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n8n

✓ Verified FOSSSustainable Use License
Top open-source alternative to Zapier

n8n lets you build complex, multi-step automated workflows with custom JavaScript/Python transforms, LangChain-powered AI nodes, and granular error handling without paying per task.

Tech StackTypeScript, Node.js, Vue
Self-Host DifficultyEasy
GitHub Repositoryn8n-io/n8n

Recommended VPS & Hardware Sizing

Estimated Hosting: $4 - $6/mo (e.g. Hetzner CX22 or DigitalOcean)
Min RAM:1 GB
Rec RAM:2 GB
Compute:1 vCPU
Disk Space:10 GB SSD

n8n vs Zapier Comparison Matrix

Evaluation Criterian8n (Open Source)Zapier (Proprietary)
Task Run LimitsUnlimited (Compute bound)Steep charges per 10k tasks
Multi-Step Automation100% Free & UnlimitedPaywall on Starter plan
Data ResidencyRuns inside private VPCThird-party cloud processing
INTERACTIVE TCO MODELEstimated Rate: $65/user/mo

Financial Impact: Migrating from Zapier to Self-Hosted n8n

Detailed Stack Calculator →
5 Users (Early Startup)50 Users (Scaleup)200 Users (Enterprise Org)
Zapier (Cloud SaaS)Per-Seat Tax
$19,500per year ($1,625/mo)
3-Year Spend:$58,500

* Excludes enterprise SSO add-ons & usage overages

n8n (Self-Hosted)Zero Per-Seat Fee
$120per year ($10/mo Linux VPS)
3-Year Compute:$360

* Commodity Hetzner / DigitalOcean compute instance

Cumulative 3-Year ROI+$58,140Net savings across 36 months (99% reduction)
Annual Free Cash:+$19,380/yr
Need C-Level Buy-In? Generate an instant ROI proposal memo to present to your CTO or CFO.

Core Capabilities & Features

✓Unlimited Execution Runs
✓AI Agent & LangChain Nodes
✓400+ Native Integrations
✓Custom Code Execution

Self-Host n8n with Docker Compose

Tweak configuration ports, secrets, and volumes live. Download or copy your ready-to-run container file:

1-Click Docker Compose Generator

Generate production-ready container definitions with customizable ports and volumes.

n8nSustainable Use License

Fair-code workflow automation platform with 400+ nodes and native AI agents

Difficulty: Easy207,127 ⭐
Configure Parameters
docker-compose.n8n.yml
version: "3.8"
services:
  n8n:
    image: docker.n8n.io/n8nio/n8n:latest
    container_name: n8n
    restart: unless-stopped
    ports:
      - "${PORT:-5678}:5678"
    environment:
      - N8N_HOST=${DOMAIN:-localhost}
      - N8N_PORT=5678
      - N8N_PROTOCOL=http
      - WEBHOOK_URL=http://${DOMAIN:-localhost}:${PORT:-5678}/
      - DB_TYPE=postgresdb
      - DB_POSTGRESDB_HOST=postgres
      - DB_POSTGRESDB_PORT=5432
      - DB_POSTGRESDB_DATABASE=n8n
      - DB_POSTGRESDB_USER=n8n
      - DB_POSTGRESDB_PASSWORD=${DB_PASSWORD:-n8n_secure_pass}
    volumes:
      - n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n
    depends_on:
      - postgres
  postgres:
    image: postgres:15-alpine
    container_name: n8n-postgres
    restart: unless-stopped
    environment:
      POSTGRES_USER: n8n
      POSTGRES_PASSWORD: ${DB_PASSWORD:-n8n_secure_pass}
      POSTGRES_DB: n8n
    volumes:
      - n8n_pg_data:/var/lib/postgresql/data
volumes:
  n8n_data:
  n8n_pg_data:

Frequently Asked Questions: Self-Hosting n8n

How do I self-host n8n using Docker Compose?

You can deploy n8n (n8n-io/n8n) on any Linux server by copying the docker-compose.yml template on this page, configuring your desired host port and persistent volume directory, and running 'docker compose up -d'.

How does n8n compare to Zapier?

n8n is an open-source, self-hosted alternative to Zapier built with TypeScript, Node.js, Vue. Unlike Zapier ($29.99 - $100+ / month), n8n has zero per-user licensing fees and keeps 100% of your data on your own infrastructure.

What are the minimum VPS RAM and CPU requirements for n8n?

For production self-hosting (Easy difficulty tier), we recommend at least 2 GB RAM (minimum 1 GB), 1 vCPU, and 10 GB SSD storage, which typically costs $4 - $6/mo (e.g. Hetzner CX22 or DigitalOcean).

Is n8n free for commercial business use under the Sustainable Use License license?

Yes. Distributed under the Sustainable Use License license, n8n can be self-hosted internally by businesses and engineering teams of any size without per-seat royalties.

README INTEGRATION // REPO EMBED

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