Automation tools are rapidly becoming the backbone of modern workflows, helping individuals, startups, and enterprises save time, reduce errors, and scale operations. One of the most popular open-source automation tools is n8n. But if you’re just getting started, you’ll likely face this question: Should I use n8n.cloud or n8n.io (self‑hosted)?
In this post, we’ll break down the differences, advantages, drawbacks, and use cases of both options so you can make an informed choice.
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What is n8n?
n8n (short for "nodemation") is an open-source workflow automation platform. It allows you to connect apps, APIs, and databases using drag-and-drop workflow builders, without writing extensive code. It’s often compared to Zapier or Integromat, but n8n stands out because of its open-source flexibility.
You can:
Automate repetitive tasks (emails, notifications, data transfers).
Connect cloud apps like Slack, Google Sheets, Airtable, HubSpot, etc.
Run advanced automations with custom code and logic.
Host it yourself for maximum control, or use the official managed cloud service.
That’s where the choice between n8n.cloud and n8n.io comes in.
What is n8n.cloud?
n8n.cloud is the official SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) offering from n8n. It’s a fully hosted version of the platform where all infrastructure, updates, backups, and security are managed for you. Think of it as the plug‑and‑play option: you sign up, log in, and start building workflows.
Key benefits:
Zero setup — start automating within minutes.
Automatic updates and security patches.
Backups and infrastructure handled by n8n.
Scales with your usage (upgrade plan when needed).
Good fit for non-technical users.
Drawbacks:
Less control over the environment (e.g., installing custom libraries).
Execution limits based on plan.
Vendor lock-in risk if you want to migrate later.
What is n8n.io (Self‑Hosted)?
n8n.io refers to the open-source version of n8n, which you can run on your own server, cloud provider, or container platform. It comes in two flavors:
Community Edition (Free): Core features of n8n, available under the open-source license.
Enterprise Edition: Adds advanced features like role-based access control (RBAC), Git-based versioning, single sign-on (SSO), and enterprise support.
Key benefits:
Maximum control — customize as much as you want.
Ability to install additional dependencies and libraries.
Potentially lower costs if you already manage servers.
Data stays under your control (good for compliance and privacy).
Drawbacks:
You’re responsible for setup, updates, monitoring, scaling, and security.
Higher technical skill requirement.
Costs can fluctuate depending on infrastructure usage.
Side-by-Side Comparison
When to Choose n8n.cloud
You’re a solo founder, startup, or small business without a DevOps team.
You want to get started quickly and don’t want to worry about servers.
You prefer predictable subscription pricing over variable hosting costs.
Your workflows don’t need heavy customizations or external libraries.
When to Choose n8n.io (Self‑Hosted)
You’re a developer or technical team comfortable managing servers.
You need complete control over data, infrastructure, or custom code.
You have compliance requirements (e.g., healthcare, finance) and need to self-host data.
You want to scale flexibly and avoid vendor lock-in.
You’re budget-conscious and can leverage existing infrastructure.
Common Pitfalls to Watch For
On n8n.cloud:
Execution/workflow limits depending on your pricing tier.
Can’t always install custom libraries in Code nodes.
Costs can rise if your automation scales heavily.
On n8n.io (Self‑Hosted):
Risk of downtime if you don’t manage infra properly.
Security vulnerabilities if updates are missed.
Complexity of scaling and monitoring larger workloads.
Final Thoughts
Both n8n.cloud and n8n.io are excellent choices — the best option depends on your skills, resources, and requirements.
Choose n8n.cloud if you value simplicity, convenience, and managed infrastructure. Perfect for startups, solo users, or small teams who want to focus on business, not servers.
Choose n8n.io (self‑hosted) if you value control, flexibility, and customization, and you (or your team) have the technical expertise to manage infrastructure.
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