📖 2 min read
Quick Verdict: n8n is the most powerful workflow automation tool available — open-source, self-hostable, and with AI capabilities that Make and Zapier can’t match. The best-kept secret in automation. Rating: 9/10
Discovered: February 2026
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What It Does
n8n is an open-source workflow automation platform that connects apps, services, and AI models into automated pipelines — think Zapier, but with code-level flexibility and the option to self-host for free.
Key Features
- 400+ Integrations: Connect virtually any app or service, with custom HTTP nodes for everything else
- AI Agent Nodes: Build autonomous AI agents with tool access directly in your workflows
- Code When Needed: Drop into JavaScript or Python at any step — no “no-code” handcuffs
- Self-Hostable: Run on your own server for free, keeping data under your control
- Visual Builder: Drag-and-drop canvas that’s intuitive but doesn’t sacrifice power
- Community Library: Thousands of pre-built workflow templates
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Hosted | Free forever | All features, unlimited workflows, your infrastructure |
| Starter (Cloud) | $20/month | 5 active workflows, 2,500 executions |
| Pro (Cloud) | $50/month | 15 active workflows, 10,000 executions |
| Enterprise | Custom | Unlimited everything, SSO, dedicated support |
Who It’s For
Technical teams, developers, solopreneurs, and anyone who’s hit the limits of Zapier or Make. If you want automation power without per-task pricing that scales into thousands per month, n8n is the answer. The self-hosted option is particularly valuable for companies handling sensitive data.
The Verdict
n8n is what happens when developers build an automation tool for themselves. It’s more powerful than Zapier, more flexible than Make, and the self-hosted option means you’re never locked into a pricing tier that scales with your success. The AI agent nodes are genuinely innovative — you can build complex AI workflows that would cost thousands on other platforms. The learning curve is steeper than Zapier, but the ceiling is infinitely higher.
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Bottom Line: n8n is the automation tool that power users switch to after outgrowing Zapier — it’s free to self-host, endlessly flexible, and the AI features are years ahead of the competition.