When choosing an n8n version, the main differences between n8n Cloud and self-hosted boil down to three key areas: management, features, and control. n8n Cloud is a fully managed, software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform where n8n handles all infrastructure, updates, and security, offering maximum convenience. Conversely, the self-hosted version gives you complete control over your data and environment, but places the responsibility for setup, maintenance, and scaling squarely on your shoulders. While both versions share the same powerful core automation engine, the paid Cloud and Enterprise plans include advanced features for collaboration, user management (like SSO), and DevOps that are not present in the free self-hosted Community edition.
The Fundamental Choice: Convenience vs. Control
So you’ve decided to dive into the world of n8n. Fantastic choice! But right away, you’re faced with a big decision: Should you use n8n Cloud or host it yourself? Let’s be honest, this is the most common question I see from new users, and it’s a critical one.
Think of it like this: n8n Cloud is like renting a beautiful, fully-furnished apartment in a high-tech building. You move in, everything works, the building manager handles maintenance, and you just enjoy living there. Self-hosting, on the other hand, is like buying a plot of land and building your own house from the ground up. You have total freedom to design it exactly how you want, but you’re also the architect, builder, and plumber.
Neither is inherently “better”—they just serve different needs. The right choice for you depends entirely on your technical skills, your project’s requirements, and how much hands-on control you truly want.
n8n Cloud: The “It Just Works” Approach
n8n Cloud is designed for speed and simplicity. It’s the path of least resistance to getting your automations up and running, and for many, it’s the perfect solution.
What You Get with n8n Cloud
With the Cloud version, n8n takes care of all the behind-the-scenes grunt work. We’re talking about:
- Managed Infrastructure: No need to configure servers, worry about Docker containers, or manage databases. n8n handles the uptime, security, and performance of the platform.
- Instant Setup & Updates: You can literally sign up and build your first workflow in minutes. Plus, updates are rolled out automatically, so you always have the latest features and security patches without lifting a finger.
- Simplified OAuth Connections: This is a subtle but huge quality-of-life improvement. When you connect to services like Google or Microsoft, the Cloud version often has a simple “Sign in” button. That’s because n8n has already set up and maintains the necessary OAuth applications. You just click and authorize.
- Predictable Pricing: You choose a plan based on your expected workflow executions and feature needs. It’s straightforward and easy to budget for.
Essentially, n8n Cloud lets you focus 100% on what you want to do: build powerful automations.
n8n Self-Hosted: Your Automation, Your Rules
Now, for the builders, the tinkerers, and the control-freaks (I say that with love, as I’m one of them!). The self-hosted path offers unparalleled freedom and customization.
Embracing Total Responsibility
When you self-host n8n, you become the system administrator. This means you are responsible for everything: from the initial server setup using Docker or npm to ongoing maintenance, scaling, and security. You’ll need a solid understanding of server management to avoid potential data loss or security vulnerabilities.
If you’re not comfortable managing a server, configuring environment variables, or troubleshooting a container that won’t start, the self-hosted route can quickly become a headache. Trust me, it’s a path that demands technical expertise.
The Power of Full Control
So why would anyone choose this path? Because the rewards are significant:
- Data Sovereignty: Your workflows and execution data never leave your infrastructure. For organizations with strict data privacy policies like GDPR or HIPAA, this isn’t just a preference; it’s a requirement.
- Unlimited Customization: You can fine-tune your instance, enable specific npm modules for the Code node, run community nodes without restrictions, and configure every aspect of the environment.
- Cost Efficiency at Scale: If you already have the infrastructure and in-house technical talent, self-hosting can be more cost-effective for very high-volume usage compared to top-tier Cloud plans.
Feature Differences: A Head-to-Head Comparison
While the core workflow-building experience is consistent, the free Community self-hosted version lacks some of the advanced features found in the paid Cloud and Enterprise plans. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Feature | n8n Self-Hosted (Community) | n8n Cloud / Enterprise (Paid) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Engine | Unlimited Workflows & Executions | Unlimited Workflows & Executions |
| Setup & Maintenance | Manual (User’s Responsibility) | Fully Managed by n8n |
| OAuth Credential Setup | Manual (Create your own apps) | Pre-configured for many services |
| User Management | Basic (Single or multi-user) | Advanced RBAC, SAML/LDAP SSO |
| Collaboration | Limited (Share workflows via file) | Real-time collaboration, shared credentials |
| DevOps & Versioning | Not Available | Git-based version control, multiple environments |
| Secrets Management | Local or env variables | Integration with external vaults (e.g., HashiCorp) |
| Support | Community Forum | Dedicated email/enterprise support |
A Real-World Case Study: The OAuth Credential Conundrum
I’ll never forget the first time I set up a self-hosted instance and tried to connect to Google Sheets. I clicked to add a credential and instinctively looked for that familiar, friendly “Sign in with Google” button. It wasn’t there.
My heart sank for a second. Did I break it? Is it a bug?
Nope. This is the perfect illustration of the Cloud vs. Self-Hosted difference. The button on n8n Cloud works because it uses n8n’s own pre-registered, globally-managed OAuth application. For my self-hosted instance, I had to go into the Google Cloud Console, create a new project, enable the right APIs, configure an OAuth client ID and secret, and then copy-paste those values back into my n8n credentials screen.
It took me an extra 10 minutes, but the result was that my automations were now authenticated through my own application, not n8n’s. For a personal project, it’s a minor hassle. For a company with strict security protocols, it’s a feature.
This single experience perfectly encapsulates the trade-off: n8n Cloud provides convenience and speed, while self-hosting provides granular control and ownership.
So, Which n8n Version is Right for You?
Ultimately, the decision is yours. There is no wrong answer, only the answer that best fits your context.
- Choose n8n Cloud if: You’re a solo user, a team, or a business that values ease of use, wants to start automating immediately, and prefers a managed solution with predictable costs.
- Choose Self-Hosted if: You have the technical skills (or a dedicated DevOps team), require absolute data sovereignty, need deep environment customization, or are operating at a massive scale where managing your own infrastructure is more economical.
Both paths lead to the same destination of powerful, life-changing automation. The only difference is whether you want to enjoy the scenic bus tour or build the car yourself. Happy automating!
