Hi there! I love finding tools that make my work easier. One day, I found n8n, a free tool for automating tasks. It lets me connect apps without coding much. If you want to run it on your own server, this guide is for you. Let’s dive in and learn how to self host n8n step by step.
What is n8n?
I first heard about n8n when I needed to automate my daily tasks. n8n is an open-source workflow automation tool. It helps you build workflows to connect different apps and services. You can use it for simple jobs like sending emails or complex ones like data processing. It’s fair-code licensed, which means it’s free for most users. Self-hosting n8n gives you full control over your data.
Key Features of n8n
n8n has many cool features that I use every day. Let me share them.
- Visual Builder: I drag and drop nodes to make workflows. It’s fast and shows results right away.
- Over 400 Integrations: It connects to apps like Google Sheets, Slack, and more. No need to write code for most.
- AI Nodes: I add AI to workflows for tasks like summarising text or chatting.
- Code Flexibility: If needed, I write JavaScript or Python in a code node.
- Triggers and Actions: Workflows start with webhooks, schedules, or events.
- Debug Tools: I get alerts for errors and monitor performance easily.
- Security: It supports roles, secrets from vaults like AWS, and SOC 2 compliance.
These features make n8n powerful for self-hosting.
Use Cases for n8n
I use n8n in many ways. Here are some common ones.
- Marketing: Automate lead collection from forms to CRM like HubSpot.
- Sales: Sync data between tools like Salesforce and email.
- Development: Build CI/CD pipelines or monitor code repos.
- Operations: Handle alerts, backups, and reports automatically.
- Personal Use: I set it to post on social media or track expenses.
n8n fits any field where you need to automate repetitive tasks.
Competitors of n8n
I checked other tools before picking n8n. Here are some top ones.
| Competitor | Key Difference | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Zapier | Easy no-code, but pricey for many zaps. | Quick, simple automations. |
| Make | Strong visuals, good for complex flows. | Teams need advanced routing. |
| Node-RED | Free, code-focused with nodes. | Developers who like low-level control. |
| Pipedream | Serverless, fast for devs. | Event-driven workflows. |
| Workato | Enterprise-grade, secure. | Big companies with compliance needs. |
| Tray.ai | Scalable for business. | Integration platforms. |
| Microsoft Power Automate | Ties to the Microsoft ecosystem. | Office users. |
| Gumloop | AI-heavy alternatives. | Modern AI agents. |
| IFTTT | Simple for personal use. | Basic if-this-then-that rules. |
| Integrately | Affordable one-click integrations. | Small businesses. |
n8n stands out for being free and self-hostable. I like it over Zapier because of no limits on steps.
CLICK HERE to Read my review about n8n
Pricing of n8n
n8n is budget-friendly. Self-hosting n8n is free since it’s open-source. For the cloud, they have plans.
- Free Tier: Unlimited for self-host, or basic cloud with limits.
- Starter: 20€/month, 2.5K executions, basic features.
- Pro: 50€/month, 10K executions, more projects and insights.
- Business: 667€/month, 40K executions, SSO, scaling.
- Enterprise: Custom price, full features like log streaming.
I stick to self-hosting to save money. Check n8n pricing for details.
Read Now: What is n8n & it’s workflow Automation
How to Self Host n8n: All Available Methods in Detail
Self-hosting n8n is easy if you follow the steps. It has several methods. I’ll cover all available models like npm, Docker, and more. You need a server with Node.js or Docker installed. Basic requirements: At least 1GB RAM, modern CPU, and secure setup.
Using npm
This is simple for Node.js users.
- Install Node.js v18 or higher.
- Run npm install -g n8n in the terminal.
- Start with n8n start.
- Open http://localhost:5678 in a browser.
- Set up the user and password.
Use environment variables like N8N_BASIC_AUTH_ACTIVE=true for security.
Using Docker
I prefer this for containers.
- Install Docker.
- Pull image: docker pull n8nio/n8n.
- Run: docker run -d –name n8n -p 5678:5678 -v ~/.n8n:/home/node/.n8n n8nio/n8n.
- Access at http://localhost:5678.
Add volumes for data persistence. For queue mode scaling, use multiple instances.
Using Docker Compose
Good for full setup with the database.
- Create a docker-compose.yml file with n8n and Postgres services.
- Define environment variables like DB_TYPE=postgresdb.
- Run docker-compose up -d.
This handles scaling better.
Using Kubernetes
For big setups.
- Use the Helm chart from the n8n repo.
- Set replicas for scaling.
- Configure ingress for access.
It supports queue mode for high load.
Other options: Install on any platform with npm or containers. For AI, try the starter kit. Secure with SSL and auth. See n8n docs for more.
Comments by AI USTAD
As an AI USTAD, I’ve used n8n for months now. I self-hosted it on a small VPS using Docker, and it runs smoothly. The visual builder is my favourite – I built a workflow to sync my notes from Notion to email in minutes. Features like AI nodes helped me summarise articles without extra tools.
Use cases? I automated my blog posts’ sharing on social media, saving hours each week. Compared to competitors like Make, n8n feels more flexible with code options, and being free beats Zapier’s costs. Pricing is great for self-host; no hidden fees. Installation was easy, but I had to tweak env vars for security. Scaling works well – I added queue mode for busy times. Overall, as a user, I give it 9/10. It’s reliable, butthe docs could have more examples. If you’re into automation, try it; it changed how I work.
Conclusion
Self-hosting n8n is a smart choice for control and savings. I hope this guide helps you start. Give it a try and automate your life.
FAQs
What is self-hosting n8n?
It means running n8n on your own server instead of the cloud.
Is n8n free to self-host?
Yes, the community edition is free and open-source.
What are the server needs for self hosting n8n?
At least 1GB RAM, Node.js or Docker, and a secure setup.
Can I scale self-hosted n8n?
Yes, use queue mode and tools like Kubernetes.
How does n8n compare to Zapier?
n8n is free for self-hosting, with no step limits, while Zapier charges for more use.
Where can I find more help?
Check n8n docs or community forums.
