What Is n8n? The Open-Source Zapier Alternative You Actually Own

Short summary

n8n is an open-source workflow automation platform you self-host for €5–15/month on a VPS, eliminating Zapier's variable per-task pricing (which can exceed $100–500/month at scale). It offers 400+ native integrations, custom code support, and complete data ownership, making it ideal for operations teams, developers, and regulated industries. The cost: you manage your own infrastructure rather than relying on Zapier's zero-setup convenience, but at millions of automated tasks monthly the savings are substantial.

• •n8n self-hosts on your own server for flat €5–15/month; Zapier scales to $100–500+/month per-task pricing
• •400+ native integrations, custom code nodes, complete data ownership, and unlimited workflow complexity
• •Ideal for operations teams, developers, and regulated industries; trade-off is managing your own infrastructure vs. instant setup

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