A Comprehensive Overview of n8n – Your Ultimate Guide

n8n at a Glance – The Ultimate Guide

The automation and iPaaS world has had a new rising star for some time now: n8n. The tool has been the topic of conversation in the automation and developer bubble for a while and has experienced additional significant growth in the last year. So it’s time to give n8n a thorough check to see what the hype is all about. Here we go!

What is n8n?

n8n is a workflow automation tool and platform that originated in Berlin and was introduced to the market as an open-source project in 2019. The name “n8n” stands for “node-based workflow automation,” with the “8” representing the eight letters between the first and last words of the phrase.

n8n is classified as an iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) solution. This means it is designed for cloud automation, enabling the connection of cloud-based applications such as Office365, HubSpot, Asana, and more. By automating the transfer of data and information between these apps, n8n eliminates the need for manual, repetitive clicks. The primary goal of such platforms is to streamline administrative, time-consuming tasks, freeing up users to focus on more meaningful and rewarding activities. For a more in-depth explanation of iPaaS, check out this detailed blog post.

iPaaS platforms like n8n have versatile applications, supporting functions in marketing, HR, CRM, sales, administration, accounting, and other areas. This makes them valuable tools for a wide range of businesses. However, n8n faces competition from well-established players like Zapier, Make, and Power Automate. A direct comparison with these competitors will be explored later.

How and What Can Be Built with n8n

n8n offers flexibility in its deployment, as it can either be self-hosted or used as a desktop version. For self-hosting, you can utilize Docker, Kubernetes, or other cloud-based services. For instance, using Docker Compose simplifies deployment, management, and scaling by allowing you to define and start all necessary containers through a single YAML file. On the other hand, the desktop version provides the same functionality but with the added convenience of a desktop user interface.

Once set up, n8n can automate a wide range of tasks. Whether it’s managing emails, scheduling appointments, processing payments, or handling inventory, n8n streamlines these processes seamlessly. It also supports sending messages through various channels like Slack or SMS while ensuring all data remains up-to-date. Additionally, the platform can integrate data from diverse sources, including social media platforms, databases, and data storage services, making it a powerful tool for building customized workflows and automation

The Strengths and Advantages of n8n

Although n8n is a relatively new tool, it boasts an impressive array of features and capabilities:

  • Multi-Trigger Workflows: n8n allows you to start an automation workflow using multiple triggers and seamlessly run them within a single process. This unique feature sets n8n apart, as no comparable tool offers this functionality in the same way.
  • Rapid App Development: While n8n currently supports fewer apps compared to established competitors, it offers the ability to add new apps quickly. This can be done by the n8n team or by users with strong programming skills. For those hosting n8n.io themselves, the code is fully customizable, enabling limitless extensions with popular programming languages like JSON, JavaScript, or Python. Moreover, widely-used apps like Google Drive, Slack, and Airtable are already supported.
  • Modular Structure: n8n’s interface features a straightforward drag-and-drop builder, making it user-friendly even for those without extensive programming knowledge. The visual workflow design ensures clarity, allowing users to see which tools are in use, what actions are being performed, and the sequence of operations.
  • JSON Export: Entire workflows in n8n can be exported as JSON, simplifying the duplication or templating of processes. While this feature exists in other tools, n8n implements it with exceptional ease. This advantage stems from n8n’s open-source nature, which holds significant potential for further innovation in the near future.

n8n Compared to Similar Tools

n8n stands out in several ways when compared to its competitors, offering distinct advantages and features:

  • Open-Source Code:
    One of n8n’s most significant strengths is its open-source nature. The source code is freely available on n8n.io, allowing users to host and customize the tool to fit their needs. Additionally, n8n is fair-code licensed, ensuring transparency and ethical usage.
  • n8n.cloud:
    For those who prefer a ready-to-use option, n8n is available as an iPaaS solution via n8n.cloud. This allows users to start automating workflows immediately using n8n’s servers without needing to manage hosting.
  • Supported Apps:
    Currently, n8n supports over 200 apps, with the number steadily increasing. However, in a direct comparison, competitors like Zapier (with over 3,000 apps) and Make (with more than 1,000 apps) lead in app integrations. Despite this, n8n benefits from its strong community, which not only provides suggestions for new app integrations but also contributes to their development.
  • Pricing:
    n8n is more affordable than competitors like Zapier and also offers a free self-hosted option. Additionally, most of n8n’s subscriptions allow unlimited users, making it a cost-effective choice for teams.
  • Data Protection:
    Unlike some other tools, n8n takes a more cautious and transparent approach to data collection. The self-hosted version provides maximum data security, while the iPaaS option ensures efforts are made to minimize risks and maintain user trust.

While n8n may have fewer app integrations compared to industry giants, its open-source flexibility, affordability, and focus on data security make it a compelling alternative for many users.

n8n Pricing: What does the tool cost?

n8n is not just n8n. As previously mentioned, n8n.io, which can be hosted locally via the open source code, is available completely free of charge. However, in this case the number of monthly workflow executions is limited.

N8n.cloud, on the other hand, is associated with costs:

                                                                                                   

The price table (also compared to other tools) is very manageable: three packages at 20, 50 or 120€ per month with different numbers of workflow executions and active workflows. A Workflow Execution means that an execution is counted as soon as an entire, multi-stage workflow has run through once (regardless of whether it is successful or fails). Active Workflows in this case means a series of interconnected nodes. Nodes are a term that comes up again and again in n8n. Nodes are configured to perform a specific step or action, such as “Retrieve all users from Slack”.

That’s it, there are not many more details. There’s also a 30-day trial for testing.

n8n Review Conclusion: n8n as an alternative for other iPaaS software?

If you are relatively new to server deployment or cloud services, it might be challenging to set up n8n.io yourself. Some knowledge of APIs and webhooks is also required to utilise the full potential of the platform. It is therefore advisable to get experts on board during the process – because once properly set up, n8n is fairly easy to maintain.

n8n is still a young and relatively small tool, with a strong community and funding behind it. There are currently still some weaknesses for corporate use. The focus of n8n itself is still clearly on hosting, expanding and using the code itself. For service providers, however, it still needs a few more features, such as more supported apps or better user management (which, by the way, none of the competitors have solved well either). The tool still needs some time to be attractive and ready to use for large and medium-sized companies, but it’s still worth trying it out and seeing how far you can get with it.

In addition, n8n is currently in a strong growing phase, which promises further development of the tool in the future. So maybe this n8n review will have to be completely revised again in a few months, who knows?

n8n review: Prozess Ansicht