n8n: review, test, pricing and alternatives (2026)
Open-source, self-hostable automation, with a dash of AI.
n8n — Open-source, self-hostable automation, with a dash of AI. Technical teams that want powerful, sovereign, self-hostable automation. Editorial rating: 5/5 (Recommended).
What is n8n?
n8n is an open-source workflow automation platform. Like Zapier or Make, you connect apps and chain steps visually — but with two key differences: you can self-host it (full data control, controlled cost) and drop in code (JavaScript/Python) when no-code isn't enough.
It now includes AI nodes (agents, LLMs, vector stores) to build 'intelligent' automations. It's the choice of technical teams and sovereignty-minded companies: more powerful and flexible than closed solutions, at the price of a more technical setup. Paid cloud or free self-hosting (fair-code license).
n8n review: our hands-on test
n8n
Official visual coming soon
Our favorite once you're a bit technical: open-source freedom, the ability to code and self-hosting make it a Zapier without the limits. Onboarding takes effort, quickly rewarded.
n8n pricing
Pricing verified in June 2026, subject to change — check the official site.
Pros and cons
Strengths
- Open source and self-hostable
- Code when no-code falls short
- AI nodes (agents, LLMs, vector)
- Data control and controlled cost
Weaknesses
- More technical setup than Zapier
- Self-hosting = maintenance on you
- Slightly smaller integration catalog
Who is it for?
Technical teams that want powerful, sovereign, self-hostable automation.
Use cases
n8n vs Netlify
n8n in video
Frequently asked questions
- Is n8n free?
- n8n offers a free version, then paid plans (Self-hosted free · Cloud from €20/mo · Pro €50).
- Who is n8n for?
- Technical teams that want powerful, sovereign, self-hostable automation.
- What are the alternatives to n8n?
- Alternatives to n8n include: Netlify, Dify, Runpod. Compare them to choose based on your needs and budget.
Best alternatives to n8n
Netlify
NewDeploy and host web sites and apps, now with AI in the loop.
Dify
NewThe open-source platform to build LLM apps and agents.
Runpod
NewRent cloud GPUs by the second to train and run your AI models.