Is n8n Free? A Complete Breakdown of Its Pricing and Usage

If you’ve explored automation tools like Zapier or Make, you’ve likely come across n8n an open-source workflow automation platform known for flexibility and control. But the question most users ask before diving in is: “Is n8n free?”

Before we explore that in depth, note that n8n integrations can transform how you automate processes between CRMs, ERPs, marketing tools, and internal systems. Whether for startups or enterprise workflows, understanding n8n’s cost structure helps you choose the right setup.

What Is n8n and Why It’s Popular Among Developers

n8n (short for “nodemation”) is a workflow automation tool that lets users connect applications and APIs visually, without heavy coding. It competes with Zapier, Make, and Pipedream but with one major difference; it’s open source and self-hostable.

This means users have control over how and where it runs. Developers love n8n because it supports:

• Over 350 native integrations

• Custom API calls via HTTP Request nodes

• Flexible conditional logic and branching

• Hosting on your own server or cloud environment

Unlike closed systems, n8n gives you transparency and freedom. But how does that translate to cost?

Is n8n Free to Use?

Yes, n8n is free to use, depending on how you host it and your usage needs. The tool operates under the Sustainable Use License (SUL), which allows free use for individuals, students, and most small businesses.

However, “free” depends on whether you use the self-hosted version or the cloud version provided by n8n.io.

Let’s break both down.

1. n8n Cloud (Paid with a Free Tier)

The n8n Cloud service is managed and hosted by the company behind n8n. It offers an easy setup—no servers, no maintenance, and no Docker.

Free Plan Highlights:

• Up to 500 workflow executions/month

• 2 active workflows

• 1 user account

• Basic community support

This tier is best for testing, learning, or light personal use.

Paid Plans:

As soon as your workflow volume increases or you need multi-user access, execution limits, or advanced features like custom webhooks and execution logs, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.

2. n8n Self-Hosted (Completely Free)

If you install and run n8n locally or on your server, it’s entirely free. There are no hidden limits, API call restrictions, or workflow caps.

You can install n8n using:

• Docker

• npm (Node.js)

• Cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, or DigitalOcean

This version gives full control—ideal for tech-savvy users who want to integrate systems without recurring costs.

Example:

A developer, Ayesha, runs a marketing automation setup using n8n on her VPS. She schedules lead syncs from HubSpot to Google Sheets every hour and pushes notifications to Slack. Her setup costs only her VPS fee, not n8n itself—making it effectively free to use locally.

Is n8n Free for Personal Use?

Yes, absolutely. If you’re using n8n for personal projects—like syncing tasks, automating emails, or connecting your smart home devices you can use it 100% free.

For instance, Mark, a freelance content creator, uses n8n locally to automate video publishing alerts. Since he runs it on his laptop, he doesn’t pay a dime.

The only costs involved might be related to infrastructure like your hosting provider or third-party API limits.

Is n8n Free for Students?

n8n is free for educational and personal learning purposes. Many universities and bootcamps recommend it for teaching automation and API integration.

Students can:

• Use the local install for free indefinitely.

• Access open-source documentation and community support.

• Avoid subscription fees during their learning journey.

Real-world scenario:
Sara, a computer science student, runs n8n on her laptop to automate fetching real-time stock data for her projects. Her only expense is her time and creativity.

Is n8n Free Forever?

When self-hosted, yes, n8n is free forever. The source code is available publicly on GitHub under the SUL license.

However, remember:

• If you use n8n Cloud, the free plan has usage limits.

• If you exceed limits, you’ll need a paid plan or migrate to self-hosting.

This model gives users the flexibility to start free and scale at their own pace.

Is n8n Free to Use Locally?

Yes, local use is one of the strongest benefits of n8n. You can install it on your computer and run automations without internet access (except for connected APIs).

Developers often use local setups to:

• Test workflows before deploying to production.

• Avoid monthly costs.

• Experiment with integrations privately.

Example:
Tom, a startup founder, uses n8n locally to simulate CRM integrations before going live. His only cost? The electricity to keep his laptop running.

Is n8n Free or Paid: Understanding the Hybrid Model

n8n’s model combines free open-source access with paid cloud convenience.

This hybrid structure ensures both tech-savvy developers and business users find a version that fits their needs.

Real-Life Example: How People Use n8n for Free

Case 1: Automating Social Media Reporting

Ali, a marketing analyst, uses the free local version of n8n to connect Facebook Ads, Google Sheets, and Slack. Every morning, a report runs automatically, saving him hours weekly.

Case 2: Freelance Automation

Leila, a freelancer, self-hosts n8n on a DigitalOcean droplet for $5/month. She manages client lead routing between HubSpot and Gmail without any n8n subscription.

Both show how the free version empowers users to automate without monthly commitments.

Key Benefits of Using n8n for Free

• Ownership: No vendor lock-in; you control your data.

• Scalability: Expand workflows anytime without per-step costs.

• Privacy: Keep workflows and credentials secure on your server.

• Community: Access hundreds of templates and active GitHub support.

This makes n8n one of the most developer-friendly automation platforms available today.

Common Misconceptions About n8n Pricing

1. “Free means limited functionality.”
   – False. The self-hosted version offers all features available in the cloud version.

2. “You can’t use n8n commercially for free.”
   – False. You can use it for business as long as you comply with the license terms.

3. “You need a subscription for API access.”
   – False. API and webhook nodes work in all versions, including free.

When to Move from Free to Paid

You might consider paid plans when you:

• Need zero-maintenance hosting.

• Want multi-user collaboration.

• Require execution logs and analytics.

• Manage critical business automations that need uptime guarantees.

For businesses, the n8n Cloud plan simplifies management while still providing flexibility for growth.

Conclusion

So, is n8n free?
Yes, especially if you self-host it. For individuals, students, and developers, n8n offers free forever access to powerful automation capabilities.

If you need managed hosting, scalability, or collaboration tools, paid n8n Cloud plans provide that extra layer of convenience.

Whether free or paid, the real power lies in how you use n8n to connect, automate, and grow your workflows efficiently.

And when you’re ready to integrate n8n with your CRM or marketing stack, Mpire Solutions can help build enterprise-grade n8n integration that extend beyond what’s possible out of the box.

FAQs

1. Is n8n free to use forever?
Yes, the self-hosted version is free forever under the Sustainable Use License.

2. Is n8n free to use locally?
Yes, you can install and use n8n locally without cost or limitations.

3. Is n8n free or paid for business use?
n8n is free for most commercial uses if self-hosted. For managed hosting, cloud plans are paid.

4. Is n8n free for students or education?
Yes, students can freely use the open-source version for personal or academic learning.

5. Is n8n completely open-source?
Yes, n8n’s core is open-source, allowing full customization and deployment flexibility.

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