How to Self-Host n8n? An In-Depth Guide
What does this mean? Instead of relying on n8n's server, the user leverages their hosting server where they install this software. The advantage is that you can choose the best n8n hosting based on your needs. This begs the question of how to self-host n8n in 2025.
You'll find countless complicated and lengthy guides. However, we'll explain how to self-host n8n in the most straightforward possible manner and cover the best hosting service for this software, among other things.
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Self-hosting this automation software seems far better than using n8n's cloud servers.
A glance at its subscription plans reveals relatively expensive prices. For example, the Starter plan is about $24 monthly, while the Pro plan comes at roughly $55 monthly. Both plans are billed annually, resulting in exorbitant costs right from the start. The question is: what do you get?
As you can see, each plan is limited to the number of workflow executions, active workflows, shared projects, etc. The Enterprise plans virtually alleviate all 'pre-built' limits and allow you to customise them, albeit at a much higher price. So, why is self-hosting n8n better?
Because you get rid of all the imposed limits.
When you choose powerful n8n hosting with ample computing resources, storage, and CPU power, you can determine the number of workflow executions and active workflows. Therefore, you don't operate according to the given limits and get to use the full power of n8n.
You'll still lack a few Enterprise plan features, but considering the shockingly low cost of self-hosting n8n, we think it's worth a trade-off. Another thing to consider is control. Self-hosting n8n allows for more customisation and control over the hosting environment, which many see as a notable advantage.
While n8n's hosting is managed, which means automated updates and maintenance, the self-hosting way compensates with significantly lower costs. We can narrow this debate to convenience vs. customisation (control), but we prefer the latter for a highly customizable workflow automation tool.
First of all, let's determine the best hosting provider.
Can you host n8n on shared hosting? Even the best shared hosting is considered unfit for this workflow automation tool. Given its complexity, the software functions well on more powerful hosting types. VPS is chiefly used, although some cloud hosting services can suffice.
VPS is often pricier than shared hosting and cannot be free, but that's not the point. You'll need robust, premium hosting for this case, and we wholeheartedly recommend Hostinger.
Explore Hostinger n8n VPS Plans
Using the links in this article, Hostinger offers special n8n-optimised VPS plans that start at only $4.99 monthly. The KVM 1 plan that bears the price tag is sufficient, although we'd go for the KVM 2 plan at $6.99 monthly with:
These resources are far above what's required for self-hosting n8n, yet you're still paying roughly three times less than the n8n Starter plan. Simultaneously, Hostinger offers the convenience of easy setup and prompt deployment, so you can get started in a few minutes.
Rest assured, the service is covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee if you decide to back out without consequences. Now that we've covered the basics, it's time to click the blue button to go to Hostinger's website. Learn how to self-host n8n in the following section.
We clarified that the first step is a subscription to a VPS hosting service.
© Hostinger.com
Hostinger will take a few minutes to create your VPS, so sit back, relax, and wait for it to finish.
After that, you can access your VPS dashboard by pressing the 'Manage VPS' button. You'll see your SSH access on the right side, which you can copy and paste somewhere if you need it. Before we activate n8n, it's time to purchase a domain name. Can you get it for free?
Unfortunately, Hostinger's free domain name is reserved for managed WordPress hosting.
VPS subscribers don't get access to it, and while it's unnecessary for n8n hosting, most experts agree that a domain name is advisable in this case. Luckily, Hostinger lets you obtain a domain name from the abovementioned menu. Click on 'Get a Domain' to get started.
You can choose the domain extension you want and generate the domain name from here. Hostinger will promptly check if the domain name is available, and if it is, you can purchase it.
Now, it's time to go back to the VPS management panel.
n8n will now provide you with an access key that unlocks paid features for free. Go to your email, find the license key, and copy it. Follow these steps to activate n8n:
With the last step complete, you've successfully activated n8n.
You can add new automation by clicking 'Add First Step' and working your way up. As you can see, self-hosting n8n is simple and requires little effort. Granted, you need to invest in a domain name, but even with this investment, you'll spend less than on n8n's solution.
Hostinger has some of the cheapest web hosting plans. Similarly, its domain names are very affordable, and depending on the extension, you'll rarely spend over $15 annually. In comparison, n8n's Starter plan is way over $20 monthly.
Knowing how to self-host n8n is essential for saving money and gaining more control and customisation options. While Hostinger is the #1 pick, we understand that some of you want more options. Luckily, a few more hosting services can handle n8n just as well, including:
InMotion Hosting offers powerful Virtual Private Servers for self-hosting n8n.
Its VPS 4 vCPU plan at $14.99 monthly comes with:
In addition, you'll enjoy a free SSL certificate and two dedicated IP addresses. This plan is more than sufficient for self-hosting n8n, as it's fast, dependable, and with a nearly 100% uptime. Users can enjoy a comprehensive choice of control panels and free migrations.
InMotion Hosting supports Docker, which allows for one-click app deployment. This, in turn, will enable you to set up n8n fairly simply. Moreover, InMotion's security covers DDoS protection and malware blocking, ensuring your n8n automated workflows are intact.
Granted, InMotion Hosting is pricier than Hostinger, but it compensates with reliable 24/7 support that can aid the deployment and flexible VPS plans that also support Magento, Drupal, and 20+ other applications.
Visit InMotion Hosting
Hosting.com is a cheap VPS solution for n8n self-hosting.
Its VPS S plan at only $6.99 monthly provides:
It's a handy way of self-hosting n8n, considering the speed, convenience, and overall reliability. Hosting.com has a one-click app installer. It also supports Docker, which allows you to deploy n8n and start workflow automation in minutes. Hosting.com uses LiteSpeed web servers.
Thanks to built-in caching, speeds and uptime are some of the best. Hosting.com's cheap VPS plans are self-managed, so you'll address security and app updates. However, this means you get the highest freedom to adapt the server and its resources to your goals.
Hosting.com has managed VPS plans, but they're multiple times pricier, making its unmanaged deals far better. Like Hostinger and InMotion Hosting, there's a 30-day money-back guarantee, which enables risk-free testing for a month, adding to its value significantly.
Explore Hosting.com
Bluehost's VPS hosting is flexible and powerful enough to handle the most complex n8n automation tasks. After all, you get full root access, which provides ample customisation and a one-click n8n setup. The Enhanced NVMe 8 plan at $65.99 monthly is the best one, with:
Bluehost is surprisingly reliable. It offers AMD EPYC chips, modern hardware, and top-of-the-line security. The VPS plans allow you to host unlimited websites, while a 99.9% uptime guarantee ensures things rarely, if ever, go awry. Bluehost's ease of use is phenomenal.
Apart from its one-click installer, managing installed apps is a breeze, thanks to cPanel. 24/7 support exists to pull you out of the mud if you're stuck. Bluehost's VPS plans provide DDoS protection and a free SSL. Moreover, off-site backups ensure things never get lost to oblivion.
Like Hostinger and A2 Hosting, it doesn't provide a free domain in its VPS plans. The good news is that you can get one from Bluehost or purchase it via GoDaddy. The bad news is that Bluehost is costly, but if you have a deeper pocket and thicker wallet, you'll rest easy.
Visit Bluehost
n8n's resource requirements can range from modest to luxurious based on the usage.
Simple n8n automation tasks are reported to work even on 1 GB of RAM and two CPU cores. Conversely, perplexing automation tasks require up to 8 GB of RAM and at least four CPU cores. What does this have to do with self-hosting n8n for free? There's one characteristic that connects the two sides of the spectrum.
Free hosting doesn't offer them!
N8n cannot be hosted for free because it won't work well on shared hosting. As explained, you'll find plenty of free web hosting services but no VPS hosting services. Even free web hosting providers are devoid of computing resources and basic features.
Free VPS is also impossible, considering its characteristics, one of which is the high supply of computing resources. No one will give you that many CPU cores, RAM, and storage free of charge. Therefore, you can self-host n8n only on paid hosting servers. Don't let anyone tell you the opposite.
This method of hosting n8n comes with a higher degree of responsibility.
Since you don't have n8n's helping hand, it's essential to adhere to the highest security standards and keep your hosting secure. A good idea is to enable HTTPS for better encryption, use Hostinger's secure access manager, and add authentication.
Hostinger recommends regular updates and patches, which, in our experience, is another vital aspect of self-hosting n8n. This is extremely simple to do through Hostinger's one-click installer. Locate the app, check for updates, and install them if needed.
Lastly, remember to back up your data periodically. If n8n stops working, you can always return to a period when everything is okay. Regular backups prevent data losses, which is quintessential for keeping n8n and your business functioning correctly.
Now that you know all the ins and outs of self-hosting n8n in 2025, the decision is yours.
Self-hosting offers more flexibility and allows you to save plenty on n8n's in-house solution. While it's better for customisation and control, it lacks the streamlined experience you'd get from n8n's solution and its automated updates and managed security that many seem to enjoy.
However, Hostinger's one-click installer simplifies deployment and provides a similar experience. Ultimately, you must choose between higher costs and more convenience or lower costs and more control. Meanwhile, you can read our in-depth Hostinger review for 2025 and decide on the next step afterwards.
Self-Host n8n on Hostinger Risk-Free
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