n8n Self-Hosted vs. Cloud Features Comparison: Which is Right for You?
Navigating the world of automation platforms can be tricky, especially when deciding between self-hosting and cloud solutions. n8n, the popular open-source workflow automation platform, offers both options, each with distinct features and capabilities. Understanding the nuances of n8n self-hosted vs cloud features comparison is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with your technical expertise, budget, and security requirements. Whether you prioritize control and customization or ease of use and scalability, this detailed comparison will guide you in choosing the right n8n deployment for your automation journey.
Understanding the Basics: n8n Cloud and Self-Hosted
Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let’s clarify what each deployment option entails:
- n8n Cloud: This is the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offering. n8n handles all the infrastructure, maintenance, and updates. You simply sign up and start building workflows. Think of it as renting a fully furnished apartment – convenient and ready to use.
- n8n Self-Hosted: This involves installing and managing n8n on your own servers or infrastructure. You have complete control over the environment. This is like building your own house – more work upfront, but you get to customize everything.
Core Features: What Remains Constant?
Regardless of your choice, the core functionality of n8n remains consistent. Both versions offer:
- Visual Workflow Editor: Design automation workflows with a drag-and-drop interface.
- Nodes and Integrations: Access a wide range of pre-built nodes for connecting to various apps and services. (Think: connecting to Google Sheets, sending Slack messages, etc.)
- Workflow Execution: Run workflows manually or schedule them to run automatically.
- Community Support: Tap into the n8n community for help, resources, and inspiration.
What’s the Same Across the Board?
Here’s a quick rundown of features you get regardless of whether you go self-hosted or cloud:
- Unlimited workflows
- Unlimited executions (though cloud plans may have execution limits based on your subscription)
- Access to core nodes and functionality
- Active community support
Key Feature Differences: n8n Self-Hosted vs. Cloud
Now, here’s where it gets interesting! The table below highlights the main differences in features between n8n self-hosted and cloud options. These differences primarily apply to the free self-hosted version. Paid, self-hosted Enterprise plans gain access to most of the features available in the cloud.
| Feature | n8n Cloud | n8n Self-Hosted (Community) | n8n Self-Hosted (Enterprise) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collaboration | Built-in collaboration features | Limited collaboration | Full collaboration features |
| Execution Search | Available | Not available | Available |
| Global Variables | Supported | Not supported | Supported |
| SSO (SAML/LDAP) | Supported on higher-tier plans | Not supported | Supported |
| Log Streaming | Available | Not available | Available |
| Environments | Supported | Not supported | Supported |
| Version Control (Git) | Supported | Not supported | Supported |
| External Secret Store | Supported | Not supported | Supported |
| Automatic Updates | Yes | No | No (requires manual updates or automation) |
| Infrastructure Mgmt. | Handled by n8n | Managed by you | Managed by you |
| Pricing | Subscription-based | Free (Community) / Paid (Enterprise) | Subscription-based |
Real-World Example: Choosing the Right Deployment
Let’s say you’re a small marketing agency. Your team needs to automate lead generation and email campaigns. You could use n8n to pull data from various sources (like Facebook Ads and landing pages), cleanse it, and then push it to your CRM and email marketing platform.
- If you lack dedicated IT resources and want a quick start, n8n Cloud is ideal. The collaboration features would allow your team to work together on workflows seamlessly.
- If you have technical expertise and want to save on subscription costs, n8n self-hosted could work. However, you’d need to manage the server, updates, and potentially miss out on some collaboration features.
- If you need advanced security features (like SSO) and collaboration, n8n self-hosted Enterprise is the way to go. You would have more overhead in terms of setup and maintenance, but you retain more control over your data and security.
Making the Right Choice
Ultimately, the decision hinges on your specific needs and resources. If you value simplicity, scalability, and team collaboration, n8n Cloud is a strong contender. If you prefer full control, customization, and cost savings (and have the technical know-how), self-hosting might be more appropriate. Assess your priorities, weigh the pros and cons, and choose the option that best empowers you to automate efficiently.
Remember, regardless of the path you choose, the power of n8n is at your fingertips. Happy automating!
