What is n8n?
n8n is a workflow automation platform that lets you connect apps, APIs, and AI tools to automate almost anything, from marketing to IT operations. The name stands for “nodemation,” reflecting how it builds workflows as a chain of connected nodes. Each node represents an action, trigger, or data transformation.
Unlike most automation tools, n8n gives you the freedom to use both visual design and code in one place. You can drag-and-drop blocks for most tasks, but when you need full control, you can write JavaScript or Python directly inside your workflow.
Why n8n Is Different from Other Automation Tools
Most tools like Zapier or Make limit what you can build. They are cloud-only, charge per task, and often hide the logic under the hood. n8n changes that.
With n8n, you can self-host it anywhere, control your data, and design complex workflows without paying extra per action. It is open in spirit, developer-friendly, and trusted by thousands of startups, agencies, and enterprises worldwide.
Key Features That Make n8n So Powerful
• Hybrid Low-Code Design: Drag-and-drop nodes for easy automation, then drop into code when you need custom logic.
• AI-Native: Add AI actions directly into your workflows to summarize data, route tickets, or make intelligent decisions.
• Self-Hosting Options: Install on-premise or on your own cloud server to comply with GDPR.
• Execution-Based Pricing: Pay for workflow runs, not for each step, more predictable costs for complex automations.
• Huge Integration Library: Hundreds of prebuilt connectors (Slack, Google Sheets, HubSpot, Jira, and more) plus HTTP and GraphQL nodes for any custom API.
• Visual Debugging: Test, replay, and fix workflows quickly with built-in logs and data pins.
How n8n Empowers Teams and Developers
Developers love n8n because it feels like writing code, but faster. You can import npm or Python libraries, run functions inline, and chain APIs visually.
Business teams love it because they don’t need deep technical skills to build automations. Marketing teams can sync leads, sales can enrich CRM data, and operations can automate reporting — all without waiting for IT.
n8n vs Zapier vs Make: The Real Comparison
| Feature | n8n | Zapier | Make |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Self-hosted or Cloud | Cloud only | Cloud only |
| Pricing Model | Per workflow execution | Per task | Per operation |
| Code Support | JavaScript & Python | No | No |
| AI Integration | Yes (native) | Limited | Limited |
| GDPR Friendly | Yes (EU Hosting) | Partial | Partial |
n8n for European Companies (GDPR and Data Residency)
For European organizations, especially those in Belgium, France, or Germany, n8n’s hosting flexibility is a major advantage. You can run n8n entirely on-premise or within an EU-based cloud provider such as AWS Frankfurt, Azure Germany, or OVH in France.
That means no personal data ever leaves the EU, simplifying GDPR compliance and audit processes. Even the official n8n Cloud service hosts data in Frankfurt by default.
Real-World Use Cases
• IT Operations: Automate employee onboarding and account provisioning with integrations to Active Directory, Google Workspace, or Jira.
• Marketing Automation: Sync form leads from your website to HubSpot or Mailchimp, enrich them with Clearbit, and post updates in Slack.
• AI Workflows: Use OpenAI, Anthropic, or Ollama locally to classify, summarize, or generate text directly inside workflows.
• Data Pipelines: Combine multiple APIs and export results to Google Sheets or BigQuery for reporting.
Companies like Delivery Hero report saving over 200 hours per month by automating routine IT workflows with n8n.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is n8n open source?
n8n is source-available under the Sustainable Use License, allowing free self-hosting and code customization for most business use cases.
Where is n8n Cloud hosted?
n8n Cloud is hosted in Frankfurt, Germany, offering full GDPR compliance and EU data residency.
Does n8n support Python?
Yes, you can use both JavaScript and Python in code nodes for advanced logic.
How much does n8n cost?
The self-hosted version is free. Cloud plans start with predictable execution-based pricing, so you never pay for every single step.
Can I integrate AI?
Yes, n8n has built-in nodes for OpenAI, Hugging Face, and even local LLMs through Ollama.
Conclusion
If your team wants the flexibility of code with the speed of low-code, n8n is the automation platform to watch in 2025. Whether you run a Belgian startup or a European enterprise, n8n gives you the control, compliance, and scalability your workflows need.
Try n8n Cloud today or set up your own self-hosted instance in minutes. Build your first automation and see how much time you can save this week.
Would you like to learn more? Make sure to also read our Zapier vs Make showdown!