n8n (Self-hosted)
Open-source workflow automation platform that combines visual no-code editing wi...
n8n
Open-source workflow automation tool with visual interface and self-hosting opti...
n8n (Self-hosted) vs n8n: Which Is Better in 2026?
Comprehensive comparison of n8n (Self-hosted) and n8n covering features, pricing, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you make the right choice for your business.
n8n (Self-hosted) vs n8n: Overview
Choosing between n8n (Self-hosted) and n8n is a common dilemma for automation users. Both tools offer robust solutions, but they cater to different needs and budgets.
n8n (Self-hosted) offers a free tier and starts at $0/monthly, while n8n also has a free option and begins at $0/monthly. But pricing is just one factor—let's dive into features, use cases, and which tool fits your specific needs.
n8n (Self-hosted) is best known for completely free self-hosted version with unlimited usage, whereas n8n stands out for open source. In this detailed comparison, we'll analyze both tools across pricing, features, ease of use, and ideal use cases.
Quick Overview
n8n (Self-hosted)
- Best for: Technical teams and developers needing custom automations, Startups and small businesses prioritizing cost-effectiveness
- Starting price: Free
- Category: automation
- Founded: 2019
n8n
- Best for: Developers, Privacy-focused teams
- Starting price: Free
- Category: automation
- Founded: 2019
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side feature comparison to help you understand the key differences between n8n (Self-hosted) and n8n.
| Feature | n8 n8n (Self-hosted) | n n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Workflow Editor | Drag-and-drop node-based interface | |
| Code Flexibility | JavaScript/Python code nodes with npm libraries | |
| 400+ Integrations | Pre-built nodes for popular apps and services | |
| AI & LangChain Integration | Native AI agents and local model hosting | |
| Self-hosting | Docker/Kubernetes deployment with full control | |
| Git Version Control | Workflow versioning and collaboration | |
| Advanced Debugging | Step-by-step execution and data inspection | |
| Queue Mode Scaling | Up to 220 executions per second per instance | |
| Enterprise Security | SSO, RBAC, encrypted secrets, audit logs | |
| Template Library | 1700+ pre-built workflow templates | |
| App Integrations | ||
| Multi-step Workflows | ||
| Conditional Logic | ||
| Scheduling | ||
| Webhooks | ||
| Data Formatting | ||
| API Access |
Features Deep Dive
Both n8n (Self-hosted) and n8n offer core automation functionality, but their feature sets differ in key areas.
Shared features: Self-hosting.
n8n (Self-hosted) unique strengths: Visual Workflow Editor, Code Flexibility, 400+ Integrations. This makes it ideal for technical teams and developers needing custom automations.
n8n unique strengths: App Integrations, Multi-step Workflows, Conditional Logic. This makes it better suited for developers.
n8n (Self-hosted) offers 10 core features with 14 integrations, while n8n provides 8 features and 4 integrations.
Our Verdict
After extensive testing and analysis, n8n edges out as the winner in this comparison. While both tools excel in their respective areas, n8n offers better overall user satisfaction. n8n (Self-hosted) remains a strong alternative, especially for users who prioritize technical teams and developers needing custom automations.
n8n (Self-hosted)
Best for Technical teams and developers needing custom automations and Startups and small businesses prioritizing cost-effectiveness. Completely free self-hosted version with unlimited usage.
Try n8n (Self-hosted)Pros & Cons
n8n (Self-hosted) Pros & Cons
Pros
- Completely free self-hosted version with unlimited usage
- Hybrid visual/code approach suits both developers and non-coders
- Extensive integration library with 400+ pre-built connectors
- Strong AI capabilities with LangChain and custom model support
- Full data sovereignty with on-premises deployment options
Cons
- Steeper learning curve compared to pure no-code tools
- Requires technical knowledge for self-hosting and maintenance
- Cloud pricing can become expensive for high-volume usage
- Less hand-holding for beginners than traditional automation tools
n8n Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open source
- Self-hosting option
- No execution limits self-hosted
- Fair pricing
- Active community
Cons
- Learning curve
- Less polished UI
- Fewer native integrations
- Requires technical knowledge
Pricing Comparison
Compare the pricing plans and see which tool offers better value for your budget.
n8n (Self-hosted)
freemium- Unlimited workflows
- Unlimited executions
- Unlimited users
- Limited executions
- Cloud hosting
- Basic support
- SSO/SAML authentication
- Advanced RBAC
- Audit logs
n8n
freemium- Open source
- Unlimited workflows
- Full control
- 5 active workflows
- 2500 executions
- Cloud hosted
- 15 active workflows
- 10K executions
- Priority support
- Unlimited workflows
- SSO
- Dedicated support
Pricing Comparison Analysis
n8n (Self-hosted) Pricing: Free tier available. Paid plans start at $0/monthly. 3 plans available: Self-hosted, Cloud Community, Cloud Enterprise.
n8n Pricing: Free tier available. Paid plans start at $0/monthly. 4 plans available: Self-hosted, Starter, Pro, Enterprise.
Verdict: n8n (Self-hosted) is more affordable at the entry level and offers a free tier. However, n8n may offer better value at scale with more advanced features.
For budget-conscious teams, n8n (Self-hosted) is the clear winner. For teams prioritizing developers, n8n's pricing may be justified.
Which Tool Is Best For You?
Choose n8n (Self-hosted) if you need:
- Technical teams and developers needing custom automations
- Startups and small businesses prioritizing cost-effectiveness
- Organizations requiring data sovereignty and on-premises hosting
- Teams building AI-powered workflows and complex integrations
- Completely free self-hosted version with unlimited usage
- Hybrid visual/code approach suits both developers and non-coders
Choose n8n if you need:
- Developers
- Privacy-focused teams
- Technical users
- Self-hosters
- Open source
- Self-hosting option
Final Verdict
Choose n8n (Self-hosted) if: You need technical teams and developers needing custom automations or startups and small businesses prioritizing cost-effectiveness. It excels at completely free self-hosted version with unlimited usage and hybrid visual/code approach suits both developers and non-coders.
Choose n8n if: You prioritize developers or privacy-focused teams. It's particularly strong for open source and self-hosting option.
Overall: n8n has a slight edge with a 4.6/5 rating from our analysis.
Both tools are solid choices in the automation space. Your decision should ultimately depend on your specific requirements, team size, and budget.
Related to n8n (Self-hosted) vs n8n
n8n (Self-hosted) vs n8n FAQ
What are the main differences between n8n (Self-hosted) and n8n?
n8n (Self-hosted) focuses on technical teams and developers needing custom automations with completely free self-hosted version with unlimited usage, while n8n excels at developers with open source. Key differences include pricing structure, feature depth, and target user base.
Is n8n (Self-hosted) or n8n better for small businesses?
n8n (Self-hosted) offers a free tier which is great for small businesses starting out. For small businesses with limited budgets, consider starting with the tool that offers n8n (Self-hosted)'s lower starting price of $0/month.
What is the pricing difference between n8n (Self-hosted) and n8n?
n8n (Self-hosted) starts at $0/month with a free tier available, while n8n starts at $0/month with a free tier available. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.
Can n8n (Self-hosted) integrate with n8n?
While direct integration may vary, both n8n (Self-hosted) and n8n support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. n8n (Self-hosted) integrates with Salesforce, Slack, Gmail, while n8n works with 400+ apps, HTTP requests, Databases.
Which tool is easier to use, n8n (Self-hosted) or n8n?
Based on user reviews, n8n generally receives higher marks for ease of use with a 4.6 rating. However, ease of use can depend on your specific needs and technical background. n8n (Self-hosted) is known for hybrid visual/code approach suits both developers and non-coders.
Does n8n (Self-hosted) or n8n offer better customer support?
Both n8n (Self-hosted) and n8n provide customer support, with options varying by plan tier. n8n (Self-hosted) offers support through standard support channels. Check each tool's specific plan for support details.
What are the pros of n8n (Self-hosted) compared to n8n?
n8n (Self-hosted)'s main advantages include: Completely free self-hosted version with unlimited usage, Hybrid visual/code approach suits both developers and non-coders, Extensive integration library with 400+ pre-built connectors. Compared to n8n, it's particularly strong for technical teams and developers needing custom automations.
What are the cons of n8n (Self-hosted) compared to n8n?
n8n (Self-hosted)'s potential drawbacks include: Steeper learning curve compared to pure no-code tools, Requires technical knowledge for self-hosting and maintenance. n8n may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.
Should I switch from n8n (Self-hosted) to n8n or vice versa?
Consider switching if your current tool doesn't meet your needs. Key factors include: current pain points, migration complexity, team training, and total cost of ownership. Use our ROI calculator to estimate the potential impact of switching.
Which tool is best for automation in 2026?
In 2026, n8n leads in this comparison with a 4.6 rating. However, the best choice depends on your specific requirements. n8n (Self-hosted) excels for technical teams and developers needing custom automations, while n8n is ideal for developers.