n8n

n8n is a workflow automation and AI orchestration platform designed for building automated processes that connect applications, APIs, databases, AI models, and internal systems. It combines a visual workflow editor with the ability to write JavaScript or Python when more control is required. Users can build workflows visually, inspect the inputs and outputs of individual steps, and extend workflows with custom API requests and code. n8n can be used through its hosted cloud service or deployed on infrastructure controlled by the user, including self-hosted and on-premises environments.

A major part of n8n’s current platform is its focus on AI agents and AI workflows. Users can connect AI models to workflows, give agents access to tools, retrieve information from data sources, and combine AI decisions with conventional automation logic. n8n supports multi-agent setups, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), model connections, and systems that use the Model Context Protocol (MCP). Its visual canvas allows users to inspect agent reasoning and workflow execution rather than treating the AI process as a black box.

n8n is built around a node-based workflow system. Each node can perform a particular operation, such as receiving a webhook, querying a database, sending an email, transforming information, calling an API, interacting with an AI model, or writing data to another application. Multiple nodes can then be connected into a larger workflow. This approach allows relatively simple automations to be expanded into more complex processes involving multiple applications and decision points.

The platform also supports custom API connections, making it possible to connect services that do not have a dedicated pre-built integration. n8n’s documentation describes it as a tool for connecting applications through APIs and manipulating their data with little or no code. Custom nodes can also be developed to extend the platform.

n8n currently lists more than 2,200 integrations in its integration directory. Examples include Google Sheets, Gmail, OpenAI, Slack, databases, developer tools, communication platforms, marketing services, productivity applications, and AI services. The integration library also includes AI-specific categories covering agents, chains, language models, memory, retrievers, vector stores, tools, and MCP.

One of n8n’s distinguishing characteristics is its deployment flexibility. Users can use n8n Cloud or deploy the software themselves. Self-hosting allows organizations to control where their workflows and associated data run, while Docker and other deployment options are available for technical teams. n8n also supports on-premises and air-gapped deployments for environments with stricter infrastructure requirements.

The platform is also designed for developers and technical teams. JavaScript and Python can be used within workflows, while HTTP and GraphQL requests can connect to external services. Users can trigger workflows through webhooks and queues, control n8n through its API or CLI, and create custom nodes in self-hosted environments.

For AI workflows, n8n emphasizes human oversight and transparency. Users can combine AI actions with structured inputs and outputs, rule-based logic, human approval steps, guardrails, and workflow evaluations. The platform provides execution logs and debugging features that allow users to inspect workflow activity and rerun individual steps instead of repeatedly executing an entire workflow.

n8n also provides enterprise-oriented security and governance features. Depending on the plan, these include SSO, SAML, LDAP, role-based permissions, encrypted secret storage, audit logging, log streaming, Git-based version control, isolated environments, and extended workflow history. Enterprise deployments can be hosted by n8n or self-hosted.

n8n was founded in Berlin in 2019 by Jan Oberhauser. The company describes n8n as a fair-code workflow automation platform and provides a Community Edition that can be self-hosted. Its current product combines workflow automation, AI agents, integrations, developer tools, and enterprise controls in a single platform.

Pricing

n8n uses execution-based pricing for its hosted plans. Rather than charging for every individual workflow step, n8n counts complete workflow executions. Its current hosted plans are Starter, Pro, Business, and Enterprise. The Starter plan starts at €20/month when billed annually for 2,500 workflow executions, while Pro starts at €50/month when billed annually for 10,000 executions. Business starts at €667/month when billed annually for 40,000 executions and is currently self-hosted. Enterprise uses custom pricing.

n8n also provides a Community Edition for self-hosting. The official pricing page states that a standard self-hosted version is available on GitHub.

Review

n8n is built for users who want more control over automation than a basic trigger-and-action platform provides. Its combination of visual workflow construction, custom code, API connectivity, AI agents, self-hosting, and a large integration ecosystem makes it capable of handling both conventional business automation and more technically complex AI workflows.

A major strength is the ability to combine visual development with code. Users can start with nodes and visual connections but introduce JavaScript or Python when a workflow requires custom processing. The platform also supports custom API requests, webhooks, CLI access, and custom nodes, which gives technical teams several ways to extend their workflows.

n8n’s self-hosting option is another important feature. Organizations that need greater control over deployment and data location can run n8n on their own infrastructure, while teams that prefer managed infrastructure can use n8n Cloud.

The execution-based pricing model can also be useful for complex workflows because users are charged based on workflow executions rather than each individual step. A single workflow can therefore contain multiple steps without each step creating a separate execution charge.

The main consideration is complexity. n8n provides extensive customization and developer functionality, but that flexibility can require more technical knowledge than simpler automation platforms. Self-hosting also means the organization is responsible for infrastructure and operational management.

Overall, n8n is positioned as a flexible automation and AI orchestration platform for users who need visual workflow building while retaining access to code, APIs, AI models, self-hosting, and deeper technical controls.