Tools compared · Updated
What changes in n8n 3.0, and what should I do before upgrading?
Short answer: n8n 3.0, in beta since October 27, 2026 with a stable release planned for early December, focuses on reliability and security. Self-hosting becomes Docker-only, some old nodes are removed, Code steps time out after one minute, and unverified community packages are off by default. Run the Migration Report in n8n 2.39 or later first.
Most common breaking changes
- Self-hosting is Docker-only; installing with npm or npx is no longer supported.
- Old nodes such as Function, Item Lists, Cron, Interval and the legacy OpenAI node are removed.
- The Code node timeout drops from 5 minutes to 1 minute.
- Unverified community packages are disabled by default, and Slack triggers need a signing secret.
- In-memory binary data mode is removed.
What to do
Open Settings, Migration Report (n8n 2.39+), fix or auto-fix the listed workflows, export the list, and test the beta on a copy before upgrading production. On n8n Cloud the upgrade is handled for you, but flagged workflows still need fixing.
Get help
If you have many workflows or no one technical in-house, an n8n agency can audit and migrate them, often as a fixed-price job.
Go deeper: n8n, Zapier or Make: which automation platform suits your business?
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
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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.