If you’ve been looking to automate time-consuming tasks without blowing your budget, you’re in luck. n8n is one of the most powerful open-source workflow automation tools out there—and the best part? You can use n8n for free. This guide will walk you step-by-step through how to set up and start using n8n without paying a dime. Whether you're automating emails, syncing data across tools, or building a custom no-code app, n8n has you covered. Let’s explore how to use n8n for free and get your first automation live in no time.
What Is n8n and Why Use It?
n8n (which stands for “nodemation”) is an open-source workflow automation tool like Zapier or Make.com but with more flexibility and developer-friendliness. Unlike many alternatives that charge based on tasks or integrations, n8n offers an unlimited usage tier—provided you're self-hosting.
Key Benefits of Using n8n for Free
- Open-Source and Self-Hostable: No subscription fees required if you host it yourself.
- Supports 300+ integrations: Popular apps like Google Sheets, Notion, Airtable, Slack, and more.
- Custom code and logic support: Add JavaScript functions directly within workflows.
- Local and cloud deployment: Run it on your machine or host it on cloud services like AWS, DigitalOcean, or Render.
How to Use n8n for Free: Step-by-Step Setup
There are two main ways to use n8n at no cost:
- Local Installation on your computer or local server
- Cloud Deployment via free-tier cloud platforms (e.g., Render, Heroku)
We’ll cover both options.
Option 1: Install n8n Locally (Great for Beginners)
Local installation is perfect for testing or simple workflows.
Step 1: Install Node.js and npm
n8n runs on Node.js, so make sure it’s installed:
- Go to nodejs.org
- Download and install the LTS version (recommended)
Verify the installation:
node -v
npm -v
Step 2: Install n8n Globally
Open your terminal or command prompt and run:
npm install n8n -g
Once installed, run:
n8n
This will launch n8n in your browser at http://localhost:5678, where you can start creating workflows.
Step 3: Create and Save a Basic Workflow
- Click “New Workflow”
- Add a trigger node, like "Cron" (for scheduling) or "Webhook”
- Add an action node—for example, send a message in Slack or add a row to Google Sheets
- Save and activate the workflow
🧠 Tip: All local workflows are saved on your machine unless configured with external storage.
Option 2: Host n8n for Free in the Cloud
If you want your workflows running 24/7 or need remote access, cloud deployment is the way to go.
Recommended Free Hosting Options
Here’s a quick comparison table of free cloud platforms you can use:
| Platform | Free Tier Details | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Render | 750 monthly hours, 512MB RAM | Easy | Good UI for beginners |
| Fly.io | 3 shared CPU-hours/day, 256MB RAM | Medium | Lightweight, flexible |
| Railway | $5 in starter credits/month | Easy | Great DX, fast setup |
| Heroku | Limited free dyno use (soon ending) | Easy | Being phased out soon |
Let’s walk through deploying n8n on Render:
Step-by-Step: Deploy n8n on Render
- Go to render.com
- Sign up for a free account
- Click "New Web Service"
- Connect your GitHub account and fork this repo: https://github.com/n8n-io/n8n
- Choose your forked repo → Set environment:
Service Settings:
- Name:
n8n - Environment: Docker
- Build Command:
npm run build - Start Command:
n8n
Environment Variables (Required):
N8N_BASIC_AUTH_ACTIVE=trueN8N_BASIC_AUTH_USER=yourusernameN8N_BASIC_AUTH_PASSWORD=yourpassword
- Click Create Web Service
- Wait for the build and deployment to finish (takes a few minutes)
- Visit your generated URL (e.g.,
https://n8n-yourproject.onrender.com) and log in!
Now you’ve got n8n running 24/7… for free.
Real Example: Daily Google Sheets Backup to Dropbox
Let’s say you want to automatically back up a Google Sheet document to Dropbox every day.
Here’s how the workflow would look:
- Trigger: Cron Node → fires every day at 8 AM
- Google Sheets Node: Downloads data from a sheet
- Function Node (Optional): Formats the data as a CSV
- Dropbox Node: Uploads the CSV file to a folder
Set it. Forget it. Automate it.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Free n8n
- Persist data using Postgres or SQLite: In Render, add a free Postgres DB and link it to n8n with
DB_*environment variables. - Use GitHub for source control: Manage workflows and credentials securely.
- Explore n8n templates: Visit n8n.io/workflows to copy pre-built automation workflows.
Common Use Cases You Can Automate for Free
- Automatically email leads from a web form
- Slack notification when a new row is added to Airtable
- Social media cross-posting between Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram
- RSS feed to Discord or Telegram updates
💡 Build once. Run forever. That’s the power of automation with n8n.
Limitations of the Free Self-Hosted Version
Even though you can use n8n for free, note the following:
- You are responsible for server uptime and data backups
- No customer support—community support only
- Advanced features like n8n.cloud’s versioning and team collaboration are not available
That said, for individuals and hobbyists, n8n’s free version is more than enough.
FAQ
Can I really use n8n for free forever?
Yes! As long as you self-host it either locally or on a free-tier cloud hosting service, n8n remains completely free under the Fair-Code license. You only pay if you use the commercial n8n.cloud service.
What are the system requirements to run n8n locally?
You’ll need Node.js (v16 or higher recommended), npm, and at least 1GB of RAM. It works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Does the free version of n8n include all integrations?
Yes! You get full access to over 300+ native integrations, from Google services to CRMs to developer tools.
How secure is using n8n on free hosting?
Security depends on your configuration. Always enable basic auth and use HTTPS (most cloud hosts offer free SSL). Never expose your workflows to the public without security in place.
How does n8n compare to Zapier or Make for free usage?
Zapier and Make have free tiers but are restricted by execution limits and feature access. n8n’s self-hosted option provides unlimited workflows, executions, and integrations—for free.
With just a little setup, you can unlock the full power of n8n automation workflows without paying a cent. Start small with local workflows or go pro by hosting it in the cloud—either way, automation is now accessible to everyone, thanks to n8n.