Self-hosted n8n allows you to run automation workflows on your own infrastructure, with costs and performance determined by the server and resources you choose.
While n8n is open-source and free to use, self-hosting still involves infrastructure expenses and ongoing operational effort, including server maintenance, security, backups, and updates.
This article explains how self-hosted n8n works, what influences its costs, who it’s best suited for, and how it compares to managed alternatives.
What is Self Hosted N8N?
Self-hosted n8n is the deployment of n8n automation software on infrastructure you own or control, such as a cloud server, virtual machine, or on-premise system.
Instead of using a managed service, you install n8n yourself and operate it within your own environment. This gives you direct control over configuration, data storage, and system behavior.
Once installed and secured, you can create, run, and manage workflows entirely within your own setup.
Who Should Choose Self-Hosted N8N?
Self-hosted N8N is best suited for users and teams who want full control over their automation infrastructure and are comfortable managing servers.
You should consider self-hosted N8N if you:
- Have technical or DevOps experience to manage servers and deployments
- Want full ownership and control over your data
- Prefer lower long-term costs compared to managed services
- Need custom configurations or advanced integrations
- Are running automations in controlled or private environments
- Are comfortable handling updates, backups, and security
Self-hosted N8N is ideal for developers, startups with in-house engineering teams, agencies managing multiple workflows, and organizations with strict data or compliance requirements.
If ease of use, hands-off maintenance, and guaranteed reliability are more important, a managed N8N service may be a better fit.
Self Hosted N8N Pricing Models
Self-hosted N8N doesn’t use traditional pricing plans. Instead, costs depend on how you provision and manage your infrastructure, with expenses driven by server resources and usage patterns rather than subscriptions.
Most self-hosted N8N setups follow these cost models:
| Cost Factor | How It Impacts Self-Hosted N8N |
|---|---|
| Usage-Driven Scaling | As workflow executions increase, you may need to upgrade server resources or add additional instances, which indirectly increases monthly costs. |
| Storage & Database Costs | Costs grow with workflow history, execution logs, and database size, especially when using external databases or object storage. |
| Backup & Monitoring Costs | Optional but recommended tools for backups, uptime monitoring, and alerting add extra recurring expenses. |
| Operational & Maintenance Costs | Time spent on setup, updates, security patches, and troubleshooting represents an indirect but real cost. |
Self Hosted N8N Providers
Self-hosted n8n providers offer infrastructure on which you can install and run n8n yourself, without bundled management or platform-level maintenance.
These providers supply servers and networking, while setup, security, updates, and monitoring remain your responsibility.
Commonly used self-hosted N8N providers include:
- DigitalOcean ↗
- Hostinger ↗
- AWS (EC2) ↗
- Google Cloud Platform ↗
- Hetzner Cloud ↗
- Linode (Akamai) ↗
- Vultr ↗
- Contabo ↗
- Oracle Cloud Infrastructure ↗
- On-premise or private servers ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Is self-hosted N8n free?
Yes, N8N itself is open-source and free to use when self-hosted.
However, you still need to pay for server infrastructure, storage, bandwidth, and any tools used for backups, monitoring, or security.
Why is self-hosted N8N cheaper than managed N8N?
Self-hosted N8N is usually cheaper because you’re only paying for raw infrastructure.
You handle setup, updates, security, backups, and maintenance yourself, which removes the service and support costs included in managed plans.
What affects self-hosted N8N costs the most?
Costs mainly depend on:
- Server size (CPU, RAM, storage)
- Workflow execution volume
- Database and storage usage
- Backup and monitoring setup
- Traffic and bandwidth consumption
Can I scale self-hosted N8N later?
Yes, but scaling is manual.
You’ll need to upgrade your server, adjust resources, or migrate to a larger instance as your workload grows.
Is my data safe with self-hosted N8N?
Data security depends entirely on how you configure and manage your server.
With proper SSL, firewall rules, encrypted backups, and regular updates, self-hosted N8N can be very secure—but responsibility rests with you.
