When you dive into the world of workflow automation, one name that pops up often is n8n. If you’ve asked yourself, is n8n free?, you’re not alone. This question pops up frequently among developers, operations teams, and business leaders looking to automate tasks without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll unpack everything there is to know about n8n’s pricing, what you get with its free version, what features are paid, and how to decide between cloud-hosted and self-hosted deployment options. Think of it like a conversation over coffee—we’ll talk pros and cons, give you examples, and by the end, you’ll know exactly whether n8n fits your use case.
We’ll also look at licensing models, break down the differences between the free Community Edition and the Enterprise version, and explore strategies for optimizing your n8n setup without spending a dime. Whether you’re a startup, freelancer, or enterprise IT leader, this guide will help you make an informed decision. Let’s get into it!
What is n8n?
n8n is a powerful workflow automation tool that allows users to connect over 350 services—from CRMs to APIs—and create complex workflows without writing custom integrations for each platform. It’s popular among developers and teams who want a low-code yet flexible automation solution. The name stands for “nodemation,” a nod to its node-based workflow design.
Unlike tools like Zapier or Make that charge per task or operation, n8n is known for its more generous execution-based pricing and its open-source roots. But what does that mean in practice for cost and usability?
Is n8n Free?
Let’s get right to the heart of the question: Yes, n8n is free—but it depends on how you use it. The free version is called the Community Edition and it’s open-source under a Sustainable Use License. This version offers roughly 95% of the platform’s capabilities. You can install it on your own server and run unlimited workflows without paying a cent. Pretty great, right?
However, there are caveats. While core functionality like nodes, triggers, and HTTP requests are included, advanced features like Single Sign-On (SSO), audit logs, and version control are reserved for paid Enterprise or cloud users. It’s like getting a full-featured toolbox with a few premium tools under lock and key.
Understanding the Sustainable Use License
What It Allows
The Community Edition is released under a fair-code license, which means you can use and even modify n8n for free as long as the use is internal or non-commercial. For example, a freelancer automating workflows for clients can use it, but a SaaS company reselling automation services via n8n’s UI would need a commercial license.
What It Limits
There are three main limitations:
- Only internal or non-commercial distribution is allowed.
- You can’t offer paid services where users directly interact with the n8n interface.
- The original branding and copyright notices must remain intact.
This strikes a balance between being open-source and protecting the company’s commercial interests.
n8n Cloud Pricing Plans
If you don’t want to self-host, n8n Cloud offers managed services with different pricing tiers:
| Plan | Monthly | Executions | Active Workflows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $24 | 2,500 | 5 |
| Pro | $60 | 10,000 | 15 |
| Enterprise | Custom | Unlimited | Unlimited |
These plans are ideal for teams that want a no-fuss experience, with built-in support and compliance features. But if you’re budget-conscious and have some technical skills, self-hosting is where the real savings lie.
Self-Hosting n8n: The True Free Version
Hosting n8n on your own server gives you the most bang for your buck—or in many cases, zero bucks. You can run it on a €5/month virtual private server (VPS), such as Hetzner or a free-tier Google Cloud instance. With this setup, you can run unlimited workflows and users without additional charges.
Of course, you’ll need to handle setup and maintenance yourself. That includes configuring Docker, SSL certificates, and backups. Consider it a trade-off between control and convenience.
What Features Are Available for Free?
The free Community Edition includes:
- Access to 350+ integrations (nodes)
- Custom code execution via JavaScript or Python
- Webhooks and API triggers
- Error handling and retry logic
For most solo users or small teams, this is more than enough to build sophisticated automation pipelines. If you’re building daily data syncs, webhook-based APIs, or internal integrations—you’re set.
What Features Are Paid?
You’ll need a commercial license for Enterprise-level features such as:
- Single Sign-On (SSO/SAML/LDAP)
- Version control and Git integration
- Multi-environment support
- Audit logs and execution monitoring
These features become essential when you scale to multiple teams or need strict compliance (think healthcare or finance). That’s where n8n Cloud or Enterprise licenses earn their value.
Real-World Use Case: Small Agency Example
Imagine you’re a small digital agency managing 10 clients. You want to automate lead collection from forms, send Slack notifications, and update a CRM. With the free Community Edition on a VPS, you could build and run all those workflows without spending a dime—aside from server hosting and setup time. That’s hundreds of dollars saved monthly compared to Zapier or Make.
Optimization Tips for Free Users
- Use webhooks instead of polling to reduce executions and server load.
- Schedule heavy workflows during off-peak hours to optimize VPS performance.
- Register your Community Edition with an email to unlock workflow debug tools.
Doing these things ensures you’re getting the most out of your free setup without hitting limitations.
When to Consider Paid Plans
If your organization processes more than 50,000 workflows monthly or requires compliance features, it’s time to consider n8n Cloud Pro or Enterprise. These plans offer better uptime, security, and support—which can be essential for mission-critical processes.
Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds
Many teams use a hybrid model—deploying critical workflows on n8n Cloud for reliability, while offloading bulk or non-essential processes to a self-hosted server. This setup keeps costs down while maintaining performance and uptime where it matters most.
Security Considerations for Free Users
If you’re self-hosting, make sure to:
- Use HTTPS with Let’s Encrypt
- Set up IP whitelisting or VPN access
- Encrypt your database at rest
These steps help ensure your data and workflows remain secure—even in a free deployment.
Conclusion: Is n8n Free?
Yes, n8n can be completely free—especially if self-hosted. It offers a rare blend of open-source accessibility and enterprise-grade capabilities. For freelancers, startups, and technically-savvy teams, the Community Edition delivers powerful automation without a subscription fee. For organizations with strict compliance or scaling needs, cloud-hosted or enterprise licenses offer valuable extras that justify the investment.
At Two-Mation, we help businesses implement smart, scalable automation solutions using tools like n8n. Whether you’re evaluating a free setup or rolling out enterprise workflows, we can guide you every step of the way. Let’s talk automation strategy tailored to your goals.
FAQs About Is n8n Free?
Is n8n free for commercial use?
n8n is free for internal commercial use. However, if you build a product where end-users interact with n8n directly, you’ll need a commercial license.
Can I self-host n8n on a free server?
Yes. Many users deploy n8n on platforms like Google Cloud (free tier) or a low-cost VPS. This allows full control and zero subscription fees.
What’s the difference between n8n free vs. paid plans?
The Community Edition is free and covers most core features. Paid plans add team collaboration, SSO, audit logs, and higher support levels for enterprise needs.
Are there limits to the free version?
The main limitations are around advanced features like user management, execution history beyond 24 hours, and integration with version control systems.
How does n8n pricing compare to Zapier or Make?
n8n’s execution-based model is more cost-effective for complex workflows. Zapier charges per task, which can quickly add up, while n8n doesn’t penalize you for workflow complexity.
We’d Love Your Feedback!
Did this guide help you understand whether n8n is free and how to use it effectively? Feel free to share this post with your network, and if you’re using n8n—what’s your favorite use case? We’d love to hear how you’re automating smarter.
