Hosting & Pricing
Is n8n Free if Self Hosted in 2025: Full Explanation
Yes — n8n is completely free if self hosted. The self-hosted version of n8n gives full access to every feature without subscription costs. Users can install it on their own servers, manage their data privately, and scale workflows as much as they want without hitting usage limits.
Official references: n8n.io and n8n Documentation.
Understanding n8n Self-Hosting
n8n can run locally or on any cloud provider. Self-hosting means deploying the open-source version of n8n on a server or container that you control. The setup is simple through Docker, npm, or cloud platforms like AWS and DigitalOcean.
- Install via
npm install n8n -gor Docker - Host on your own server with no recurring fees
- Control execution capacity based on your hardware
What’s Included for Free
The self-hosted version includes all core features, workflow logic, and integrations. Unlike many automation tools, n8n doesn’t lock premium nodes or restrict executions for self-hosted users.
- Unlimited workflows and executions
- Full access to over 400 integrations and nodes
- Community plugins and custom node development
- Support for API calls, databases, webhooks, and AI nodes
Fair-Code License Explained
n8n operates under the Fair-Code License. It’s open source, but with one restriction: users cannot resell n8n as a competing SaaS product. Beyond that, it’s entirely free for personal, commercial, and enterprise self-hosting.
When n8n Costs Money
The only time n8n isn’t free is when using the managed n8n Cloud platform. It’s designed for teams that don’t want to manage servers or need collaboration, scaling, and uptime handled automatically.
- Free trial available
- Starter plan for small teams
- Business and enterprise plans for larger deployments
Verdict
Yes — n8n is free if self hosted. The open-source Fair-Code model gives developers and teams complete control at zero licensing cost. You only pay for your hosting provider, not for using n8n itself. It’s one of the few automation tools that offers enterprise-grade flexibility without a paid barrier.
Launch Workflows with Free n8n Templates
Skip setup time and use pre-built templates for WhatsApp, Google Sheets, Notion, and AI automations — all compatible with self-hosted n8n.
FAQ: Is n8n Free if Self Hosted
- Is self-hosted n8n completely free
- Yes. The self-hosted version is open source and has no feature or usage limits.
- What do I need to pay for
- Only your own server or cloud hosting costs. n8n itself has no license fees.
- Can I use n8n commercially
- Yes, as long as you’re not offering n8n as a rebranded SaaS platform.
- Why do some people pay for n8n Cloud
- Cloud users pay for convenience, managed uptime, and collaboration tools.
