Why we use n8n
n8n (pronounced "nodemation") offers the visual simplicity of Zapier with the power of custom code. You build workflows by connecting nodes — each representing a trigger, action, or transformation. When you need logic that visual nodes can't express, you drop in a JavaScript or Python code block.
Being open-source means you can self-host n8n on your own infrastructure, giving you full control over data, no per-execution pricing, and the ability to run complex workflows without worrying about platform limits.
n8n for AI workflows
n8n has native nodes for OpenAI, Claude, and other language model providers. This makes it straightforward to build automations that include AI processing — classify an email, extract data from an attachment, draft a response, and route it to the right team member.
Combined with vector database nodes, you can build full RAG pipelines visually, making it accessible for teams that want to understand and modify their AI workflows.
n8n vs Zapier vs Make
Zapier is the easiest to start with but gets expensive at scale and limits what you can customise. Make offers more flexibility at lower cost. n8n gives you the most control — self-hosted, no execution limits, full code access — but requires more technical setup initially.
We typically recommend n8n for clients who need AI-powered automations or expect high volumes. For simple, low-volume integrations, Zapier or Make may be the pragmatic choice.