Run n8n on a VPS that only you use. The community edition of n8n is free to self-host, so you pay for the server and nothing per workflow run, no matter how often your automations fire.
Why self-host n8n
| No per-task fees | Paid automation tools charge per run or per task. On your own VPS the price stays the same. |
| Your data stays with you | Credentials and workflow data are stored on your server in Vienna or Berlin. |
| Full root access | Add a database, a reverse proxy or other tools next to n8n. |
Set up in four steps
| 1. Order a VPS | Pick Ubuntu 24.04 and Vienna or Berlin. |
| 2. Install Docker | Use the install script from the Docker documentation. |
| 3. Start n8n | Run the official n8n image with a volume for your data. |
| 4. Add a domain and HTTPS | Point a domain to your VPS and put a reverse proxy with a certificate in front. |
Which VPS for n8n?
Frequently asked questions
Is n8n free on my own server?
The n8n community edition is free to self-host. You only pay for the VPS.
Do you install n8n for me?
You get a clean server with the operating system you chose and install n8n yourself, for example with Docker. If you get stuck, ask us in the live chat.
Where is my data stored?
On your VPS in our datacenter in Vienna or Berlin, on our network AS215120.