Is n8n really free to self-host?
The self-hosted Community Edition is free to run for your own use, but n8n uses the Sustainable Use License, not an open source license. You can use…
n8n: Workflow Automation, Zapier Alternative
n8n is a self-hosted workflow automation platform for connecting services and building repeatable automations.
Compare with similar apps
How n8n stacks up against other workflow apps. Add or remove apps to change the comparison.
| Requirement | n8n | Activepieces | Huginn | Node-RED |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture | x86 + ARM | x86 + ARM | x86 + ARM | x86 + ARM |
| Price | Free + Cloud | Free + Cloud | Free | Free |
| Containers | 1 (app only) | 3 (app, PostgreSQL +1) | 1 (app only) | 1 (app only) |
| Database | SQLite | PostgreSQL | MySQL / PostgreSQL | none |
| Runtime | Node | Node.js | Ruby | Node |
| Install options | Docker + Linux, macOS, Windows | Docker only | Docker only | Docker + Linux, macOS, Windows |
Common questions
How do I run n8n with Docker?
Run the official n8n image and mount a volume at /home/node/.n8n so your workflows and credentials survive updates. The editor is then available on…
Can n8n replace Zapier for a homelab?
For most home automation, yes. n8n has hundreds of built-in integrations, webhooks, scheduling and a generic HTTP request node, and your data stays…
Alternatives to n8n
More apps in Workflow.
Activepieces
An open-source automation tool for building workflows from reusable TypeScript pieces, with hundreds of integrations.
Free + Cloudx86 + ARMNode.js
Huginn
A system for building agents that watch the web, react to events and act on your behalf, like a hackable IFTTT or Zapier.
Freex86 + ARMRuby