Tools compared · Updated
Should I use n8n self-hosted or n8n Cloud?
Short answer: n8n Cloud is run for you, so there are no servers to maintain, and it suits most teams. Self-hosting means installing n8n on your own server, which gives more control over where data lives but makes you responsible for updates, backups and security. Choose self-hosting only if you have the skills or an agency to look after it.
If you self-host
- Keep n8n updated.
- Put it behind HTTPS and strong login.
- Back up workflows and credentials.
- Follow the security steps in the n8n docs.
Agencies that do this work
- Automation Consulting Services (United States)
- Atomic Actions (United States)
- Goodspeed (United Kingdom)
- Makeitfuture (Romania)
- Connex Digital (United States)
Useful pages
Related posts
Problems · 22 Oct 2026 · 7 min read
Automation problems people faced in October 2026, and how to fix them
We read this month's busiest threads on Reddit, Hacker News and LinkedIn about n8n, Zapier, AI agents and internal tools. Here are the seven problems that kept coming up, with a plain answer for each.
Trending · 22 Oct 2026 · 6 min read
Trending AI agents and automation tools: October 2026
What's new and popular this month in AI agents, workflow tools and open-source agent projects, explained in plain words: what each one does and who it's for.
Questions
n8n vs Zapier: which is better for a business?
Zapier is usually easier for non-technical teams and connects to a very large number of apps. n8n can be self-hosted, allows custom code, and suits companies that want more control over data and cost at higher volume. Neither is better for everyone: the right choice depends on your apps, volume, data rules and who will maintain it.
n8n vs Make: which should I use?
Make is a fully managed visual builder that is strong at branching and data mapping, good for teams that do not want to run servers. n8n offers both a cloud plan and self-hosting, plus custom code steps, which suits teams with stricter data rules or heavier AI workflows. Compare both on one real process before deciding.
Power Automate vs n8n: which is right for my company?
If your company runs on Microsoft 365, Power Automate is often the natural first choice because it fits Teams, Outlook and SharePoint and may be partly covered by existing licences. n8n is worth considering for mixed, non-Microsoft app stacks, heavier AI workflows, or when you want to self-host and keep data on your own servers.
Sources
Cost figures are rough guidance from how agencies describe their work, not quotes. Vendor prices change, so check the source. Editorial policy.