n8n reviews suggest that users often struggle with the tool as they find it complex with a steep learning curve. I know it’s popular among developers and ops teams because of the visual editor with code flexibility. So as a non-developer, I tried it out to see what’s what.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- What is n8n?
- Features that set it apart
- How does n8n work?
- Comparison with Lindy and other tools
- Pros and cons of n8n
- Best practices and challenges of using it
What is n8n?
n8n is a workflow automation platform that lets you connect apps, APIs, and AI tools. It uses a visual editor where you build workflows as node-based diagrams, with the option to add JavaScript or Python for custom logic. It suits teams that want control over how automation runs.
Key features
n8n gives you a mix of no-code tools and coding flexibility, which makes it stand out among workflow platforms. Here are the main features users rely on:
- Visual builder with code: You create flows in a drag-and-drop canvas. If you need custom logic, you can add JavaScript or Python nodes. This makes it easier for developers to adjust data or call functions when required.
- AI agent nodes: n8n now includes dedicated AI nodes for reasoning, memory, and tool use. These let you build agent-style automations.
- Integrations library: The platform has hundreds of prebuilt connectors, plus an HTTP Request node that works with any REST API. This keeps n8n flexible for apps that don’t have native support.
- Triggers and scheduling: Workflows can start with app events, incoming webhooks, or time-based triggers.
- Scaling and version control: Advanced setups use queue mode with workers, Git-based versioning, and external log streaming for production reliability.
These features make n8n competitive among workflow tools. Next, let’s look at how it all works.
How does n8n work?
n8n lets you create workflows that start with defined triggers and proceed through connected steps to automate tasks across different apps. Each run counts as one execution in n8n’s cloud plans.
Here’s how a typical setup looks:
- Pick a trigger: This can be a webhook, a scheduled time, or an app event.
- Add actions: Use prebuilt nodes for apps like Slack, HubSpot, or Salesforce, or call any API with the HTTP Request node.
- Insert AI or logic: Drop in AI Agent nodes for reasoning or code nodes for custom functions.
- Test your workflow: Run it manually to check data at each step and fix errors.
- Scale it: For production, enable queue mode with Redis and workers to handle higher concurrency.
Here’s an example: A sales team can capture a new lead in HubSpot, run enrichment with an AI node, update Salesforce, and notify Slack. This shows how n8n connects data, adds AI reasoning, and automates handoffs.
Next, let’s compare n8n with a no-code automation platform, Lindy.
n8n vs Lindy: What’s the difference?
n8n focuses on giving developers control over workflows, while Lindy builds ready-to-use AI agents for everyday business tasks.
Here’s how they compare:
If you want to design and control every step of an automation, n8n gives you the flexibility to do it. Lindy suits you better if you need AI agents that can take calls, qualify leads, or triage an inbox for support requests without much setup.
Other alternatives, like Make or Zapier, offer different strengths, like more customizations or integrations.
Next, let’s discuss the pros and cons of n8n in detail.
n8n review: What we liked and didn’t like about it
n8n.io has trade-offs and strengths. We tested the product and went through workflow software reviews to gather insights. Here’s what we found:
Pros
- Hybrid approach: The visual editor is easy for mapping flows, and code nodes let developers customize steps when prebuilt options fall short. This makes n8n more versatile than some low-code platforms.
- AI integration: The AI Agent node with memory and tools lets you build agent-style workflows. It’s flexible if you want to experiment with AI-driven processes.
- Self-hosting and scale: Queue mode with Redis and workers supports higher concurrency and horizontal scaling. Teams with compliance or data control needs value this flexibility.
- HTTP Request node: It ensures you can connect to almost any API, even if a native integration doesn’t exist.
Cons
- Steep learning curve: Expressions, error handling, and AI wiring take time to learn, which limits accessibility for non-technical teams.
- Agent assembly required: The AI Agent node is powerful, but building agent workflows still requires you to manage memory, retries, and tool logic by hand. This slows down business teams that want ready-to-use outcomes.
- Execution-based pricing: Cloud billing is predictable, but plan limits cap your total executions. Teams often underestimate how many executions they’ll need, which can lead to unexpected costs.
Next, we’ll help you decide whether it’s the right fit for your team.
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Should you use n8n?
You should use n8n if your team wants control and has the technical expertise to build and maintain automations. For non-technical users or those wanting simpler automation, other tools may be more appropriate.
We’ve simplified the decision for you:
n8n is perfect for:
- Developers and ops engineers who want to mix visual flows with custom code.
- Companies that need EU data hosting or prefer to self-host for compliance reasons.
- Teams handling API-heavy workflows that benefit from scripting.
- Early adopters experimenting with AI-driven automation but still want to keep tight control over logic.
Skip n8n if you:
- Don’t have the technical resources to handle setup, queue mode, and debugging.
- Need ready-made agents for calls, intake, or support tasks that run out of the box.
- Want predictable automation costs without managing execution quotas.
Next, let’s look at how to get started with n8n.
How to get started with n8n in 7 steps
To get started with n8n, follow this sequence of steps. Here’s the typical setup:
- Choose your setup: Start with cloud for speed, or self-host if you need control over data.
- Pick a trigger: This could be a webhook, a schedule, or an app event.
- Add nodes: Use prebuilt integrations or the HTTP Request node for custom APIs.
- Insert AI or code: Drop in an AI Agent node or add JavaScript/Python for custom logic.
- Test the workflow: Run it manually and check each node’s data.
- Enable scale: Use queue mode with Redis and workers to handle higher loads.
- Monitor and refine: Track executions, add retries, and adjust error handling.
Pro tip: Plan for execution volume early to avoid hitting plan limits.
We’ll now look at the best practices to help you run n8n smoothly.
n8n best practices we wish we knew earlier
Running n8n in production goes more smoothly when you follow a few best practices from the start. Here’s a guide:
What to follow
- Use Git and separate environments to promote workflows safely from testing to production.
- Set up queue mode with Redis and workers before workflows grow too large.
- Centralize secrets in the credentials store and rotate them regularly.
- Add explicit error paths and notifications so failures don’t go unnoticed.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating AI nodes as plug-and-play without guardrails. Always log prompts and outputs.
- Ignoring execution volume when estimating costs. Plan triggers carefully to avoid surprises with quotas.
- Skipping version control makes it hard to track changes across workflows.
Our verdict on n8n
n8n suits technical teams that want control, self-hosting options, and the ability to mix visual automation with code. It appeals to teams that prioritize customization and data control.
At the same time, the disadvantages of n8n, complexity, quota management, and agent setup mean it’s not for everyone.
If you’re looking for complete control over your automation workflows, n8n delivers that. Just that, setting it up is complex and time-consuming. Lindy solves that as it gives you faster deployment with ready-to-use templates and a no-code workflow builder.
Try Lindy to automate tasks across sales, CRM, and support
Lindy is an AI automation platform that lets you build custom AI agents for everyday business tasks. You can use the prebuilt templates and integrate 4,000+ apps into your workflows. It’s a strong alternative to n8n, Zapier, and Make.
Lindy helps automate your workflows with features like:
- Drag-and-drop workflow builder for non-coders: You don’t need any technical skills to build workflows with Lindy. It offers a drag-and-drop visual workflow builder.
- Create AI agents for your use cases: You can give them instructions in everyday language and automate repetitive tasks. For instance, create an assistant to find leads from websites and sources like People Data Labs. Create another agent that sends emails to each lead and schedules meetings with members of your sales team.
- Update CRM fields without manual entry: Instead of just logging a transcript, you can set up Lindy to update CRM fields and fill in missing data in Salesforce and HubSpot without manual input.
- Lindy Build: You can create an app by just describing it to Lindy. The AI creates full-stack builds with QA agents that continuously help you debug the code.
- Send follow-up emails and keep everyone in sync: Lindy agents can send follow-up emails, schedule meetings, and keep everyone in the loop by triggering notifications in Slack. Lead enrichment: You can configure Lindy to use a prospecting API (People Data Labs) to research prospects and to provide sales teams with richer insights before outreach.
- Automated sales outreach: Lindy can run multi-touch email campaigns, follow up on leads, and write follow-up replies using open rates, clicks, and prior messages.
- Cost-effective: Automate up to 40 monthly tasks with Lindy’s free version. The paid version lets you automate up to 1,500 tasks per month, which is a more affordable price per automation compared to many other platforms.
Try Lindy free and automate up to 40 tasks with your first workflow.
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Frequently asked questions
Is n8n free or paid?
n8n offers both free and paid versions. The Community Edition is free to self-host, while cloud plans charge per workflow execution.
What are the disadvantages of using n8n?
The disadvantages of n8n are its steep learning curve, quota-based billing, and the manual setup required for AI agents. These limits make it harder for non-technical teams to adopt.
How does n8n compare to Lindy?
n8n gives more customization and control, while Lindy is easier for non-technical users looking for quick deployment of AI agents. Each fits different users.
Is n8n good for small businesses?
Yes, n8n is good for small businesses with technical staff. Without technical skills, other workflow automation software may be easier to start with.
Can I self-host n8n on my own servers?
Yes, you can self-host n8n. It runs on Docker or Kubernetes and scales with queue mode and Redis workers.
Does n8n integrate with Salesforce or HubSpot?
Yes, n8n integrates with Salesforce and HubSpot through official nodes. Other apps can connect using the HTTP Request node.
What is the best workflow automation software in 2025?
In our tests, n8n, Lindy, Make, and Zapier are some of the best workflow automation software in 2025. n8n works for technical builders, Lindy works for non-technical users who want to automate business tasks, and Zapier or Make fit simpler workflows.
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