n8n (pronounced "n-eight-n") is the automation tool that developer and technical teams swear by. Unlike Zapier or Make, it's fully open-source and can be self-hosted — which means no per-task pricing, no vendor lock-in, and complete control over your data.
Why Choose n8n Over Zapier or Make?
The case for n8n comes down to three factors:
- Price: Self-hosting is completely free. Run unlimited workflows with no task caps.
- Control: Your data stays on your infrastructure — critical for regulated industries.
- Flexibility: Write custom JavaScript or Python code directly inside workflows.
The tradeoff is that setup requires some technical comfort. But with Docker, it's surprisingly straightforward.
Installation: 3 Ways to Get Started
There are three main ways to run n8n:
- n8n Cloud (easiest): Hosted for you. Starts at $20/month for unlimited workflows.
- Docker (recommended for self-hosting):
docker run -it --rm --name n8n -p 5678:5678 n8nio/n8n - npm (lightweight):
npm install n8n -g && n8n start
Once running, access the UI at http://localhost:5678.
Core Concepts You Need to Know
n8n workflows are built from nodes. Each node represents an app, service, or operation:
- Trigger nodes: Start the workflow (webhook, schedule, app event)
- Action nodes: Do something (HTTP request, database write, email send)
- Logic nodes: If/else conditions, loops, data transforms
- Code nodes: Write arbitrary JavaScript or Python
5 Workflows n8n Does Better Than Zapier
- Webhook → Database → Slack: Real-time event capture with database writes and notifications
- Multi-branch conditional logic: Route data differently based on complex conditions
- API data aggregation: Pull from 5 APIs, merge the data, push to one destination
- Scheduled data pipelines: ETL jobs that run on a cron schedule
- AI agent workflows: Chain OpenAI calls with memory and tool use
n8n vs Zapier: Who Should Use Which
Use n8n if: You're technical, want free unlimited automation, need data privacy, or want to write code inside workflows.
Use Zapier if: You're non-technical, need the broadest app ecosystem (6,000+ apps), or want the simplest possible setup.
Your First n8n Workflow
Start with something simple: when a new GitHub issue is labeled "bug", post it to your Slack #bugs channel. This teaches you triggers, filters, and actions — the three core building blocks of every n8n workflow.
