n8n
Open-source workflow automation I self-host on Docker — still useful, but increasingly replaced by native tool capabilities.
What I use it for
Pricing
Free self-hosted; cloud plans start at $20/mo.
Where it shines
- Self-hosting on Docker gives full control over data and execution.
- Visual workflow builder is intuitive for complex multi-step automations.
- Was especially useful for early AI tool integrations — connecting LLMs with Google Drive and other services.
Where it struggles
- Self-hosting requires Docker knowledge and ongoing maintenance.
- Becoming less essential as AI tools build their own automations and I can just write and deploy Python scripts on my own crons.
- Some nodes have rough edges or inconsistent error handling.
Notes
I run n8n on a locally hosted Docker instance. It was most valuable in earlier automations connecting AI tools to Google Drive and other services. It's becoming less useful as the tools themselves add native automations, and I can write and deploy Python automations on my own crons without needing the visual layer. Still useful, but the trend line is declining.
How to try it
Run `docker run -it --rm -p 5678:5678 n8nio/n8n` to spin up a local instance in seconds.
Tags
Related tools
Make
Well-executed automation platform with strong security focus. Never went deep — n8n and Zapier got my attention first.
Zapier
Automation gateway drug. Great integrations. Replaced by self-hosted n8n.
Ollama
Local LLM inference. Pairs with n8n for lighter tasks. No API tokens needed.