n8n
Agents & AutomationOpen-source workflow automation with a code escape hatch. Self-host for free or use cloud. Built-in AI agent nodes for LLM-powered workflows.
Best For
Pricing Plans
Features
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Free self-hosted option
- +Code escape hatch for developers
- +AI agent nodes built in
- +Fair-code license
Cons
- -Self-hosting requires technical skills
- -Smaller integration library than Make
- -Cloud pricing adds up
- -UI less polished than Make
Getting Started Guide
Step-by-step instructions for non-technical users.
- 1
Choose cloud or self-hosted
n8n Cloud ($24/mo) is the fastest start. Self-hosting is free but requires Docker and basic server administration.
- 2
Explore the UI
n8n's visual workflow builder works similarly to Make. Drag nodes, connect them, and configure triggers.
- 3
Build a simple workflow
Start with something basic: "Every morning, fetch weather data and send me a Slack message." Verify each step works.
- 4
Add AI agent nodes
n8n's AI Agent node lets you create LLM-powered workflows. Connect it to your documents, APIs, or databases for intelligent automation.
- 5
Deploy and monitor
Enable your workflow on a schedule or webhook trigger. Monitor execution logs for errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
n8n vs Make?
n8n offers a free self-hosted option and a code escape hatch for developers. Make has a more polished UI and more integrations. Choose n8n for control, Make for ease of use.
Is self-hosting complicated?
If you're comfortable with Docker, it takes 15 minutes. n8n provides clear documentation and Docker Compose files. For non-technical users, use n8n Cloud.
What is the AI Agent node?
It's a built-in node that connects to LLMs (OpenAI, Anthropic, etc.) and can use tools, search documents, and make decisions within your workflows.