Tool
n8n: workflow automation you can self-host or run in the cloud
How n8n works, the hosting choice it forces, its license terms, and when it is a better fit than a fully hosted tool.
Last checked against official sources: . Vendor features and prices change; confirm on the linked pages.
What it is
n8n is a node-based workflow automation tool. Workflows are built from trigger nodes and action nodes, with code nodes available when built-in nodes are not enough.
It can be used as n8n Cloud or self-hosted on your own infrastructure.
The hosting decision
Self-hosting gives control over data location and infrastructure, but someone must own upgrades, backups, credentials encryption keys, monitoring and security patches. If nobody on the team will own that, use the hosted option.
License
n8n is distributed under its Sustainable Use License, with some features under a separate enterprise license. Read the license page before building a commercial offering on top of it; it is not a standard open source license.
Limits to plan for
Long-running or high-volume workflows need attention to execution data retention and worker setup when self-hosted.
Plans, usage limits and prices for n8n Cloud change often. We do not quote them here; check the official pricing page before you commit, and model your expected monthly volume against it.
Sources
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