Are you looking for videos on n8n tutorials for beginners? We think you’ll enjoy this one.
In the tutorial, Ben Young does an excellent job staying focused on the main topic and explaining it thoroughly.
This is the first video in a series of n8n tutorials by Ben. To help you understand, we’ll unpack what he covers step by step after each video.
Now, let’s explore this tutorial about the benefits of choosing n8n over other workflow automation tools.
n8n Tutorial #1 Explained
n8n is becoming a popular choice for automation tools, rivaling Zapier and Make.com. It stands out for its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and powerful features. These qualities make n8n a great option for improving our workflow processes.
We’ll explore how n8n can save us money, offer self-hosting, and let us add custom code. This can make our automation more efficient and affordable. By the end, we’ll know if n8n fits our project needs.
Key Takeaways
- n8n provides significant cost advantages over competitors.
- Self-hosting allows for greater control and privacy.
- Extensibility with custom code opens new possibilities for automation.
n8n’s Unique Selling Points
When comparing n8n to Zapier and Make, three key features stand out.
- Cost Efficiency
n8n’s pricing is a big plus. Unlike Zapier and Make, which charge per action, n8n has a flat fee for workflow execution. This means we can run complex workflows without worrying about costs. For just $20 to $120 a month, we can handle multiple workflows without limits, making it a more budget-friendly option as our automation needs grow. - Self-Hosting Option
n8n also offers self-hosting, which gives us complete control over our automation. Self-hosting costs as little as $5 a month and eliminates worries about pay-per-use caps. This also enhances security, keeping sensitive data off cloud platforms, providing peace of mind in today’s data-sensitive environment. - Extensibility
n8n excels in extending functionalities. While other no-code tools hit limits, n8n lets us add custom code, making it a low-code platform. We can use JavaScript or Python to create solutions tailored to our needs. With a supportive community providing custom nodes, we can easily find or build new functionalities, giving us a unique edge in automation.
Bonus Point: Advanced AI Integration
n8n also enhances its automation capabilities with advanced AI integration. Unlike competitors that only offer basic AI features, n8n allows us to create AI Agents that can operate independently using specified tools. This means we can tackle complex problems directly within our workflows, paving the way for innovative automation solutions.
These features show how n8n meets our automation needs with flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and advanced functionalities.
Significant Cost Savings
Pricing Comparison – all prices are subject to change without notice.
Cost is a key factor when choosing automation tools. Zapier and Make.com are known for their no-code automation, but they can become expensive quickly. Both start at around $20 a month, and prices increase fast as we grow our usage. For instance, using Zapier for 100,000 actions costs about $734 monthly; for 500,000 actions, it can jump to $2,200. Make is slightly more affordable, costing $181 and $484 for the same action counts.
n8n offers a different pricing model. Instead of charging for each action, they offer a flat fee based on workflow executions. We pay between $20 to $120 for five to 50 workflows, regardless of how many actions are in those workflows. This can lead to significant savings, making it an excellent choice for complex projects.
n8n’s Cloud-Hosted Model
n8n’s cloud service offers a quick setup with reliable performance. This option includes extra features like shared projects and the ability to use global variables across workflows. This cloud model is ideal for those looking to dive into automation without dealing with server management.
Financial Mindset
Cost structure can affect our mindset. Paying per action can make us focus too much on saving. But with n8n, we can work freely without worrying about costs.
This freedom lets us fully use our automation tools. It’s like having an all-you-can-eat buffet. We can create, test, and improve our workflows without extra costs.
Self-Hosting Advantages
Complete Control and Personalization
Self-hosting n8n gives us full control over our automation. We can run it on our servers or computers without limits. This lets us customize workflows to fit our needs without worrying about costs.
With a flat fee for hosting, we can handle unlimited workflows. This means no extra charges for every action we take.
Data Privacy and Security Factors
Self-hosting n8n also boosts privacy and security. By hosting on our servers, we protect our data better, and it is more secure than cloud services.
This control ensures our data is handled safely. It keeps our information secure from breaches.
Clarifying Open Source Misunderstandings
n8n is not fully open-source anymore. It started that way but now has a proprietary license. We can self-host it for personal use or clients, but we can’t sell it as a service.
Understanding this helps us use n8n effectively. It ensures we follow its licensing terms.
Extensibility with Custom Code
Transitioning from No Code to Low Code
We can make n8n more powerful as we grow and add custom code when needed. This lets us solve complex tasks that other tools can’t.
This flexibility makes n8n more adaptable to our needs. It becomes more powerful as our goals evolve.
Contributions from the Community
Our community helps make n8n better. Users create custom nodes to fill gaps and add features. For example, there’s a node for extracting a transcript from a YouTube video.
We can also create our own nodes. This opens up many possibilities for improving our automation experience.
Comparing with Competitors’ Code Features
Comparing n8n with Zapier and Make shows differences in coding. Zapier and Make have limits on code execution and memory. They also don’t allow third-party modules, which can lead to extra costs.
In contrast, n8n lets us run our code freely. This makes n8n a top choice for maximizing automation.
Advanced AI Integration
AI Agents
n8n allows us to create AI Agents that can think on their own. This sets n8n apart from other platforms. With AI Agents, we can solve complex problems efficiently.
These agents include various types, such as tool agents and OpenAI functions agent. They help us tackle tough tasks.
Unique AI Features in n8n
n8n offers advanced AI features beyond basic ones. We can run a whole n8n workflow as a tool using AI Agents. This opens up many automation options.
n8n also includes LangChain code integration. This lets us customize workflows and integrate advanced AI solutions.
Exploration of AI in n8n
We’re excited to explore more AI in n8n. Many of its advanced features are unique. This shows n8n’s commitment to leading in AI integration.
More tutorials about n8n:
- Introduction to n8n.io
- n8n Tutorial #1: Why Choose n8n to Build AI Agents
- n8n Tutorial #2: Ways to Self-Host n8n
- n8n Tutorial #3: Beginners Guide for Getting Started
- n8n Tutorial #4: Understanding Webhooks & API Calls
FAQ
What is n8n?
n8n is a platform for automating tasks. It connects different apps, services, and APIs. It’s flexible, affordable, and can be customized with code.
How does n8n compare to Zapier and Make.com?
n8n is different because it charges based on workflow executions, not actions. It also lets you host it yourself and code it for advanced tasks.
Is n8n free to use?
n8n has a free version for self-hosting. It also offers cloud plans starting at $20 a month for easier management.
What are the benefits of self-hosting n8n?
Self-hosting n8n gives you full control and better privacy. It’s free for unlimited workflows, making it great for big automation needs.
Can I integrate n8n with AI tools?
Yes, n8n works with AI tools like LangChain and OpenAI. It lets you create AI Agents for smarter workflows.
What programming languages does n8n support for custom coding?
n8n supports JavaScript and Python for custom coding. This makes it a powerful tool for complex tasks.
What kind of security does n8n offer?
n8n has strong security features. It encrypts data, offers self-hosting, and has cloud controls for user access.
Does n8n support team collaboration?
Yes, n8n’s cloud version has team features. It includes shared workflows and global variables for better teamwork.
What industries benefit the most from n8n?
n8n helps many industries like e-commerce, finance, and marketing. It automates tasks, manages data, and integrates apps.
How do I get started with n8n?
To use n8n, sign up on the website or host it yourself. The official guides and examples will help you get started.
