Overview
If you have ever stared at a Zapier bill and wondered why you are paying $500 a month just to move data from a form to a spreadsheet, n8n is likely the tool you are looking for.
n8n is an open-source workflow automation platform that sits comfortably in the middle ground between "no-code" tools (like Zapier or Make) and writing custom scripts from scratch. It uses a node-based visual editor where you drag and drop integrations to build workflows.
The big differentiator here is control. While competitors try to hide the complexity, n8n exposes it when you need it. It is built for technical founders, developers, and automation agencies who feel restricted by linear "If/This/Then/That" logic. It is also one of the only major players that allows you to self-host the software on your own infrastructure. This makes it a go-to for healthcare, fintech, or any organization where data privacy laws (GDPR, HIPAA) make cloud-only automation a non-starter.
Key Features
1. The "Fair" Execution Model
The most annoying thing about traditional automation platforms is the "per-step" pricing. If you loop through 100 items in a spreadsheet in Zapier, that is 100 tasks.
n8n flips this. They charge per execution. An execution is one full run of a workflow. Whether that workflow has five steps or five hundred steps, it counts as one execution. For complex automations that involve loops, error handling, and multiple API calls, this architecture is significantly cheaper and more logical.
2. Developer-First Flexibility (JavaScript & Python)
Most low-code tools treat code as an afterthought. n8n treats it as a first-class citizen. You can build 90% of your workflow using visual drag-and-drop nodes, but for that specific 10% where the logic gets weird, you can drop in a Code Node.
This lets you write standard JavaScript or Python (via Pyodide) to transform data, run math, or parse complex JSON. You are not fighting the UI to do complex things; you just write the script and move on.
3. Native AI & LangChain Integration
n8n has pivoted hard into the AI engineer space. It is currently one of the best ways to prototype and deploy AI Agents. It has native nodes for LangChain, meaning you can easily chain Large Language Models (LLMs) with memory, tools, and vector databases like Pinecone or Supabase.
Instead of writing a Python script to build a RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) system, you can visually map the flow: Receive Email > Vector Search > Query OpenAI > Draft Response.
4. The "God Mode" HTTP Node
n8n has about 450+ native integrations. That is decent, but nowhere near Zapier's 6,000. However, n8n users rarely care because of the HTTP Request Node.
This node gives you full control to interact with any API. You can configure headers, authentication methods, and body parameters exactly how you need them. If a service has an API, you can automate it with n8n, even if an official "node" doesn't exist yet.
Pricing
n8n offers two distinct paths: running it on their cloud or running it on your own server.
Cloud Plans (Hosted by n8n)
This is the "SaaS" version where you don't worry about servers.
- Starter (~$24/mo): Includes 2,500 executions. Good for individuals or small scripts.
- Pro (~$60/mo): Includes 10,000 executions. This is the sweet spot for most businesses. It adds API log retention and unlimited active workflows.
- Business (~$120/mo): Includes 30,000+ executions. Adds features for teams, like SSO and distinct Dev/Prod environments.
Self-Hosted (The "Free" Path)
- Community Edition: You can pull the Docker image or install via npm and run n8n on your own hardware for free. There are no caps on executions or nodes. You just pay for your own server (e.g., a $5 DigitalOcean droplet).
- Self-Hosted Enterprise: If you are a large company self-hosting but need SSO and governance features, you will need a paid license.
Pros & Cons
The Good
- Cost Efficiency: The "per execution" model saves high-volume users a massive amount of money compared to "per task" billing.
- Data Sovereignty: Being able to self-host means sensitive customer data never has to leave your secure infrastructure.
- Visual Debugging: When you run a test, you can see exactly what data entered and exited every single node. It makes fixing broken workflows much less painful.
- Advanced Logic: It handles complex merging, branching, and looping much better than linear tools like Zapier.
The Bad
- Learning Curve: This is not a tool for non-technical users. If you are afraid of the word "JSON," you will struggle here.
- Maintenance (Self-Hosted): The free version is great, but you are the sysadmin. You handle the backups, the security patches, and the uptime.
- Fewer Native Apps: You will likely end up reading API documentation and using the HTTP node because your specific niche app isn't natively supported yet.
Verdict
n8n is currently the best workflow automation tool on the market for developers, technical founders, and agencies.
If you just need to connect Gmail to Slack and you don't care how it works, stick with Zapier. It is easier and has more apps.
But if you are building complex logic, working with AI agents, or processing high volumes of data, n8n is superior. It offers the flexibility of writing code when you need it, the privacy of self-hosting, and a pricing model that doesn't punish you for building efficient, multi-step workflows.