n8n
Verdict
Evidence: Editorial assessmentn8n is the automation platform to pick if you want to self-host and add code or AI agent steps to workflows. It is fair-code rather than open source: the Sustainable Use License allows self-hosting for internal use but restricts some commercial uses. Hosted plan prices were not re-verified in October 2026.
Quick facts
| n8n | |
|---|---|
| Maker | n8n |
| Category | AI Automation & Agent Builders |
| Pricing model | Source available (self-host) |
| Status | Active |
| Official site | n8n.io |
| Data last checked | 5 October 2026 |
Key facts and sources
| Claim | Detail | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licence | n8n describes itself as a fair-code platform to build and deploy AI agents and workflows, distributed under the Sustainable Use License and the n8n Enterprise License. | Verified | n8n-io/n8n on GitHub, 5 October 2026 |
Pricing
No prices are shown because we have not confirmed them on n8n's own pricing page. Go to n8n
Who should use it
- Self-hosting workflows on your own infrastructure
- Technical teams who want code steps alongside no-code nodes
Who should skip it
- You want the largest catalogue of ready-made app integrations with no setup (compare Zapier)
Limitations and risks
- Fair-code licence: read the Sustainable Use License before building a commercial service on it.
How it compares: n8n alternatives
Make
Make (formerly Integromat), a visual no-code automation platform that links apps into multi-step scenarios, including AI steps.
Zapier AI
Zapier's automation platform with AI features, including AI steps in workflows, agents and chatbots.
Lindy
A no-code platform for building AI agents that handle email, scheduling, CRM updates and other business workflows.
MiniMax Agent
A general-purpose AI agent from MiniMax, the Chinese AI company behind the Hailuo video and MiniMax speech and music models.
Rating
Not yet rated. We show a rating only when at least four of six criteria have documented evidence. How we rate AI tools
Common questions
Is n8n open source?
n8n calls itself fair-code. Its source is available under the Sustainable Use License and an Enterprise License, which allow self-hosting but restrict some commercial uses; it is not an OSI-approved open-source licence.
Sources
- n8n-io/n8n on GitHub · checked 5 October 2026
- n8n official site