Hey there! If you’re thinking about running n8n on your own server, you probably have a question: “What VPS do I actually need?” Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about VPS requirements for n8n, from minimum specs to recommended setups, installation options, and tips for choosing the right server for your workflows.
I’m Asher Feroze, and I’ve spent years helping people at CreativeON understand hosting solutions—whether it’s Domains, Dedicated Servers, VPS, Cloud Hosting, or Google Workspace. Today, I’ll guide you through what it takes to run n8n smoothly, without unnecessary stress or downtime.
What is n8n and Why You Need a VPS for It
Before diving into server specs, let’s get on the same page. n8n is a workflow automation tool that connects different apps and services, letting you automate repetitive tasks. Imagine it like a robot that handles boring work for you—sending emails, updating databases, or transferring data between apps automatically.
To run n8n reliably, you need a VPS (Virtual Private Server) that meets your automation needs. Choosing the right VPS ensures your workflows run smoothly, whether for personal projects or business-critical automations.
Minimum VPS Requirements for n8n
If you’re just testing or exploring n8n, here’s the bare minimum VPS you’ll need:
- 1 vCPU core – Think of it as one worker handling basic tasks.
- 2 GB RAM – Your server’s “thinking space” for running workflows.
- 20 GB SSD storage – Enough for the operating system, n8n installation, and light workflow data.
- Linux OS – Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is recommended for stability and updates.
- 1 TB bandwidth – Lets your workflows interact with external services without limits.
This setup is suitable for:
- Beginners learning n8n
- Automating a few personal tasks
- Workflows running only a few times a day
- Testing workflows before scaling
⚠️ Note: This setup works, but it’s like driving on the bare minimum fuel. If you want your workflows to run reliably, consider the recommended specs below.
Recommended VPS Specs for n8n Hosting
For smooth performance and real-world usage, we recommend a VPS setup that balances cost and performance:
- 2–4 vCPU cores – Multiple workers allow workflows to run simultaneously.
- 4–8 GB RAM – Comfortable “thinking space” for small to medium automation tasks.
- 40–80 GB NVMe SSD storage – Fast storage ensures quicker workflow execution.
- Linux OS – Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is still our top recommendation.
- 2 TB+ bandwidth – Plenty of room for frequent automation triggers.
This setup is perfect for:
- Small to medium businesses running multiple workflows
- Automation that triggers frequently via webhooks
- Complex workflows with multiple steps or data-heavy processing
- Running multiple workflows simultaneously without performance issues
How to Choose the Right VPS for Your n8n Workflows
To pick the perfect VPS, ask yourself these three questions:
1. What Are You Doing With n8n?
- Personal use or learning: Minimum specs are enough.
- Business automation: Go for recommended specs (2–4 vCPU, 4–8 GB RAM) for reliability.
- High-volume agency or enterprise work: Consider 8+ vCPU cores and 16+ GB RAM to handle multiple clients and high traffic.
2. How Complex Are Your Workflows?
- A short workflow can be more demanding than a long one. Example: looping through 5,000 customer records is more resource-heavy than processing a few records at a time.
- Workflows processing large files (images, PDFs, CSVs) require more RAM.
Pro tip: Start with 4 GB RAM and monitor usage. If it hits 75–80% regularly, upgrade.
3. How Often Do Your Automations Run?
- Scheduled workflows (e.g., once per hour) usually don’t need extra resources.
- Webhook-triggered workflows (running multiple times per minute) need more CPU power. For heavy triggers, use at least 4 vCPU cores.
Three Essential Things for a Solid n8n Setup
Operating System
Linux is the safest choice. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is stable, receives security updates for five years, and has extensive community support. Other options: Debian or CentOS.
Use Docker
Docker is our recommended installation method. It’s like putting n8n and everything it needs into a sealed container. Benefits:
- Easy installation – Everything works immediately.
- Simple updates – Pull new versions without complications.
- Portability – Move your n8n container to another server with ease.
HTTPS Security
Your n8n workflows handle sensitive data—API keys, passwords, personal info. Using HTTPS encrypts all this data, keeping it safe.
- Free SSL with Let’s Encrypt
- Set up via NGINX or Traefik
- Non-negotiable for production environments
Getting n8n Installed on VPS
You have three main options:
- Pre-made VPS templates – CreativeON offers n8n pre-installed for instant use.
- Manual installation via npm – Requires technical knowledge but works for custom setups.
- Docker container – Our favorite method: clean, organized, and easy to update.
Why CreativeON is the Best Choice for n8n VPS Hosting
CreativeON isn’t just another hosting provider. Here’s why you can trust us:
- 20+ years of experience serving top brands in Pakistan like City42, Channel 24, QTV, Chughtai Lab, AlkhairGroup, Dawood Pakistan, and Orange Line Metro
- Official Google Workspace Partner and Reseller
- PKNIC Gold Partner for .PK domain registration
- Lowest rates in Pakistan without compromising quality
- Expert support to help you scale your VPS as your automation grows
Which VPS Should You Choose?
- New to n8n: Start with our basic VPS plan. Learn the ropes, experiment, and build simple workflows. Upgrading later is easy.
- Running a business: Use our recommended specs (2–4 vCPU, 4–8 GB RAM) to ensure reliable performance.
- Growing fast: Monitor your server, and upgrade when needed. CreativeON makes scaling painless.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to be a tech expert to host n8n. Pick the right VPS for your workflows, use Docker, secure your server with HTTPS, and CreativeON will handle the rest.
Whether you’re looking for the best n8n VPS hosting in Pakistan, budget-friendly VPS, or high-performance servers, we’ve got you covered. Let’s help you automate your business with ease.
The author
Asher Feroze
I’m Asher Feroze, and I’ve been part of CreativeON for several years, working in various roles including Manager Operations, Business Development Manager, and technical support for our web hosting services. Over time, I’ve gained deep insights into both the business and technical sides of the industry. Now, I use that experience to write informative articles for CreativeON, Gworkspace, and gworkspacepartner.pk, helping readers make smart choices when it comes to web hosting and Google Workspace solutions.