When choosing a workflow automation platform, one of the biggest decisions is whether to use n8n Cloud (the hosted service) or self-host n8n on your own VPS. Both options have their merits, but for most users, especially those with growing automation needs, self-hosted n8n on VPS offers significant advantages.
This comprehensive comparison will help you understand the differences between n8n Cloud and self-hosted n8n on VPS, including pricing, features, limitations, and why self-hosted n8n with ready-to-go VPS hosting is often the better choice.
📊 Quick Comparison: n8n Cloud vs Self-Hosted VPS
| Feature | n8n Cloud | Self-Hosted VPS |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $20 - $200+ | $20 - $50 (VPS + hosting) |
| Workflow Limit | Limited (plan-based) | ✅ Unlimited |
| Execution Limit | Limited (plan-based) | ✅ Unlimited |
| Data Control | Stored on n8n servers | ✅ Your VPS, your data |
| Customization | Limited | ✅ Full control |
| Setup Time | Instant | Instant (with ready-to-go VPS) |
| Privacy | Data on third-party servers | ✅ Complete privacy |
| Scalability | Plan upgrades required | ✅ Scale as needed |
☁️ n8n Cloud: The Hosted Solution
n8n Cloud is the official hosted version of n8n, managed by the n8n team. It's designed for users who want to get started quickly without managing infrastructure.
✅ Advantages of n8n Cloud
- No setup required - instant access
- Managed by n8n team - no maintenance
- Automatic updates included
- Built-in support and documentation
- No server management needed
❌ Limitations of n8n Cloud
- Workflow Limits: Plans limit the number of workflows you can create
- Execution Limits: Monthly execution limits based on your plan
- Higher Cost: Can get expensive as you scale ($20-$200+ per month)
- Data Location: Your data is stored on n8n's servers
- Limited Customization: Can't modify server settings or configurations
- Vendor Lock-in: Dependent on n8n's infrastructure
- No Root Access: Can't install custom software or dependencies
💰 n8n Cloud Pricing
- Starter: $20/month - Limited workflows and executions
- Pro: $50/month - More workflows, still limited
- Team: $100+/month - Team features, higher limits
- Enterprise: Custom pricing - Full features, still with limits
Note: All plans have workflow and execution limits that can restrict your automation growth.
🚀 Self-Hosted n8n on VPS: Complete Control
Self-hosting n8n on a VPS gives you complete control over your automation platform. With ready-to-go VPS hosting, you get the best of both worlds: instant setup and unlimited capabilities.
✅ Advantages of Self-Hosted n8n on VPS
- Unlimited Workflows: Create as many workflows as you need
- Unlimited Executions: No monthly execution limits
- Cost-Effective: Starting at $20/month for full VPS with n8n
- Complete Data Control: Your data stays on your server
- Full Customization: Modify any settings, install custom software
- Better Privacy: Sensitive data never leaves your infrastructure
- Scalable: Upgrade VPS resources as needed
- No Vendor Lock-in: Own your infrastructure
- Ready-to-Go Setup: Pre-installed n8n means instant deployment
- Root Access: Full server control for advanced configurations
⚡ Ready-to-Go VPS Hosting Benefits
With HosterOcean's pre-installed n8n VPS hosting, you get:
- Instant Setup: n8n pre-installed and configured
- No Installation Needed: Start automating immediately
- Pre-Configured Security: SSL, firewall, and security settings ready
- Optimized Performance: Server tuned for n8n workflows
- Expert Support: 24/7 assistance with n8n and VPS management
- Regular Backups: Automated backup system included
- Easy Updates: Simple update process for n8n
💰 Self-Hosted VPS Pricing
- Cloud 1: $20/month - 3 CPUs, 4GB RAM, 80GB NVMe
- Cloud 2: $25/month - 4 CPUs, 8GB RAM, 160GB NVMe (Recommended)
- Cloud 3: $35/month - 8 CPUs, 16GB RAM, 240GB NVMe
Value: For the price of n8n Cloud Starter ($20/month), you get a full VPS with unlimited workflows and executions!
🔍 Detailed Feature Comparison
1. Workflow Limits
n8n Cloud
Limited workflows based on your plan. Starter plan typically allows 5-10 workflows, Pro allows 20-30, and higher tiers have more but still limited.
❌ Restrictive for growing businesses
Self-Hosted VPS
Unlimited workflows! Create as many automation workflows as you need without any restrictions.
✅ Unlimited scalability
2. Execution Limits
n8n Cloud
Monthly execution limits (e.g., 1,000-10,000 executions per month depending on plan). Exceeding limits requires plan upgrade.
❌ Can hit limits quickly with active workflows
Self-Hosted VPS
Unlimited executions! Run workflows as frequently as needed without worrying about monthly limits.
✅ No execution restrictions
3. Cost Analysis
n8n Cloud
- Starter: $20/month (limited)
- Pro: $50/month (more limits)
- Team: $100+/month
- Enterprise: Custom (expensive)
❌ Costs increase with usage
Self-Hosted VPS
- Cloud 1: $20/month (unlimited)
- Cloud 2: $25/month (unlimited)
- Cloud 3: $35/month (unlimited)
✅ Fixed cost, unlimited usage
💡 Cost Savings Example:
For the same $20/month as n8n Cloud Starter (with limits), you get a full VPS with unlimited workflows and executions. That's 5-10x better value!
4. Data Control & Privacy
n8n Cloud
Your workflow data, credentials, and execution logs are stored on n8n's servers. You have limited control over data location and retention policies.
⚠️ Third-party data storage
Self-Hosted VPS
Complete data sovereignty. All workflows, credentials, and data stay on your VPS. You control backups, retention, and data policies.
✅ Complete data ownership
5. Customization & Control
n8n Cloud
Limited customization options. Can't modify server settings, install custom software, or change infrastructure configurations.
❌ Restricted customization
Self-Hosted VPS
Full root access allows complete customization. Install any software, modify configurations, set up custom integrations, and optimize for your specific needs.
✅ Unlimited customization
6. Setup & Maintenance
n8n Cloud
Instant setup - just sign up and start using. No maintenance required as n8n team manages everything.
✅ Zero maintenance
Self-Hosted VPS (Ready-to-Go)
Instant setup with pre-installed n8n! With HosterOcean's ready-to-go VPS, you get n8n pre-configured and ready to use immediately. Minimal maintenance needed.
✅ Instant + minimal maintenance
🎯 When to Choose Each Option
☁️ Choose n8n Cloud If:
- You need instant setup with zero technical knowledge
- You have very few workflows (5-10)
- You have low execution volume (< 1,000/month)
- You don't want any server management
- Budget allows for higher costs as you scale
- Data privacy is not a primary concern
🚀 Choose Self-Hosted VPS If:
- You want unlimited workflows and executions
- You need better cost efficiency
- Data privacy and control are important
- You want to customize and optimize
- You're planning to scale your automation
- You want ready-to-go setup (pre-installed n8n)
- You need full control over your infrastructure
💡 Best Choice for Most Users!
Self-hosted VPS with ready-to-go n8n offers the best balance of ease, control, and value.
📈 Real-World Use Cases
Small Business Automation
n8n Cloud
$20/month for Starter plan with 5-10 workflows. As business grows, need to upgrade to Pro ($50/month) or higher.
❌ Limited growth potential
Self-Hosted VPS
$20-25/month for Cloud 1 or Cloud 2 with unlimited workflows. Scale from 5 to 500 workflows without additional cost.
✅ Unlimited growth
Enterprise Automation
n8n Cloud
Enterprise plan required, custom pricing (often $200+/month). Still has workflow and execution limits. Data stored on third-party servers.
❌ Expensive with limitations
Self-Hosted VPS
Cloud 3 at $35/month or dedicated server. Unlimited workflows, complete data control, full customization. Perfect for enterprise needs.
✅ Enterprise-ready at fraction of cost
Agency/Reseller
n8n Cloud
Need Team or Enterprise plan for multiple users. Costs escalate quickly with multiple clients. Limited white-labeling options.
❌ Not cost-effective for agencies
Self-Hosted VPS
One VPS can host multiple n8n instances or use n8n's queue mode. Full control for white-labeling. Cost-effective for managing multiple clients.
✅ Perfect for agencies
🏆 Why Self-Hosted n8n on VPS Wins
For most users, self-hosted n8n on VPS is the clear winner, especially with ready-to-go hosting solutions:
💰 Better Value
Same or lower cost than n8n Cloud, but with unlimited workflows and executions. 5-10x better value for your money.
🚀 Unlimited Growth
No limits on workflows or executions. Scale your automation without worrying about hitting plan limits.
🔒 Complete Control
Full control over your data, infrastructure, and configurations. No vendor lock-in or third-party dependencies.
⚡ Ready-to-Go Setup
With pre-installed n8n VPS hosting, you get instant setup just like n8n Cloud, but with all the benefits of self-hosting.
🛡️ Better Privacy
Your sensitive workflow data and credentials stay on your server, not on third-party infrastructure.
🔧 Full Customization
Install custom software, modify configurations, and optimize for your specific automation needs.
🌟 Get Started with Ready-to-Go n8n VPS Hosting
HosterOcean makes self-hosting n8n as easy as using n8n Cloud, but with all the benefits of self-hosting:
⚡ Instant Setup
- n8n pre-installed and configured
- SSL certificates ready
- Security hardened
- Start automating in minutes
🛡️ Production-Ready
- Optimized for stability
- Automated backups included
- Monitoring configured
- 24/7 expert support
💰 Best Value
- Starting at $20/month
- Unlimited workflows
- Unlimited executions
- Better than n8n Cloud pricing
🎯 Expert Support
- 24/7 technical support
- n8n setup assistance
- Migration help available
- Dedicated support team
✅ Conclusion: Self-Hosted VPS is the Clear Winner
While n8n Cloud offers convenience, self-hosted n8n on VPS provides superior value, unlimited capabilities, and complete control. With ready-to-go VPS hosting solutions like HosterOcean's pre-installed n8n VPS, you get the best of both worlds: instant setup like n8n Cloud, but with all the benefits of self-hosting.
Key Takeaways:
- Self-hosted VPS offers 5-10x better value than n8n Cloud
- Unlimited workflows and executions vs. restrictive limits on Cloud
- Complete data control and privacy with self-hosted solution
- Ready-to-go VPS hosting makes setup as easy as n8n Cloud
- Full customization and control for advanced users
- Better scalability without plan upgrade costs
🏆 Winner: Self-Hosted n8n on VPS
For 95% of users, self-hosted n8n on VPS (especially with ready-to-go hosting) is the better choice. You get unlimited capabilities, better value, and complete control - all with the same ease of setup as n8n Cloud.