5 ways to self-host n8n

While n8n is amazing at speeding up backend processes, it comes at a fee of at least $20/mo at a 12 month commitment.

You can run it for FREE though.

Here is how.

I provide a video tutorial for the visual learners.

Run locally on npm

This is completely free. Open up a terminal and execute npx n8n

one line command in your terminal! same for all operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Benefits: Super simple.

Limitations: Your computer must be on, if you wish to run workflows at any given time.

Run locally on Docker

steps

If you have downloaded Docker, go to Step 3

1. Download Docker from https://www.docker.com/ — pick the version that matches your computer

2. Install it > Open the Docker App on Desktop

3. Docker Hub > Search for n8n

4. Choose n8nio/n8n > Click “Pull”

5. Images > Click the “Run” button to start > Expand the dropdown menu of the Optional Setting

6. Ports: you can input whatever port you like, e.g. 5678, under the host port field > Run

Benefits: Super simple and you learn coveted basic DevOps skills

Limitations: Your computer must be on, if you wish to run workflows at any given time.

Deploy on Render

This is the FASTEST (2 mins) and CHEAPEST ($0) way.

1. Make an account.

2. From your dashboard overview click on select web service

3. Make a service using the Existing Image option and enter in docker.n8n.io/n8nio/n8n

Check the images below for guidance.

Deploy a Web Service option for Render

Create a Web Service from an existing image using the docker.n8n.io/n8nio/n8n image

Benefits: It will cost you $0 if you have up to ~100 invocations a month.

Limitations: You need to maintain activity, otherwise the Free instance shuts down — it will reactivate on its own, but with a delay (cold start)

Deploy on Railway

Another modern platform with a smooth experience.

1. Sign up with either Github or Email

2. Accept terms and conditions

3. Choose to create from the template

4. Search for n8n (it should be on top)

I provide images for guidance.

Railway’s options for deploying a project

Choose the n8n template

Benefits: Super fast. You get a free trial credit of $5

Limitations: You need to pay to keep running — reasonable!

Deploy on Digital Ocean

This platform is a bit more tedious to operate and will cost you $6 / month to operate — not free.

Steps

1. Make an account on Digital Ocean

2. Onboard

3. Go to Marketplace

4. Search and click on the n8n image 1-click deploy

5. Configure the lowest cost settings for your droplet and choose password for ease of access

6. Execute and wait for a few mins

7. Go to droplet and copy the ipv4 address into a new A DNS Record for the domain you wish to use for this service — will be n8n.yourdomain.com

8. Click on console after your DNS record has propagated — check whatsmydns.net to ensure propagation

9. Complete the configuration on the console

For the visual learners I recommend you check the video.

Benefits: You learn a lot about CloudOps and DevOps.

Limitations: More steps to complete and at least $6/month.

Summary

These are the easiest and most robust ways to self host.

• Want local control? Go with Docker.

• Want speed ? Render

• Want to learn DevOps and CloudOps ? Digital Ocean.