n8n for Business
n8n Pricing for Business: Self-Hosted vs. Cloud vs. CC-Managed in 2026
n8n is source-available software — the core is free to self-host. You pay for infrastructure, not licenses. The question is not 'can we afford n8n?' but 'which deployment model fits our technical capacity and operational needs?'
Self-Hosted n8n: Free License, Real Infrastructure Cost
n8n's Community Edition is free under a source-available license. You can run unlimited workflows, unlimited executions, and unlimited users — for the cost of a server.
Self-hosted cost breakdown
Self-hosted is right for teams with an in-house developer who can manage Docker containers and Linux servers. If you do not have that, the hidden maintenance cost exceeds the savings vs. cloud.
n8n Cloud: Managed Infrastructure with Workflow Limits
n8n Cloud handles infrastructure, updates, and backups. You pay per workflow and execution volume. As of 2026:
Starter — $20/mo
5 active workflows, 2,500 executions/mo. Good for testing and single use-case deployments.
Pro — $50/mo
15 active workflows, 10,000 executions/mo. Right for teams with 3–5 automation use cases.
Enterprise
Unlimited workflows and executions, SSO, dedicated support. Custom pricing — typically $300–$1,200/mo based on volume.
n8n Cloud is right for non-technical teams who need automation working immediately without DevOps. The workflow limits on lower tiers become a real constraint for businesses with 5+ active automations.
CC-Managed n8n: Deployment + Ongoing Optimization
Constant Concepts builds and manages n8n deployments as part of the Build & Grow service stack. This is not just infrastructure setup — it includes workflow design, CRM integration, error handling, and monthly workflow reviews.
CC-managed n8n scope
Setup: $500–$1,500 one-time (infrastructure + 3–5 initial workflows + CRM integration)
Monthly maintenance: $300–$600/mo (monitoring, error resolution, workflow updates, new workflow adds)
Infrastructure: self-hosted on VPS or your own cloud account (you own the instance)
Included: documentation, training session, Slack support channel
CC-managed is right for businesses that want n8n's flexibility without the overhead of managing it themselves — and who want workflows tied directly to business outcomes (lead volume, response time, CRM data quality), not just "automation running."
Which Model Is Right for You?
| Factor | Self-hosted | n8n Cloud | CC-managed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $35–$80 | $20–$1,200 | $300–$600 |
| Setup complexity | High | Low | Done for you |
| Workflow limits | Unlimited | 5–unlimited | Unlimited |
| In-house DevOps needed | Yes | No | No |
| Ongoing optimization | Self-serve | Self-serve | Included |
| Best for | Dev-forward teams | Quick start | Non-technical operators |
FAQ
Is n8n really free to self-host?
Yes — the Community Edition is free under a Sustainable Use License. You cannot resell it as a managed service to third parties, but running it internally for your own business workflows is fully permitted with no license cost.
What happens if I outgrow n8n Cloud limits?
You either upgrade your n8n Cloud plan or migrate to self-hosted. Migration is straightforward — n8n exports workflows as JSON files. CC manages this transition for managed clients with zero downtime.
Can CC take over an existing n8n instance we already set up?
Yes. We audit the existing instance, document current workflows, identify reliability issues, and take over maintenance. This is typically a one-time audit fee ($300–$500) plus the monthly maintenance rate.
Ready to stop doing this manually?
We map your workflows, deploy the right AI Worker, and guarantee the math pencils out before you sign.