Workflow automation
n8n: review, pricing, data and alternatives
n8n helps people automate tasks between applications using visual workflows. It triggers tasks from events, transforms data between services, creates agents using models and tools, and supports execution review. A free tier exists; the first paid plan costs €20 per month. Access and transparency score: 78/100, #1 of 11 in its category.
What is n8n?
n8n helps people automate tasks between applications using visual workflows. It triggers tasks from events, transforms data between services, creates agents using models and tools, and supports execution review.
According to its documentation, n8n lets you:
- connect applications in a visual workflow
- trigger tasks based on events
- transform data between two services
- create agents using models and tools
- review executions and fix errors
We file it under Workflow automation, the category of tools to automate tasks between apps, and it also overlaps with aI agent builders. The category lists 11 verified tools on this site.
The publisher is n8n GmbH, based in Germany. The service launched in 2019, which gives it some track record.
Who is it for?
It is mostly useful to these profiles: developers, project managers, and small business owners. The need it covers is simple to state: automate tasks between apps.
n8n is a good candidate if:
- you want to try before paying
- you plan to connect it to your tools or automations through its API
- you must keep your data in Europe or on your own machine
The best test is a concrete case from your daily work: if the tool does not beat your current method within a week, move on to an alternative.
How much does n8n cost?
Pricing model: freemium (limited free use, then paid). A free plan is offered, usually limited in volume or features.
The first paid plan costs €20 per month (Starter Cloud, billed annually, totaling EUR 240 per year; free self-hosted Community edition), according to the pricing page, checked on October 24, 2026.
Per month, that is more expensive than the category median ($17.3 per month, based on tools with a published price).
To estimate what the same work would cost done directly with an AI model, use our API price calculator. Prices change often: always check the official site before subscribing.
Data and privacy
According to its privacy policy, data is processed in the European Union.
Hosting in the European Union makes GDPR compliance easier, without exempting you from reading the terms of use.
Exporting your content: yes (details on the official site). Being able to get your data back makes switching tools easier later.
Three habits apply to every AI tool:
- turn off the use of your content for training if the option exists
- use a work account separate from your personal account
- review everything the tool produces before publishing or sending it
Platforms, languages and API
n8n runs on: web browser and API.
Interface languages: English.
A public API lets you call it from your own programs or an automation tool, and plug it into an AI agent.
How we scored it
Our 78/100 score does not judge output quality: it measures what can be publicly verified about access to the tool, its openness and how far the publisher can be trusted.
| Criterion | Points | What counts |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 25/30 | free tier, published price, French interface |
| Openness | 20/30 | API, data export, open code |
| Trust | 33/40 | identified publisher, declared hosting, age, presence in reference lists |
The full calculation is explained on our method page.
Comparison with alternatives
n8n against other tools in the workflow automation category:
Verdict
n8n is among the most accessible and transparent tools in its category.
Strengths
- Free tier to try it
- Public API
- Data hosted in the EU
- Established since 2019
Limitations
- More expensive than its category median
Alternatives
Categories and jobs
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
Is n8n free?
Yes, a free plan exists, with usage limits. The first paid plan costs €20 per month.
Where is n8n data stored?
According to the publisher, in the European Union.
Does n8n have an API?
Yes, a public API is documented.
What are the alternatives to n8n?
In the same category: Zapier, Hexowatch, Shotstack Workflows, and Nekton.
n8n or Zapier: which one to choose?
N8n starts at €20 per month, Zapier at $19.99 per month and our score is 78/100 for n8n and 75/100 for Zapier. Try both on the same task before paying.
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Neutrality. No affiliate links. No vendor pays to be reviewed, rated or ranked. Reviews are directed by François Chollet, neutral and factual, and every data point is dated and sourced. How we score