Are you looking for a smart way to make your apps talk to each other without paying expensive monthly fees? Maybe you want your leads, emails, spreadsheets, and notifications to work together automatically—while you finally get time for a proper lunch break.
If yes, then n8n is exactly what you’re looking for.
n8n is a powerful automation tool that lets you connect different apps and services without writing complex code. But once you decide to self-host n8n, one important question comes up:
👉 Should you install n8n on Ubuntu or Debian?
If those names sound confusing, don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll explain everything in simple, real-world language, so you can confidently choose the right operating system for your n8n VPS.
At CreativeON, we’ve been helping businesses in Pakistan with hosting, servers, and cloud solutions for over 20 years—from large organizations like Daewoo Pakistan and Chughtai Lab to startups and solo founders. Let’s help you make the right decision.
What Is n8n and Why Should You Self-Host It?
Think of n8n as your digital automation assistant. It can:
- Save email attachments to Google Drive
- Send WhatsApp or Slack alerts for new orders
- Sync data between CRMs, spreadsheets, and databases
- Trigger workflows automatically based on events
When you choose self-hosted n8n, you install it on your own VPS server, instead of using a hosted service.
Benefits of Self-Hosting n8n
- Full data ownership (your workflows stay on your server)
- No per-workflow or per-task limits
- Lower long-term cost
- Better performance and control
As a Google Workspace Official Partner and Reseller, we regularly work with automation tools like n8n to help businesses streamline operations efficiently—especially when hosted on a reliable VPS in Pakistan.
Ubuntu vs Debian: Understanding the Basics
When you buy a VPS in Pakistan, the first choice you’ll see is the operating system. For n8n, the two most popular Linux options are Ubuntu and Debian.
Both are excellent. The real difference lies in ease of use vs long-term stability.
Let’s break them down.
Ubuntu for n8n: Easy, Popular, and Beginner-Friendly
Ubuntu is one of the most widely used Linux operating systems in the world. If this is your first time running n8n on a VPS, Ubuntu is often the easiest choice.
Why Choose Ubuntu?
- Beginner-friendly: Most n8n tutorials and guides use Ubuntu
- Latest software support: Newer versions of Docker and Node.js
- Large community: Easy to find help online
- Great for testing and fast setup
Ubuntu’s LTS (Long-Term Support) versions are especially popular for servers because they receive security updates for years.
Best Use Case for Ubuntu
- First-time n8n users
- Small to medium automation projects
- Developers who want faster setup and flexibility
Debian for n8n: Stable, Lightweight, and Built for Production
Debian is known for one thing above all else: rock-solid stability. Many enterprise servers around the world run on Debian because it prioritizes reliability over frequent changes.
Why Choose Debian?
- Extremely stable (rarely breaks after updates)
- Lightweight (uses fewer server resources)
- Excellent for long-running workflows
- Lower overhead, perfect for smaller VPS plans
Debian updates its software more slowly, but that’s intentional—it focuses on tested and proven packages.
Best Use Case for Debian
- Production n8n environments
- Long-term automation projects
- Users who prefer “set it once and forget it” servers
Ubuntu vs Debian for n8n — Quick Comparison
Feature | Ubuntu | Debian |
Ease of Use | Very easy | Moderate |
Stability | High | Very high |
Software Updates | Faster | Slower, more tested |
Resource Usage | Slightly higher | Lower |
Beginner Friendly | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Some experience helpful |
Best for n8n | Beginners & testing | Production & long-term use |
So, Which One Should You Choose for n8n?
Here’s the simple answer:
Choose Ubuntu if:
- You’re new to self-hosting n8n
- You want the easiest setup
- You plan to follow online tutorials step by step
Choose Debian if:
- You want maximum stability
- You’re running business-critical automations
- You prefer lower resource usage on your VPS
Both options work perfectly with n8n when set up correctly.
How to Get Started with n8n on a VPS
Setting up n8n on a VPS is easier than most people expect.
Basic Setup Flow
- Buy a VPS (Linux VPS in Pakistan is ideal)
- Choose Ubuntu or Debian
- Install Docker & Docker Compose
- Run n8n using official Docker images
- Secure it with HTTPS and backups
At CreativeON, we offer VPS Hosting in Pakistan optimized for automation tools like n8n—whether you need a lightweight Linux VPS or a more powerful server for heavy workflows.
Our support team understands real-world automation needs, not just server specs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. n8n is free and open-source when you self-host it. You only pay for your VPS server.
Technically yes, but it requires migrating your setup. It’s best to choose the right OS from the start. If unsure, Ubuntu is a safe starting point.
Not necessarily. Many workflows run smoothly on 2 GB RAM VPS, especially on Debian. Resource needs depend on workflow complexity.
We’ve been in the hosting industry for over two decades, are a PKNIC Gold Partner, and a Google Workspace Official Partner. Our focus is helping Pakistani businesses choose the right solution—not overselling resources.
Final Thoughts
Self-hosting n8n is one of the smartest moves you can make to automate your work while keeping costs under control.
- Ubuntu gives you simplicity and flexibility
- Debian gives you stability and efficiency
- A reliable VPS in Pakistan keeps performance fast and secure
Once your automations are running, it truly feels like giving your business a superpower.
If you’re ready to start, explore our VPS server in Pakistan options and let CreativeON help you run n8n the right way—securely, reliably, and affordably.