Yes, you can now automate your daily tasks without writing a single line of code.
Meet n8n, the open-source workflow automation tool that makes this possible. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and the ability to integrate over 400 applications, n8n empowers users to create workflows that save time, reduce errors, and boost productivity.
In this article, I’ll explore everything n8n has to offer: its standout features, ready-made workflow templates, real-world use cases, and why it’s becoming a favorite among businesses and tech enthusiasts alike.
TLDR;
| Best For | – Tech-savvy users needing advanced automation. |
| – Businesses prioritizing data privacy and self-hosting. | |
| – AI-powered workflows and scalable automation. | |
| Alternative To | – Zapier: Easier to use but less flexible and more expensive at scale. |
| – IFTTT: Simpler workflows but limited integrations and customization. | |
| – Make: Similar interface but lacks open-source flexibility. | |
| Key Features | – Open Source: Self-hosting ensures full control over workflows and data. |
| – Visual Workflow Builder: Drag-and-drop interface for easy automation setup. | |
| – Pre-Built Templates: 1,588+ ready-made workflows for quick implementation. | |
| – Extensive Integrations: 400+ apps with custom API support via HTTP nodes. | |
| – Custom Coding Options: Supports JavaScript/Python for tailored solutions. | |
| – AI Integration: Build intelligent workflows using GPT-4 and other AI tools. | |
| – Scalability: Unlimited executions in self-hosted mode; Queue Mode enhances performance. | |
| Pricing | – Cloud Starter Plan: €20/month for 2,500 executions (basic workflows). |
| – Cloud Pro Plan: €50/month for 10,000 executions (team collaboration). | |
| – Enterprise Plan: Contact sales for unlimited executions and advanced features. | |
| – Self-Hosted Community Edition: Free on GitHub for individual use. |
What is n8n?
n8n is a low-code, open-source workflow automation tool that allows users to automate tasks and integrate applications.
Founded in Berlin in 2019 by Jan Oberhauser, n8n allows people and companies to automate processes without needing advanced programming skills.
You can think of n8n as a digital assistant that operates in the background to connect apps, transfer data, and complete tasks automatically.
It uses a visual interface to allow users to create workflows by linking together “nodes,” each representing an action such as sending an email, updating a spreadsheet, or retrieving data from an API.
These workflows can be triggered by certain actions, such as a form submission or actions that occur at certain timed intervals, which means automation is simply at your fingertips.
READ ALSO: n8n vs Make.com: A Complete Guide for Workflow Automation Beginners
How Does n8n Work?
n8n operates on three main concepts: workflows, nodes, and connections:
- Workflows: Sequences of automated actions tied together to achieve a certain goal. For instance, you can create a workflow to collect customer data from a form, store it in a database, and send a follow-up email, all without manual intervention.
- Nodes: Nodes are the building blocks of workflows. Each node represents a task or operation, such as retrieving data, transforming information, or sending notifications. Nodes can be pre-built (core functionalities) or custom-made for unique needs.
- Connections: Connections link nodes together in a logical sequence. The output of one node becomes the input for the next, ensuring smooth transitions between tasks.
Key Features of n8n
| Feature | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Workflow Builder | Drag-and-drop interface for designing workflows | Easy setup without coding |
| Integration Library | 400+ native integrations and HTTP Request node | Seamless app connections |
| Pre-Built Templates | 600+ templates for common use cases | Saves time and effort |
| Self-Hosting | Host workflows on your own infrastructure | Full control over data |
| Customization Options | Custom JavaScript nodes and expression editor | Tailored automation solutions |
| AI-Native Features | Integrates AI tools for intelligent workflows | Advanced automation capabilities |
| Error Handling | Automatic retries and debugging tools | Reliable workflow execution |
1. Visual Workflow Builder
- n8n’s drag-and-drop interface is intuitive and easy to use, allowing users to design workflows visually without needing coding knowledge.
- Each workflow is built using “nodes,” which represent tasks or actions, making it simple to connect apps and services logically.
2. Extensive Integration Library
- With support for over 400 native integrations, n8n connects seamlessly with popular tools like Slack, Airtable, Google Sheets, HubSpot, and more.
- For apps not included in its library, users can utilize the HTTP Request node to connect any service with an API.
3. Pre-Built Workflow Templates
- n8n offers a growing library of 1,588 ready-made templates, saving time and effort for users who don’t want to start from scratch.
- These templates cover common use cases like sending notifications, syncing data across platforms, and managing customer databases.
4. Self-Hosting Options
- Unlike many competitors, n8n allows users to self-host their workflows for complete control over data and infrastructure.
- Self-hosting also enables scalability, with features like Queue Mode for distributing workflow executions across multiple instances.
5. Customization and Flexibility
- Advanced users can write custom JavaScript code within function nodes for tailored automation solutions.
- The expression editor lets users create dynamic values and conditions, enhancing workflow adaptability.
6. AI-Native Capabilities
- n8n integrates advanced AI tools to build intelligent workflows, such as chatbots, personalized assistants, document summarization, and information extraction.
7. Error Handling and Debugging
- Built-in error handling ensures workflows run smoothly by retrying failed tasks automatically.
- The visual interface makes debugging easier by showing input/output data alongside settings.
Workflow Templates n8n Offers
One of the standout features of n8n is its extensive library of workflow templates, ready-made automation setups designed to save time and simplify complex processes.
With over 1,500 templates available, these workflows cater to a wide range of use cases, from business operations to personal productivity.
Popular Workflow Templates and Use Cases
Here are some of the best n8n workflow templates and their practical applications:
| Template Name | Use Case | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Automated Customer Feedback | Collects customer feedback via surveys, organizes responses in Google Sheets, and performs sentiment analysis. | Saves time, provides insights, and enhances service quality. |
| Invoice Generation | Generates invoices based on Typeform submissions and sends them to clients automatically. | Ensures accurate billing and reduces manual errors. |
| Expense Tracking | Logs expenses via AI-powered parsing and stores data in Google Sheets. | Simplifies financial reporting and eliminates manual entry. |
| Notion Task Reminders via Slack | Tracks incomplete tasks in Notion and sends Slack reminders daily. | Prevents missed deadlines and keeps teams organized. |
| AI Email Drafting | Uses GPT-4 Turbo to draft responses for incoming emails automatically. | Speeds up communication and ensures consistent messaging. |
| Web Scraping with AI | Extracts data from websites, summarizes key insights, and organizes information in Google Sheets. | Automates research and boosts efficiency. |
Benefits of Using Workflow Templates
- Ease of Use: Templates eliminate the need for technical expertise, making automation accessible for everyone.
- Time-Saving: Pre-built workflows reduce setup time significantly.
- Customizability: Users can tweak nodes or add new ones to fit their exact requirements.
- Community Sharing: Many templates are shared by the n8n community, fostering collaboration and innovation.
By the way, n8n also has this creator hub for people who want to add workflow templates!
Pricing for n8n
n8n offers a flexible and transparent pricing model designed to accommodate a wide range of users, from individuals and startups to large enterprises.
Unlike many competitors, n8n charges based on workflow executions rather than individual steps or tasks, making it one of the most cost-effective options for automation.
1. Free Options
- Community Edition: Available on GitHub, this self-hosted version is perfect for individual users or small teams who want to explore n8n at no cost.
- Free Trial: n8n Cloud offers a free trial, allowing users to test its features before committing to a paid plan.
2. Paid Plans
If you prefer a hosted solution, n8n Cloud offers several pricing tiers:
| Plan Name | Price (Billed Annually) | Workflow Executions | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan | €20/month | 2,500 executions | Ideal for individuals starting out. |
| Pro Plan | €50/month | 10,000 executions | Great for teams collaborating on workflows. |
| Enterprise Plan | Contact Sales | Unlimited executions | Tailored for businesses with strict security and high-performance needs. |
- All plans include unlimited connections and access to the workflow editor.
- Enterprise plans come with enhanced security features, priority support, and tools for large-scale automation.
Why Choose n8n Over Competitors?
1. Open-Source and Self-Hosting Options
- Unlike proprietary platforms like Zapier or IFTTT, n8n is open-source, giving users complete control over their workflows and data.
- It allows businesses to self-host workflows on their own infrastructure, ensuring superior data privacy and security – an essential feature for industries with strict compliance requirements.
2. Affordable Pricing Model
- n8n’s pricing is refreshingly simple: users are charged based on workflow executions, not individual steps or tasks. This means you can create complex workflows with thousands of operations without worrying about escalating costs.
- For example, while other platforms might charge $500+/month for workflows performing 100k tasks, n8n’s Pro Plan starts at just €20/month, making it highly cost-effective for scaling businesses.
3. Flexibility in Workflow Complexity
- Many competitors limit the complexity of workflows due to pricing structures or technical constraints. With n8n’s execution advantage, users can build intricate workflows handling large volumes of data without additional charges.
- Its ability to integrate over 400 applications (and even custom APIs via HTTP Request nodes) ensures virtually limitless automation possibilities.
4. Customization for Advanced Users
- While tools like Zapier focus on no-code simplicity, n8n caters to both beginners and advanced users by offering the ability to write custom JavaScript or Python code within workflows.
- This makes it ideal for developers who need tailored solutions beyond what pre-built integrations can offer.
5. Community and Collaboration
- As an open-source platform, n8n benefits from a growing community that shares templates, ideas, and solutions. Users can save workflows in JSON format and reuse them later or leverage community-contributed templates for faster setup.
- This collaborative ecosystem fosters innovation and helps new users get started quickly.
6. Comparison with Competitors
Here’s how n8n compares to popular alternatives:
| Feature | n8n | Zapier | IFTTT | Make.com |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | €20/month (Cloud Starter Plan) | Free tier; paid plans start at $19.99/month | Free tier; paid plans start at $5/month | Free tier (up to 1,000 operations); paid plans start at $9/month |
| Open Source | Yes | No | No | No |
| Self-Hosting | Yes | No | No | No |
| Custom Coding Options | Supports JavaScript/Python | Limited | None | Limited (API integrations available) |
| Integrations | 400+ apps + custom APIs | 5,000+ apps | ~700 apps | Thousands of apps + custom APIs |
| Workflow Complexity | Unlimited complexity | Limited by pricing tiers | Simple automations only | Supports complex workflows |
| AI Integration | GPT-4 and other AI tools | Limited | None | AI modules like Claude AI |
| Ease of Use | Moderate learning curve | Beginner-friendly | Beginner-friendly | Moderate learning curve |
The Bottom Line
n8n’s open-source nature and self-hosting capabilities ensure complete control over data, while its affordable pricing model allows scalability without breaking the bank.
Add to that the vast library of pre-built templates and active community support, and it’s clear why n8n stands out in the crowded automation space.
So, why settle for tedious manual processes when you can let n8n handle the heavy lifting?
FAQs
1. What are the disadvantages of n8n?
- Learning Curve: Beginners may find it challenging to navigate initially due to its advanced features and interface.
- Integration Limitations: It supports over 400 apps, but niche or proprietary integrations might be unavailable.
- Complex Setup for Self-Hosting: Self-hosting requires technical knowledge and can be time-consuming compared to cloud-based alternatives.
2. Is n8n completely free?
The Community Edition is free and open-source, allowing self-hosting without any cost. Paid plans, such as n8n Cloud, start at €20/month for hosted solutions with additional features.
3. Can n8n be used for commercial use?
Yes, n8n can be used commercially. The Community Edition is free for commercial use, and paid plans offer enhanced features for businesses.
4. Is there a free alternative to n8n?
Free alternatives include Zapier Free Plan (limited features) and IFTTT (simpler workflows). However, they lack the flexibility and customization options of n8n’s open-source model.
