What is n8n?
n8n is an open-source, developer-first automation tool that offers unparalleled flexibility and data sovereignty. It can be self-hosted, allowing businesses to keep their data entirely on their own infrastructure—a critical feature for regulated industries. n8n features a unique node-based visual interface that supports custom JavaScript and Python code within any step. In 2025, it has become a favorite for building AI Agents due to its deep integration with LangChain and vector databases. It offers a \\\"fair-code\\\" model, making it significantly more cost-effective than SaaS competitors for high-volume, complex AI-driven workflows.
Key Features
- AI Construction Kit: Built-in nodes for LangChain, OpenAI, and Anthropic.
- Self-Hosting: Run on Docker, AWS, or local servers for privacy.
- Version Control: Integration with Git for professional dev workflows.
Additional Capabilities
- Binary Data Support: Handles large files (images, PDFs) more efficiently.
- Custom Tool Creation: Build your own nodes to connect to internal APIs.
- Data Replay: Rerun failed executions from the exact point of failure.
Pros
- Self-hosting provides 100% data privacy.
- Unlimited steps per execution.
- Advanced developer tools (JS/Python/Git).
Cons
- Requires technical knowledge to set up servers.
- Fewer pre-built \\\"one-click\\\" integrations.
- No permanent free cloud tier (only self-hosted).
Best For
- Building a private AI assistant that processes sensitive legal documents locally.
- Automating high-volume data migrations between internal databases and CRMs.
- Creating an AI-driven social listening tool that analyzes and stores data in a private SQL database.
Frequently Asked Questions
The self-hosted version is free for personal/internal use; Cloud/Enterprise are paid. How is n8n different from Zapier?