Is n8n Free? Complete Pricing & Open Source Guide 2025
Is n8n Free? Complete Pricing & Open Source Guide 2025
Is n8n free? This is the number one question for new users discovering this powerful automation tool. The answer depends on how you use it. In this guide, we break down the n8n open source model, pricing tiers, and licensing to help you decide.
The Short Answer
- Self-Hosted: Free for internal business use and personal use.
- Desktop App: Free for everyone.
- n8n Cloud: Paid (starts at €20/mo).
- Commercial Distribution: Paid license required.
Understanding the “Fair-Code” License
Often confused with “open source,” n8n operates under a Fair-Code license (Sustainable Use License).
What this means:
- ✅ You CAN: Download content, modify code, and run it for your own business or personal projects for free.
- ❌ You CANNOT: Charge people to use n8n itself (e.g., building a “Zapier competitor” using n8n’s code).
This model ensures n8n remains sustainable while being free for 99% of users.
n8n Cloud Pricing vs. Self-Hosted
If you don’t want to manage servers, n8n offers a hosted version.
n8n Cloud (SaaS)
Perfect for those who want a “set it and forget it” solution.
- Starter: ~€20/mo for 2.5k workflow executions.
- Pro: ~€50/mo for 10k executions.
- Enterprise: Custom pricing.
Self-Hosted (Community Edition)
Cost: $0 / month (+ server costs).
- Executions: Unlimited.
- Workflows: Unlimited.
- Control: 100%.
💡 Pro Tip: You can host n8n on a cheap VPS (like DigitalOcean or Hetzner) or even a free tier Oracle Cloud instance.
👉 Want to save money? Learn How to Run n8n Locally for Free
Hidden Costs of Self-Hosting
While the software is n8n free, self-hosting comes with responsibilities:
- Server Costs: $5-$20/month (unless running locally).
- Maintenance: You handle updates and security.
- Technical Skill: Requires Docker knowledge.
👉 Need help maintaining your instance? Check How to Update n8n Version
n8n vs. Open Source Competitors
How does n8n compare to true open-source alternatives?
| Feature | n8n | Node-RED | Huginn |
|---|---|---|---|
| License | Fair-Code | Apache 2.0 | MIT |
| UI/UX | Modern, Intuitive | Functional | Technical |
| Cloud Option | Yes | No | No |
| AI Integration | Excellent | Plugin-based | Limited |
While not strictly “open source” (OSI definition), n8n open source availability allows for code inspection and contribution, offering the best balance of transparency and sustainability.
Conclusion
So, is n8n free? For most users building internal tools, personal automations, or connecting business apps, the answer is a resounding YES.
If you’re ready to start without spending a dime, downloading the self-hosted version is your best bet.
