflow executions—a single run from start to finish, regardless of complexity or data processed. The platform offers unlimited users, workflows, and integrations across all plans, with the limit on active workflows removed in recent updates. n8n provides six tiers including a completely free Community Edition for self-hosting, paid cloud plans starting at €20/month, and custom Enterprise pricing. The platform's biggest advantage is its licensing model allowing free self-hosted deployment with unlimited workflows and executions, making it ideal for security-conscious teams that need data control. With support for JavaScript and Python code within workflows, n8n is particularly developer-friendly, though it has a steeper learning curve compared to no-code alternatives.

Key features

Core capabilities this platform advertises.

Open-source workflow automation
400+ integrations
Self-hosted option
Built-in AI capabilities
Code and no-code modes

Strengths and tradeoffs

What this tool does well, and the limitations to keep in mind.

Pros

Free self-hosted option with unlimited workflows provides exceptional value
Execution-based pricing is more predictable than per-step or per-user models
Developer-friendly with JavaScript and Python support for custom logic
Strong data control and security with on-premises deployment options

Cons

Steep learning curve, especially for non-technical users
Self-hosting requires infrastructure management and maintenance
Documentation quality can be inconsistent, making troubleshooting difficult
Complex workflows may require understanding JSON structures and API concepts

Plans & pricing

What's included in each plan, and how the tiers compare.

Community

Free

Self-hosted
Unlimited workflows
Unlimited executions
Unlimited users
Open source

Starter

€20

Per month

Cloud-hosted
Execution-based pricing
Unlimited workflows
Email support

Pro

€50

Per month

Advanced integrations
Priority support
Higher execution limits

Business

Custom

Contact sales for a quote

Growing teams
SMB features
Advanced support

Startup

50% off Business

Qualifying startups
Business plan features
Startup discount

Enterprise

Custom

Contact sales for a quote

Unlimited executions
Advanced compliance
Dedicated support
Self-hosted options

View official pricing page

Common use cases

Technical teams who want a self-hostable, open-source automation platform with native AI capabilities

AI-enhanced data pipelines
Internal tool automation
Data synchronization between apps
Self-hosted workflow automation
Complex multi-step business processes

Using n8n with Respan

n8n and Respan enable powerful workflow automation with AI observability. Build automated workflows with n8n while monitoring AI operations and costs with Respan.

Monitor AI API calls within n8n workflows to track costs and performance
Debug workflow failures by correlating n8n execution logs with Respan traces
Optimize AI-powered workflows based on Respan's detailed usage analytics
Track execution costs across different workflow patterns and integrations

Run n8n in production with Respan

10KFree traces/mo

1,000+Models

5 minSetup

Respan lets you trace LLM and agent calls across any model or framework, A/B test prompts on production traffic, and route requests across 1,000+ models through one gateway.

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