{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "QAPage",
  "canonical": "https://ireadcustomer.com/en/blog/what-is-n8n-workflow-guide-cloud-vs-self-hosted",
  "markdown_url": "https://ireadcustomer.com/en/blog/what-is-n8n-workflow-guide-cloud-vs-self-hosted.md",
  "title": "What Is n8n? Workflow Guide: Cloud vs Self-Hosted",
  "locale": "en",
  "description": "Explore n8n, an automation platform saving SME costs with execution-based pricing. Compare it to Zapier and use our checklist to pick Cloud or Self-Hosted.",
  "quick_answer": "n8n is an open-source workflow automation platform using execution-based billing rather than per-step charging like Zapier. This model delivers substantial cost savings for complex multi-step processes, available either as a free self-hosted Community Edition or managed Cloud from €20/month.",
  "summary": "n8n is an open-source workflow automation platform designed to connect disparate business applications, databases, and APIs without requiring comprehensive custom coding. What fundamentally sets n8n apart from legacy automation tools like Zapier or Make is its execution-based pricing model. Rather than billing businesses for each individual intermediate step or task, n8n charges based on full workflow completions, providing significant cost efficiencies for organizations scaling complex operations. For business owners and SME decision-makers, managing disconnected software ecosystems—such as s",
  "faq": [
    {
      "question": "How do you pronounce n8n?",
      "answer": "n8n is pronounced 'N-eight-N'. It is a numeronym for 'nodemation', keeping the first letter 'n' and last letter 'n', with the number 8 representing the eight letters in between."
    },
    {
      "question": "What is Workflow Automation?",
      "answer": "Workflow automation is the practice of using software to execute repetitive, rule-based business tasks without manual effort, such as syncing order data across CRMs, ERPs, and customer messaging platforms."
    },
    {
      "question": "Is n8n free to use?",
      "answer": "n8n offers a free Community Edition that can be self-hosted on your own private server with unlimited executions. For organizations wanting managed infrastructure, n8n Cloud starts at €20/month for 2,500 executions."
    },
    {
      "question": "What can n8n do for small and medium businesses?",
      "answer": "n8n connects distinct software tools to automate lead capture, e-commerce order routing, customer messaging, accounting entry creation, and AI-assisted data classification without requiring custom software engineering."
    }
  ],
  "tags": [
    "n8n",
    "Workflow Automation",
    "Zapier",
    "SME Thailand",
    "Cloud vs Self-Hosted"
  ],
  "categories": [],
  "source_urls": [
    "https://n8n.io/pricing/",
    "https://docs.n8n.io/hosting/compare-editions/"
  ],
  "datePublished": "2026-10-03T08:04:01.964Z",
  "dateModified": "2026-10-03T08:04:01.979Z",
  "author": "Naruebet Aungsirikulthumrong"
}