n8n
Visual workflow automation platform for building AI agents and business processes, with 500+ integrations, human approval steps, code when needed, and self-hosting.
Technical Profile & Specs
verified 2026-11-07
- Cost
- $0 / forever (Open Source)
- License
- Open Source
- Hosting Model
- Self-host (your server)
- Platforms
- webself-hosteddocker to self-host
- Installation
- Clone https://github.com/n8n-io/n8n or deploy with Docker Compose
- Operational Setup
- Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- Where Your Data Lives
- All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- The Catch / Trade-off
- Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Appian.
Replaces 7 paid apps
up to $105/mo ($1,260/yr) in subscriptions
n8n FAQ
Common questions
Is n8n free and open source?+
n8n is an open-source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. Visual workflow automation platform for building AI agents and business processes, with 500+ integrations, human approval steps, code when needed, and self-hosting.
What paid software does n8n replace?+
n8n serves as a free replacement for 7 paid SaaS applications: Appian, Azure Logic Apps, Lindy, Relay.app, Tasklet, Workato, Zoho Flow, saving up to $105/month ($1,260/year) in subscription bills.
How do you install and set up n8n?+
Installation: Clone https://github.com/n8n-io/n8n or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup notes: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
What is the catch or trade-off with n8n?+
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Appian.