A fair-code, node-based workflow automation tool that can be self-hosted or used in the cloud.
A completely free, source-available deployment offering unlimited workflow executions. The only cost is your own infrastructure and DevOps time.
Forever free
The managed entry-level tier for solo operators and small teams, hosting the infrastructure for you but applying strict caps on executions and concurrency.
The primary operational tier for growing teams, increasing volume limits and unlocking basic access controls and workflow history.
The enterprise-lite tier targeting mid-market companies, gating essential security protocols and software development lifecycle (SDLC) features.
Unlike Zapier that charges for every single step in a workflow, n8n counts one entire workflow run as a single 'execution' [1.2.5], regardless of whether it contains 2 nodes or 50 nodes. This fundamentally shifts the ROI in favor of n8n for highly complex, multi-step data pipelines, making it drastically cheaper at scale.
While the n8n Cloud tiers include access to the AI Workflow Assistant, usage is strictly metered (2,300 credits on Starter, up to 13,700 on Pro). Unused credits do not roll over to the next month, and users cannot simply buy top-up packs. Heavy reliance on the AI builder will force an upgrade to a higher overall software tier.
n8n offers its self-hosted Community Edition for free with unlimited executions, but intentionally strips out advanced team collaboration, Git integration, and SSO authentication. Organizations are forced to choose between paying $800/mo on the Cloud for basic IT hygiene or engineering their own security wrappers around the open-source instance.
While the software license is free [1.2.3], companies without in-house Linux expertise must pay a managed host or DevOps contractor $50 to $200 per month. You are responsible for backups, scaling, and security patches, shifting the cost from software to labor.
Starter restricts you to just 5 concurrent executions [1.1.5]. If multiple webhooks or scheduled triggers fire simultaneously during a traffic spike, n8n will queue the runs. Mission-critical automated responses may experience processing delays unless you upgrade to the Pro tier.
The jump from Starter to Pro handles moderate growth, but hitting the 10,000 execution limit on Pro presents a scaling wall. Teams that experience rapid automation growth must either manage complex overage billing or face an extreme price jump to the Business tier.
To manage workflows like real software using Git version control and multiple environments (Dev/Prod), or to secure logins via SSO, teams are forced into a staggering 1,233% monthly price hike (from $60 to $800).
| Tool | Starting Price | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
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$9.00/monthly | A visual platform that allows you to design, build, and automate anything from tasks to entire workflows. | Read Review |
No. All n8n Cloud plans include unlimited users by default [1.1.5]. You are billed purely based on your monthly workflow execution volume and your need for enterprise features, making it highly cost-effective for large organizations.
An execution is counted when a workflow is triggered and runs from start to finish. Processing 100 data points through a single webhook trigger natively loops within a single execution, making it a highly scalable model for bulk operations.
Yes, the Community Edition is completely free and allows unlimited executions. However, you must pay for your own server infrastructure (usually starting at $5 to $20/month) and provide the technical labor to deploy, update, and maintain the system.
