GitHub Repo · Automation & Workflows

n8n

Workflow automation with AI agents that you can self-host.

What n8n does

n8n is a visual workflow automation platform with hundreds of integrations, custom code steps and native AI agent nodes. Self-hosting gives you unlimited workflows on your own server; a managed cloud is also available.

Best for

Self-hosted Zapier alternative
AI agent workflows
High-volume automations

How small businesses use n8n

Build an AI agent that triages your inbox
Sync orders, CRM and accounting
Automate weekly reports

Quick facts
Type	GitHub Repo
Category	Automation & Workflows
Pricing	Free to self-host (fair-code); paid cloud plans
Repository	github.com/n8n-io/n8n
License	See repository
Setup level	Intermediate
Main tradeoff	Its fair-code license is not fully open source, and self-hosting needs someone to maintain the server.
GitHub stars	208k (as of 2026-10-21)
Added	Oct 16, 2026
Last reviewed	Oct 16, 2026

Not sure n8n is right for you?

Garner Digital Consulting helps small businesses pick and set up the right AI stack.

Get help choosing →

n8n: common questions

Who should use n8n?

n8n suits self-hosted Zapier alternative, aI agent workflows and high-volume automations.

When should you choose something else instead of n8n?

n8n's fair-code license is not fully open source, and self-hosting needs someone to maintain the server. If that matters for your business, compare other options such as Zapier, Make and Gumloop.

Is n8n free?

n8n pricing: Free to self-host (fair-code); paid cloud plans. Pricing changes often, so confirm current plans on the official repository or website before you buy.

Can a small business self-host n8n?

Yes. n8n is open source on GitHub, and its setup level is intermediate. You will need a computer or server to run it and someone to keep it updated and backed up, or you can use a hosted option if one is offered.