n8n: self-host or cloud?
Self-hosted is cheaper at volume and keeps data local. Cloud removes ops burden.
support/workflow-automatisering/n8n-self-hosted-vs-cloudsteps: 4
Try this first
- Estimate executions per month
- Self-host on small VPS if Docker is comfortable
- Pick cloud if no sysadmin in-house
- Count backups, updates and TLS in self-host cost
When to bring us in
Get quotes for both if executions reach tens of thousands.
See also
- Zapier or Make: which fits better?Zapier is straight-line; Make handles complex flows with routers and iterators for less money.
- Power Automate Cloud or Desktop: which to use?Cloud for SaaS integrations and triggers. Desktop for RPA against legacy Windows apps without APIs.
- Someone has critical integrations in IFTTTIFTTT is consumer tooling. No audit, no team roles, weak error handling. Migrate off.
None of the above fits?
Describe your situation below. We pass your input plus the steps you already saw to our AI and return tailored next-step advice. If it's too risky to DIY, we'll say so.
Or skip the DIY entirely
Our Managed IT clients do not look these things up. One point of contact, a fixed monthly price, resolved within working hours.