n8n

Open-source workflow automation with AI Agent + 400+ integrations

✅ Free Tier 🇨🇳 China Accessible

What is n8n

n8n is an open-source workflow automation platform, like Zapier but self-hostable. Recently added AI Agent nodes for calling LLMs directly in workflows.

Example: Receive email → AI analyzes content → auto-categorize → send notification. Build such workflows in minutes. 400+ app integrations connect nearly all your tools.

Free Tier Details

Two free options:

Self-hosted (recommended): Completely free, Docker deploy, no execution limits. AI nodes need your own API key (recommend API aggregator).

Cloud: Free 5 workflows with limited monthly executions. Good for trying out.

Self-hosted + API aggregator is the best combo.

Editor's note

Editor's note: If you only need model calls, compare official APIs, free quota, latency, and switching cost before choosing any aggregator.

FAQ

Q: n8n vs Zapier?
A: n8n is open-source and self-hostable, Zapier is easier but expensive. Choose n8n for AI capabilities and data control.

Q: Is self-hosting hard?
A: One-click Docker deploy, not hard. Recommend 2 cores 2GB+ server.

Q: How is it different from Dify?
A: n8n is a general automation platform (AI is one capability), Dify focuses on AI app building.

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