> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.n8n.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.n8n.io/choose-how-to-use-n8n.md).

# Choose how to use n8n

n8n offers two primary deployment options: **n8n Cloud** (fully-managed) and **Self-hosted** (deploy on your own infrastructure). Choosing involves two decisions:

1. **Cloud or self-hosted?** Decide whether n8n manages the infrastructure or you do.
2. **Which plan or edition?** Within each option, pick the tier that has the features and limits you need.

This page helps with both.

<figure><picture><source srcset="/files/d4qnqcLm6Fc3igPAFJR7" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="/files/zsZQ0zzJyptPmDV5uR3j" alt="Decision flowchart: n8n Cloud offers the Starter, Pro, and Enterprise plans; self-hosted offers the Community, registered Community, Business, and Enterprise editions"></picture><figcaption><p>Choosing your n8n deployment option, plan, and edition</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
**Want to try n8n quickly?**

**Start with n8n Cloud** for instant access with no installation required.

[Start free trial](https://n8n.io/cloud/)
{% endhint %}

## Decision 1: Cloud or self-hosted <a href="#decision-1-cloud-or-self-hosted" id="decision-1-cloud-or-self-hosted"></a>

Use this guide to choose a deployment option:

| Your situation                                               | Recommended option                  | Reason                                            |
| ------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| Want to start quickly                                        | **n8n Cloud**                       | No installation needed                            |
| Don't have technical expertise                               | **n8n Cloud**                       | Fully managed, no setup or maintenance required   |
| Need production-ready deployment                             | **Both options work**               | Both Cloud and self-hosted support production use |
| Don't want to manage infrastructure                          | **n8n Cloud**                       | n8n handles hosting, updates, and scaling         |
| Need full control over deployment                            | **Self-hosted**                     | You control the environment and configuration     |
| Have customized use cases                                    | **Self-hosted**                     | Full control over deployment and configuration    |
| Need enterprise features (SSO, environments, projects, etc.) | **Both options work**               | Enterprise plans (paid) are available with both   |
| Have infrastructure and technical resources                  | **Self-hosted**                     | You can manage your own deployment                |
| Want to run n8n for free                                     | **Self-hosted (Community edition)** | Free with almost the complete feature set         |

For specific feature availability across different plans, see the [pricing page](https://n8n.io/pricing/).

### Pros and cons comparison <a href="#pros-and-cons-comparison" id="pros-and-cons-comparison"></a>

| Aspect                        | n8n Cloud                      | Self-hosted                                      |
| ----------------------------- | ------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------ |
| **Setup & Deployment**        |                                |                                                  |
| Installation                  | ✅ No installation needed       | ❌ Requires setup (npm, Docker, or server)        |
| Technical expertise           | ✅ None required                | ❌ Required for installation and configuration    |
| **Infrastructure Management** |                                |                                                  |
| Hosting                       | ✅ Fully hosted by n8n          | ❌ You must provide and manage infrastructure     |
| Maintenance                   | ✅ Handled by n8n               | ❌ Your responsibility                            |
| **Control & Customization**   |                                |                                                  |
| Deployment control            | ❌ Managed by n8n               | ✅ Full control over deployment                   |
| Customization                 | ❌ Limited to available options | ✅ Recommended for customized use cases           |
| **Cost**                      |                                |                                                  |
| Free option                   | ⚠️ Free trial available        | ✅ Free Community edition with most features      |
| Paid options                  | ✅ Range of paid plans          | ✅ Paid Business and Enterprise options available |
| **Features**                  |                                |                                                  |
| Core features                 | ✅ Included                     | ✅ Included in free Community edition             |
| Enterprise features           | ❌ Requires paid plans          | ❌ Requires a paid plan (free Community limited)  |
| **Use Cases**                 |                                |                                                  |
| Quick start                   | ✅ Ideal for getting started    | ⚠️ Takes longer to set up                        |
| Production use                | ✅ Supported                    | ✅ Recommended for production                     |
| Custom requirements           | ⚠️ Limited customization       | ✅ Recommended for customized use cases           |

**Legend**: ✅ Advantage | ❌ Disadvantage | ⚠️ Mixed/depends on needs

For specific feature availability across different plans, see the [pricing page](https://n8n.io/pricing/).

## Decision 2: Choose a plan or edition <a href="#decision-2-choose-a-plan-or-edition" id="decision-2-choose-a-plan-or-edition"></a>

Once you've chosen a deployment option, pick a plan or edition. The [pricing page](https://n8n.io/pricing/) lists the definitive features, usage limits, and prices.

### Pick a plan for n8n Cloud <a href="#if-you-chose-n8n-cloud-pick-a-plan" id="if-you-chose-n8n-cloud-pick-a-plan"></a>

Every plan runs on the same underlying product with different features, usage limits, and computing power.

| Plan           | Designed for                                                                      |
| -------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Free trial** | Trying Cloud with Pro features for 14 days                                        |
| **Starter**    | Individuals and small projects getting started                                    |
| **Pro**        | Power users and small teams that need higher limits, admin accounts, and insights |
| **Enterprise** | Organizations that need advanced security, scaling, and dedicated support         |

For how to start a trial and upgrade, see [Try free then choose a plan](/deploy/use-n8n-cloud/start-your-free-trial.md). For what each plan includes, see the [pricing page](https://n8n.io/pricing/).

### Pick a plan/edition for self-hosted n8n <a href="#if-you-chose-self-hosted-pick-an-edition" id="if-you-chose-self-hosted-pick-an-edition"></a>

Every self-hosted installation runs on the same underlying product. You can stick with the basic Community edition for free, indefinitely. Alternatively, register to unlock extra features for free, or subscribe to a paid plan to get a license key that unlocks the features for that plan.

| Edition / Plan           | Cost                                                     | Designed for                                                                                         |
| ------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Community**            | Free                                                     | Self-hosting with almost the complete feature set                                                    |
| **Registered Community** | Free                                                     | Community plus folders, debug in editor, and custom execution data. Unlock by registering your email |
| **Business**             | Paid (license key when you subscribe to Business plan)   | Teams needing paid features like SSO, environments, and projects                                     |
| **Enterprise**           | Paid (license key when you subscribe to Enterprise plan) | Organizations needing the most advanced security, scaling, and governance                            |

For the differences between editions and how to register or license an instance, see [Compare plans and editions](/deploy/host-n8n/community-edition-features.md). For what each plan includes, see the [pricing page](https://n8n.io/pricing/).

To register a Community edition instance for the extra free features, go to **Settings > Usage and plan** and select **Unlock**.

## Which features need a paid plan or edition <a href="#which-features-need-a-paid-plan-or-edition" id="which-features-need-a-paid-plan-or-edition"></a>

Some features require certain paid plan subscriptions, including:

* Custom variables
* Environments
* External secrets
* External storage for binary data
* Log streaming (standard logging is included)
* Multi-main mode (queue mode is included)
* Projects
* SSO (SAML, LDAP)
* Workflow and credential sharing
* Version control using Git

Feature availability changes over time and differs by plan and edition. For exactly what each plan and edition includes, the [pricing page](https://n8n.io/pricing/) is the definitive source. See also [Compare plans and editions](/deploy/host-n8n/community-edition-features.md) for how the self-hosted plans and editions differ.

## Getting started <a href="#getting-started" id="getting-started"></a>

Ready to begin?

* [**Get started with n8n Cloud**](https://n8n.io/cloud/) — sign up for instant access, then [choose a plan](/deploy/use-n8n-cloud/start-your-free-trial.md)
* [**Get started with self-hosted**](/deploy/host-n8n.md) — installation and deployment guides, then [choose a plan or edition](/deploy/host-n8n/community-edition-features.md)

For the current plans, editions, licenses, and prices, always check the [pricing page](https://n8n.io/pricing/).