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Build with the precision of code or the speed of drag-n-drop. Host with on-prem control or in-the-cloud convenience. n8n gives you more freedom to implement multi-step AI agents and integrate apps than any other tool.
Originally created in 2019 by Jan Oberhauser in Berlin, n8n has quickly gained popularity among technical teams seeking both flexibility and control in their automation solutions.
Visual Builder with Coding Power
What sets n8n apart from other automation tools is its dual approach to workflow creation. While many platforms force users to choose between visual interfaces or coding, n8n offers both:
"Other tools limit you to either a visual building experience, or code. With n8n, you get the best of both worlds," states the company on its features page. n8n.io
The platform's intuitive visual interface allows users to create complex workflows by connecting "nodes" (steps in your workflow) through a drag-and-drop interface. For more advanced needs, users can seamlessly incorporate JavaScript or Python code to handle custom transformations and logic.
Extensive Integration Ecosystem
With over 400 pre-built integrations, n8n enables connections to virtually any service or application. From popular platforms like Google Workspace, Slack, and Notion to databases like MongoDB and PostgreSQL, the platform covers a wide range of business needs. When a specific integration isn't available, users can leverage the HTTP request node to connect to any public API.
Deployment Flexibility
One of n8n's most compelling features is its deployment flexibility. Being fair-code licensed, users can:
- Self-host on their own infrastructure - providing complete data control and privacy
- Use n8n's cloud service - for convenience and ease of setup
- Deploy in air-gapped environments - ideal for high-security requirements
This flexibility makes n8n suitable for organizations with strict data sovereignty or compliance requirements.
Advanced AI Capabilities
n8n has embraced the AI revolution with robust features that allow users to build sophisticated AI-powered workflows:
"AI won't solve your business-critical problems without access to your core systems and data. n8n's 400+ integrations and flexible building experience let you blend agentic systems with your existing processes to a degree other tools can't match," explains the company.
The platform integrates with LangChain for building modular AI applications and offers capabilities for creating advanced chatbots, multi-step AI agents, and embedding AI into existing business processes.
Powerful Debugging and Testing
Software developers will appreciate n8n's approach to testing and debugging. The platform offers:
- Real-time data visualization at each workflow step
- The ability to execute single steps without running the entire workflow
- Pinning of data for faster testing
- Comprehensive error handling and notification capabilities
These features significantly reduce development time and make troubleshooting straightforward.
Pricing and Accessibility
n8n offers a tiered pricing model starting with a free Community Edition available on GitHub. Paid plans include:
- Starter ($20/month) - For getting started with 2.5k workflow executions and 5 active workflows
- Pro (starting at $49/month) - For teams with 10k-50k executions and 15-50 active workflows
- Enterprise (custom pricing) - For organizations needing unlimited executions, advanced security, and dedicated support
Real-World Impact
Organizations of all sizes have leveraged n8n to automate critical processes. For example, Delivery Hero saved 200 hours each month with a single ITOps workflow, while StepStone reduced work that typically took two weeks to just two hours.
Conclusion
As businesses seek more flexible automation solutions, n8n strikes a unique balance between accessibility and technical capability. Its combination of visual workflow building, coding options, deployment flexibility, and extensive integrations makes it particularly valuable for technical teams looking to automate complex processes without sacrificing control or customization. Whether you're connecting APIs, building AI agents, or automating business operations, n8n provides a powerful and adaptable platform to meet diverse automation needs.
