Back to workflow-automation
n8n
Free (self-hosted) / $24/mo (cloud)4.7/5
Open-source workflow automation with self-hosting, 500+ integrations, AI agents
Why founders use n8n
Visual workflow builder
Self-hosting via Docker
Custom code execution (JavaScript)
AI agent support
Git version control (Business plan)
Webhooks and APIs
Multi-user workflows
The Good
Self-hosting option for full data control
Open-source with 500+ integrations
Unlimited executions on self-hosted
Advanced AI and custom code support
No per-task pricing model
The Bad
Steeper learning curve than Zapier
Requires technical knowledge for self-hosting
Smaller integration library vs Zapier
The Verdict
n8n is a powerful, open-source workflow automation platform that gives technical teams the freedom to self-host or use the cloud. With over 500 integrations and advanced AI capabilities, n8n enables developers and non-technical users to build complex multi-step workflows without per-task fees.\n\nn8n is perfect for indie hackers because you can self-host completely free using the Community Edition, paying only for your infrastructure (~$5-10/month). Unlike Zapier's pay-per-task model, n8n offers unlimited executions on self-hosted deployments, making it massively cost-effective at scale. The open-source nature means you own your workflows and data entirely.