Is n8n Free? Open-Source vs Paid Versions (Complete Guide)

Automation sounds complicated, but it doesn’t have to be.

If you’ve ever wished your apps could talk to each other automatically — like sending a Slack message when you get an important email or posting products to social media without doing it manually — then n8n is the tool you should know about.

In this guide, we’ll explain whether n8n is free, how the open-source version compares to the paid cloud plans, and which option makes sense for businesses in Pakistan. We’ll also show you how running n8n on a VPS in Pakistan can save money and give you full control.

What Is n8n? (Simple Explanation)

n8n (short for “node-node”) is an automation tool that connects different apps and services together.

Instead of doing the same task again and again, n8n lets you create workflows that run automatically.

Real-Life Examples

• When a customer fills out a form → save data to Google Sheets

   

• When a sale happens → send a WhatsApp or Slack alert

   

• When a file is uploaded → back it up automatically

   

• Sync emails, CRMs, invoices, and databases without manual work

   

The best part?
👉 Most automations require little to no coding.

Is n8n Free?

Yes — n8n is free.
But there’s an important detail you should understand.

n8n has two main versions:

1. Free & Open-Source (Self-Hosted)

    

2. Paid Cloud Version (Managed)

    

Both use the same core engine, but they’re designed for different needs.

Let’s break them down clearly.

The Free Open-Source Version of n8n

The open-source version of n8n is completely free and can be used forever.

You download it, install it on your own system or server, and you’re in full control.

What You Get for Free

• Unlimited workflows

   

• 100+ integrations (Google Sheets, Gmail, Slack, APIs, databases, and more)

   

• Full customization and control

   

• No monthly n8n license cost

   

The only thing you need is a place to run it — usually:

• Your own computer (for testing)

   

• Or a VPS server for 24/7 automation
  

Why Self-Hosting n8n on a VPS Makes Sense

For serious use, most people run n8n on a VPS (Virtual Private Server).

A VPS keeps your automations:

• Always online

   

• Faster and more reliable

   

• Private and secure

   

Why Choose a VPS in Pakistan?

If your business or clients are in Pakistan, a local VPS gives:

• Better latency

   

• Faster response times

   

• Lower long-term costs

   

• Local support

   

At CreativeON, we help businesses run n8n smoothly on:

• Linux VPS

   

• Windows VPS in Pakistan

   

• RDP VPS for remote access

   

• Entry-level VPS for testing automation

   

Who Should Use the Free n8n Version?

The free version is perfect if you are:

• A solo founder or freelancer

   

• A small business owner

   

• A developer or IT manager

   

• Testing automation ideas

   

• Looking for the cheapest way to automate

   

Example Use Case

A small online store uses n8n to:

• Auto-post new products to Instagram

   

• Sync orders to Google Sheets

   

• Send order alerts to WhatsApp

   

All of this runs on a low-cost VPS — no monthly automation fees.

Is n8n Really “Free” Then?

Technically yes — n8n itself is free.

But keep in mind:

• You’ll pay for hosting (VPS)

   

• You manage updates and backups yourself

   

That’s why many businesses choose self-hosted n8n on VPS instead of paying monthly cloud fees.

n8n Paid Cloud Version (When You Need More)

If you don’t want to manage servers at all, n8n also offers a paid cloud version.

What You Get with Paid n8n Cloud

• Fully managed hosting

   

• Automatic updates

   

• Built-in backups

   

• Team collaboration

   

• Priority support

   

• Advanced usage limits and features

   

Pricing

• Starts around $20/month

   

• Cost increases with usage and team size

   

Free vs Paid n8n: Side-by-Side Comparison

Which n8n Version Is Best for Pakistani Businesses?

For most businesses in Pakistan:
👉 Self-hosting n8n on a VPS is the smartest option

Why?

• VPS hosting is affordable

   

• No dollar-based monthly SaaS fees

   

• Full data control

   

• Works perfectly with Google Workspace, CRMs, and local tools

   

Paid n8n Cloud makes sense if:

• You have a large team

   

• You want zero technical responsibility

   

• You prefer managed services over control

   

Why Host n8n with CreativeON?

At CreativeON, we don’t just sell servers — we help you use them properly.

We are:

• One of Pakistan’s experienced hosting providers

   

• An official Google Workspace Partner & Reseller

   

• A PKNIC Gold Partner for .PK domains

   

• Trusted by organizations like City42, Channel 24, QTV, Chughtai Lab, Alkhair Group, Daewoo Pakistan, and Orange Line Metro

   

What You Get with Our VPS for n8n

• Reliable VPS in Pakistan

   

• Options for Linux, Windows, and RDP VPS

   

• Affordable plans for automation tools

   

• Guidance for running n8n smoothly

   

• Honest advice — start small, scale later

   

Quick Tips Before You Start with n8n

• Start with the free version

   

• Use a small VPS for testing

   

• Upgrade RAM/CPU as workflows grow

   

• Always enable backups

   

• Secure n8n with authentication

   

Final Thoughts

So, is n8n free?
Yes — and it’s powerful enough to run real businesses.

The free open-source version is perfect for anyone who wants control and low costs, while the paid cloud version is ideal for teams that want everything managed.

If you want the best balance of cost, performance, and flexibility, running n8n on a VPS in Pakistan is hard to beat.

And if you need help getting started, CreativeON is here to make automation simple.