We've built automation workflows on Zapier, Make, and n8n. All three are solid tools. But there's one we recommend most often to growing businesses: n8n.
Not because it's the easiest (it's not). Not because it has the most integrations (Zapier wins that). We recommend it because it's the only automation platform where the cost doesn't explode as you scale.
Here's what makes n8n different—and why it might be exactly what your business needs.
What Is n8n?
n8n is open-source automation software that you can host on your own server. Think of it like Make or Zapier in terms of what it does—connects apps, automates workflows, handles data—but instead of paying a subscription per task, you run it yourself.
You can use their cloud version (similar to Zapier), but the real power is in self-hosting. Once it's set up, you can run unlimited workflows, process unlimited data, and never see a bill that scales with your usage.
The Pricing Problem With Most Automation Tools
Let's talk about why this matters.
Zapier charges per task. Make charges per operation. When you're just starting out and running a few simple workflows, these tools are affordable. $20-50 a month. No big deal.
But as your business grows and you automate more things, the bill grows with it. Suddenly you're at $200/month. Then $400. Then you're looking at enterprise pricing.
You're being punished for success. The more your business grows, the more you pay for the same automation.
With n8n, you pay for server hosting—usually $10-30/month depending on your needs—and that's it. Run 100 workflows or 1,000 workflows. Process 10 tasks or 10,000 tasks. Same cost.
What Self-Hosted Actually Means
When we say n8n is "self-hosted," here's what that means in practice:
Instead of n8n running on their servers (like Zapier does), you rent a small server from a hosting provider like DigitalOcean, AWS, or others. We install n8n on that server. Now you have your own private automation platform.
Your data stays on your server. Your workflows run on your server. No one else has access. You control everything.
Yes, this requires setup. But once it's running, you don't think about it. It just works, running in the background, executing your workflows automatically.
Why We Love Working With n8n
1. Visual Workflow Design
n8n uses a visual canvas where you build workflows by connecting nodes. You can see the entire flow at a glance. It's intuitive and makes complex logic easier to understand than text-based automation.
If you've used Make (Integromat), n8n feels similar. Drag, drop, connect, configure. Test each step as you build.
2. Powerful Data Manipulation
n8n excels at transforming data between systems. You can split data, merge it, filter it, format it, do math on it, restructure it—all within the workflow.
When you're connecting apps that don't quite speak the same language, this matters. n8n can be the translator.
3. Unlimited Workflows, No Usage Caps
Build as many workflows as you want. Run them as often as you want. Process as much data as you want. The cost doesn't change.
This means we can automate aggressively without worrying about running up your bill. We can set workflows to check things every minute instead of every hour because there's no per-task fee.
4. Custom Code When You Need It
Most of the time, you build n8n workflows with visual blocks. But when you need custom logic that doesn't fit into pre-built nodes, you can drop in JavaScript or Python code.
This makes n8n incredibly flexible. If something is possible to code, it's possible in n8n.
5. Privacy and Data Control
Because n8n runs on your server, your data never leaves your control. For businesses handling sensitive information—client data, financial records, health information—this is a big deal.
You're not sending data through a third-party service. It goes from your CRM to your server to your email system. All within your infrastructure.
6. No Vendor Lock-In
With Zapier or Make, your workflows live on their platform. If you ever want to leave, you're rebuilding everything from scratch.
With n8n, you own the server and the workflows. You can export them, move them, modify them. If you decide to switch to something else down the road, you're not stuck.
Real-World Example: The Cost Difference
Let's say you're running a growing online business. You've automated:
- New order notifications and processing (500/month)
- Customer onboarding sequences (100/month)
- Inventory monitoring (checking every hour = 720/month)
- Review request follow-ups (300/month)
- Support ticket routing (200/month)
- Daily reports and data syncing (1,000/month)
That's roughly 2,800 tasks per month.
Zapier: Professional plan at $70/month covers 2,000 tasks. You'd need to upgrade to the Team plan at $120/month for 2,800 tasks, or higher if you grow more.
Make: Core plan at $29/month covers 10,000 operations, so you're covered for now. But as you add more workflows or process more orders, you'll eventually need to upgrade.
n8n (self-hosted): $20/month for a good server. Covers everything. Doesn't increase as you grow.
In this scenario, n8n is cheapest. But more importantly, it stays cheapest as you scale. A year later when you're doing 10,000 tasks/month, n8n is still $20. The others have gotten more expensive.
When n8n Makes Sense
n8n isn't for everyone. Here's when it's the right choice:
You're growing: If your automation needs are increasing, n8n's flat cost structure saves you money long-term.
You have high-volume workflows: Processing hundreds or thousands of items regularly? n8n doesn't charge per item.
You care about privacy: If you're handling sensitive data and want it on your own servers, n8n delivers that.
You have someone technical: Either you're comfortable with basic server management, or you're working with someone who is (like us). n8n requires initial setup and occasional maintenance.
You're tired of usage-based pricing: If your Zapier or Make bill is climbing and you want predictable costs, n8n solves that.
When n8n Might Not Be Right
To be honest, n8n isn't the best fit if:
You need something today: Self-hosted n8n takes time to set up properly. If you need automation running this afternoon, start with Zapier or Make.
You want zero maintenance: Cloud platforms handle everything. With self-hosted n8n, someone needs to manage updates and monitor uptime. (We do this for clients, but it's something to consider.)
Your workflows are very simple: If you're running two basic automations with low volume, paying $20/month for Zapier is fine. The savings from n8n only matter at scale.
How We Set Up n8n for Clients
When we build n8n automation for a client, here's what the process looks like:
- Server setup: We provision a server, install n8n, configure security, set up backups.
- Workflow migration: If you're coming from Zapier or Make, we rebuild your workflows in n8n.
- Testing: We test every workflow thoroughly to make sure it works reliably.
- Monitoring: We set up alerts so we know if anything breaks and can fix it before you notice.
- Documentation: We document how everything works so you're not dependent on us.
After setup, most clients never think about it. The workflows run, the server hums along, and the cost stays constant.
The Bottom Line
We love n8n because it aligns with how we think automation should work: powerful, flexible, affordable, and owned by you.
You're not renting automation from a vendor that charges more as you succeed. You're running your own automation infrastructure that grows with your business without the cost growing too.
For businesses that are serious about automation and plan to scale, n8n is the best long-term choice we've found.
Curious if n8n is right for your business? Let's talk. We'll look at your current automation setup and give you an honest assessment of whether self-hosted n8n makes sense—or if you're better off with something simpler.