Pricing Overview
Is n8n Free to Use in 2025: Pricing, Limits, and Hosting Explained
Is n8n free to use? The short answer is yes — n8n offers a fully functional free tier through its open-source version and self-hosted setup. However, there are also cloud-based paid plans for teams that prefer managed infrastructure, advanced collaboration, and higher execution limits.
Official resources: n8n Pricing Page and Documentation.
Free and Open-Source Core
n8n is licensed under the Fair-Code model. That means the source code is available for anyone to use, modify, and self-host for free, as long as it isn’t offered as a competing SaaS product.
- Free forever: The self-hosted version of n8n can be deployed on personal servers or platforms like Docker and AWS at no cost.
- Full access to features: All workflow nodes, triggers, and community integrations are included.
- No usage limits: Unlike cloud plans, self-hosted n8n can run unlimited workflows based on your server’s capacity.
n8n Cloud Pricing
For users who prefer not to handle server setup, n8n offers a managed cloud service with a free trial and several paid tiers. These plans include hosted infrastructure, automatic updates, and priority support.
| Plan | Key Features | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | Limited executions and credits, perfect for testing | Trying n8n before self-hosting |
| Starter Plan | Managed hosting, execution logs, and analytics | Freelancers and small teams |
| Team/Enterprise | Collaboration features, version control, and security compliance | Growing companies and production-scale automations |
Self-Hosting vs Cloud
The biggest difference between free and paid use comes down to where n8n is hosted. Self-hosting gives total control but requires technical setup. Cloud hosting provides convenience at a recurring cost.
- Self-hosted: 100% free and customizable, suitable for developers and privacy-focused teams.
- Cloud: Easier onboarding, with support and scaling handled automatically.
Verdict
Yes — n8n is free to use through its open-source self-hosted version. Paid plans only become necessary if you want managed hosting, advanced team features, or guaranteed uptime. For most individual creators and small automations, n8n’s free option is more than enough.
Start With Free n8n Templates
Explore ready-made workflow templates for AI, Google Sheets, and WhatsApp automations. Import them into your free n8n setup and start automating instantly.
FAQ: Is n8n Free to Use
- Is n8n open source
- Yes. n8n is open-source and follows the Fair-Code model, allowing self-hosted use for free.
- Does the free version have limitations
- Self-hosted n8n has no functional limits. Cloud versions include usage caps depending on the plan.
- Can I use n8n commercially
- Yes, self-hosted n8n can be used in commercial projects as long as it’s not offered as a hosted SaaS alternative.
- What is the cheapest paid plan
- As of 2025, the n8n Cloud Starter plan is designed for small teams with affordable monthly pricing.
