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Self-host n8n

updated Jul 2026prices checked · Aug 2026Install verified on Ubuntu 26.04 · Jul 2026 · how we test

A fair-code workflow automation tool — connect APIs and build automations visually, self-hosted so your data and credentials never leave your server.

Zapier / yr$240
Self-hosted / yr~$55
You keep$185/yr
Pocket the difference — spin it up on a cheap VPS in minutes.Start free on Kamatera → (opens in new tab)

Key facts

CategoryWorkflow automation
LicenseSustainable Use License
StackTypeScript, Node.js
Min RAM1024 MB
Dockeryes
Difficulty

What you need

  • Any VPS with at least 1024 MB of RAM
  • A domain you control — most self-hosted setups need HTTPS in front of them
  • About an afternoon — budget time for troubleshooting

Install

Run these commands on your server:

# n8n — single container (set a real encryption key in production)
docker run -d --name n8n \
  -p 5678:5678 -v n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n \
  docker.n8n.io/n8nio/n8n
# open http://SERVER_IP:5678
deploy guideHow to Deploy n8n on a VPSdeploy guideBuilding AI Workflows with n8nvps picksBest VPS for n8nbenchmarked quarterly · re-priced monthly

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