n8n: Workflow Automation for AI Agents
n8n is a workflow automation tool you can self-host or run in the cloud. You drag nodes onto a canvas, connect them, and ship a working AI agent or workflow. It is open-core under the Sustainable Use License, which means you can use the source code freely but cannot resell it as your own product.
The 30-second version
- What: open-source workflow builder, visual drag-and-drop
- Who: developers and technical operators who want self-hosting or full control
- Price: self-host is free forever, n8n Cloud starts at €20/month annual (~$22 USD)
- Best at: long-running AI workflows, custom code nodes, complex branching
- Verdict: pick n8n when you want full control or want to skip subscription fees
What n8n actually is
n8n is a no-code workflow tool with one big twist: you can self-host it. That means you run it on your own server, your data never leaves your machine, and you do not pay per task. It is the favorite tool of developers who hate Zapier's pricing model.
The trade-off: you have to set it up. n8n Cloud removes that pain for a monthly fee, but you lose the cost edge.
In 2026, n8n added native AI agent nodes (LLM calls, vector store retrieval, tool routing). You can now build an agent that reads a Gmail message, checks a Notion database, and posts to Slack, all inside one n8n workflow.
SAP made a strategic investment in n8n in May 2026 at a $5.2 billion valuation, more than double the prior year. The deal pairs n8n's visual workflows with SAP's enterprise data (source: blog.n8n.io, May 12 2026).
Key capabilities
- 400+ pre-built integrations (Gmail, Slack, Airtable, Notion, Stripe, plus most major SaaS)
- AI agent nodes: LLM call, RAG retrieval, tool calling, memory
- Custom code nodes in JavaScript or Python (no other no-code tool matches this depth)
- Self-host or use n8n Cloud
- Webhook support, both inbound and outbound
- Open-source under the Sustainable Use License
Pricing (checked May 2026)
| Plan | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Community (self-host) | Free forever | Devs comfortable with Docker or Linux |
| Starter (Cloud) | €20/month annual (€24/month monthly) | Solo operators who want managed |
| Pro (Cloud) | €50/month annual | Small teams |
| Enterprise | Custom | Multi-seat, SSO, audit logs |
Self-hosting on a $5/month VPS keeps you running indefinitely. That is why n8n is the favorite of bootstrapped operators.
Prices change. Verified May 2026. Check current rates at n8n.io/pricing.
Who n8n fits
- Solo developers building side-project AI agents
- Bootstrapped operators allergic to monthly subscription creep
- Teams handling sensitive data who need self-host (HIPAA, EU GDPR, internal-only)
Who n8n does not fit
- Non-technical operators who want zero setup time
- Teams that already pay for Zapier or Make and have no friction with the cost
n8n vs Make and Zapier
| Axis | n8n | Make | Zapier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup | Self-host or Cloud | Cloud only | Cloud only |
| Visual editor | Canvas-style | Canvas-style | Linear-stepped |
| Code nodes | Yes (JS + Python) | Limited | Limited |
| Free tier | Unlimited self-host | 1000 ops/month | 100 tasks/month |
| AI agent nodes | Yes (native) | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Devs, privacy-conscious | Visual-first, mid-skill | Non-technical, breadth of apps |
Want the full breakdown? Read our n8n vs Make comparison.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Self-host removes monthly cost and data risk
- Custom code nodes mean almost no ceiling
- 400+ integrations and rising
Cons:
- Setup is not zero-touch; expect a few hours the first time
- UI feels rougher than Zapier
- Sustainable Use License means you cannot offer n8n as a paid service
How I'd use n8n on SellerShorts
I run a marketplace for Amazon AI tools. When I tested an AI agent that picks the right Amazon ad bid every morning, I built it in n8n self-hosted because I wanted to see every API call and pay zero for testing. Once it worked, I migrated it to a production hosting provider with the same n8n setup. No platform lock-in.
Try n8n
Get started with n8n
Self-host for free or start a Cloud trial. n8n has no public consumer affiliate program, so this is a plain link.
Selling on Amazon and wondering if n8n fits the BSA Agent Policy? See our Amazon AI Agent Policy guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is n8n really free?
Self-hosted n8n is free forever under the Sustainable Use License. You can run it on a $5/month VPS and never pay n8n a cent. The managed cloud version starts at €20/month (about $22 USD) billed annually, or €24/month billed monthly.
Can n8n build AI agents on its own, or do I need extra tools?
n8n has native AI agent nodes as of 2025. You can build a complete agent (LLM call, RAG, tool calling, memory) without any other tool. For deeper custom logic, you can drop in a JavaScript or Python node.
n8n vs Make: which is better for Amazon sellers?
For most Amazon sellers, Make is faster to start because it is cloud-hosted with no setup. n8n wins when you want to keep costs near zero at high run volume or you need to keep data on your own infrastructure.
What is the Sustainable Use License?
It is a license between open-source and proprietary. You can read, modify, and run the code freely. You cannot host n8n and resell it as a paid SaaS product. Most developers and operators are unaffected. Resellers are.