n8n

Why Developers Love n8n

n8n gives technical teams the power of Zapier with the flexibility of code. Self-host for unlimited workflows, or use the cloud for convenience—your choice.

My Experience

I recommend n8n to clients with development resources who want to control their automation infrastructure. The cost savings at scale are significant, and the ability to write custom nodes is powerful.

What Makes n8n Stand Out

1. Self-Hosting Option - Run n8n on your own infrastructure with no task limits. For high-volume automations, this saves thousands compared to Zapier’s pricing.

2. Developer Extensibility - Write custom nodes in JavaScript when integrations don’t exist. The codebase is open—you can modify anything.

3. Fair Pricing Model - Cloud pricing is based on workflow runs, not individual actions. Complex workflows don’t multiply your costs like Zapier.

4. Data Privacy - Self-hosting means your data never leaves your infrastructure. For sensitive workflows, this matters.

Where n8n Falls Short

The UI is less polished than Zapier. You’ll need technical knowledge to maximize its potential. The community is smaller, meaning fewer templates and less documentation. Self-hosting requires DevOps expertise.

Who Should Use n8n

• Development teams comfortable with technical tools
• Companies with high automation volumes
• Organizations requiring data privacy
• Startups wanting affordable automation

n8n vs Zapier

Factor	n8n	Zapier
Self-Hosting	Yes	No
Pricing at Scale	Very affordable	Expensive
Ease of Use	Technical	Easy
Integration Count	Growing	Extensive
Custom Code	Excellent	Limited

Self-Hosted vs Cloud

Self-Hosted: Free unlimited workflows, complete control, requires DevOps Cloud: Managed infrastructure, easier setup, usage-based pricing

The Bottom Line

n8n is the smart choice for technical teams who want automation power without Zapier’s scaling costs. Non-technical teams should stick with Zapier for the easier experience.