Cost and self-hosting options for n8n automation platform

Hey everyone! I’m trying to figure out the best pricing plan for n8n. I’m a bit lost when it comes to self-hosting options. Does anyone know which plan I should go for if I want to run my workflows on my own VPN after I’ve set them up? It’d be great to hear from folks who’ve done this before. What are the pros and cons of self-hosting n8n? Are there any hidden costs or technical challenges I should be aware of? Thanks in advance for any advice you can share!

i’ve been self-hosting n8n for a few months now. it’s great if ur tech-savvy and wanna save money. you’ll need a server or VPS, which can be cheap. main challenge is keeping it updated and secure. pro tip: use docker for easier setup. just remember, you’re responsible for backups and uptime. good luck!

Self-hosting n8n can be cost-effective, but it requires technical know-how. I’ve been doing it for over a year now. You’ll need a VPS or dedicated server, which can range from $5 to $50+ monthly depending on your needs. The Community Edition is free for self-hosting, but you’ll miss out on some enterprise features. Main challenges include server management, security updates, and ensuring uptime. Backups are crucial - set up automated ones. If you’re comfortable with Linux and basic server administration, it’s definitely worth considering. Just factor in the time investment for maintenance alongside the potential cost savings.

I’ve been self-hosting n8n for about 6 months now, and it’s been quite an experience. The biggest advantage is the cost savings - you’re looking at maybe $10-20 a month for a decent VPS. But here’s the kicker: you need to be prepared for some hands-on work. Keeping the system updated and secure is on you, and that can eat up time.

One thing I learned the hard way: always have a solid backup strategy. I once lost a day’s worth of workflows because I got lazy with backups. Also, be ready for some troubleshooting. Sometimes updates can break things, and you’ll need to roll up your sleeves and dig into the logs.

That said, the flexibility is amazing. You can customize everything to your heart’s content. Just make sure you’re comfortable with command line interfaces and basic server management before diving in. It’s not plug-and-play, but for me, the control and cost savings have been worth it.