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n8n automation

n8n self-hosted on EU servers

n8n is the open-source alternative to Make and Zapier: self-hosted, GDPR-compliant and with no operations limits. We set up your n8n instance, build production-ready workflows and take care of ongoing maintenance. Typically operated on EU servers (e.g. a German data centre), so your data stays under your control.

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Benefits of n8n

Why n8n is ideal for mid-sized companies

Full data control, no ongoing per-operation costs and maximum flexibility thanks to open source.

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Self-hosted on a German server

n8n runs on your own server, e.g. at Hetzner in Germany. Your data never leaves your server. No US cloud provider has access to your business processes or customer data.

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GDPR compliance

For industries with strict data protection requirements, self-hosted n8n is the safest choice. No third-party processing, full control over records of processing activities and deletion periods.

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Custom nodes & code

n8n allows your own JavaScript or Python code directly in the workflow. For special API connections or data cleansing that no ready-made module covers, with no detours.

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No operations limits

Unlike Make or Zapier, self-hosted n8n has no limits on workflow executions. Whether 100 or 100,000 executions a month, the cost stays the same.

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Webhooks & API triggers

n8n receives webhooks in real time and can connect any REST or GraphQL API. Create your own endpoints, transform data and forward it to any system.

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No vendor lock-in

n8n is open source (fair-code). Your workflows belong to you: exportable, versionable and independent of a cloud platform. Switch the host without rebuilding workflows.

Comparison

n8n vs. Make: which tool when?

Both platforms are powerful. The choice depends on your requirements.

Criterion n8n Make
HostingSelf-hosted (EU server)Cloud (EU region)
Data protectionMaximum controlGDPR-compliant, but cloud
Cost per executionNo limitsOperations-based
Native integrations~4002.000+
Custom codeJavaScript & PythonLimited
Beginner-friendlinessMore technicalMore visual, simpler
MaintenanceManage updates yourselfAutomatic

Our recommendation: n8n for data-intensive or privacy-critical workflows. Make for quick integrations with many SaaS tools. In the initial consultation we advise you on which tool fits better.

Use cases

n8n workflows for mid-sized companies

Four use cases where n8n plays to its strengths.

1

Data processing with data protection

Personnel files, salary data, patient data: sensitive information that must not leave your own server. n8n processes everything locally on your server. Ideal for HR, healthcare and financial services.

2

High-volume automations

E-commerce with thousands of orders a day? CRM sync across tens of thousands of contacts? With n8n you do not pay a cent per execution. Scaling without rising platform costs.

3

Custom API integrations

Industry software with no standard connection? n8n connects to any API through HTTP requests and custom nodes. Your own code enables complex data cleansing and transformation.

4

AI-powered workflows

n8n offers native nodes for OpenAI, Anthropic and local LLMs. Classify emails, summarise texts, analyse customer feedback, with AI nodes directly in the workflow, on your own server.

Frequently asked questions

n8n automation: your questions

What is n8n and how does it differ from Make?
n8n is an open-source automation platform that can be self-hosted. Unlike Make (cloud-only), with n8n you keep full control over your data, which never leaves your server. n8n also offers custom nodes (your own code), no operations limits and is free from the community edition. Make, in turn, has more native integrations and a more beginner-friendly interface.
Is n8n really more GDPR-compliant than cloud solutions?
Yes. With self-hosted n8n, your data never leaves your own server (e.g. at Hetzner in Germany). There is no third-party access to your workflows or data. For industries with strict data protection requirements, such as healthcare, financial services and legal advice, this is a decisive advantage over cloud platforms.
Do I need my own servers for n8n?
No. We set up n8n on a German cloud server (e.g. Hetzner, from approx. €5/month). We take care of installation, configuration, SSL certificate, backups and updates. You do not need your own IT team. Alternatively, n8n also offers a cloud version if self-hosting is not wanted.
Can n8n do the same as Make or Zapier?
Functionally yes: n8n covers the same use cases, such as CRM sync, email automation, e-commerce workflows and reporting. The difference: n8n has fewer ready-made integrations (around 400 vs. 2,000+ for Make) but makes up for this with custom nodes, code nodes and HTTP requests. For technically demanding workflows, n8n is even more flexible.
What does an n8n automation via the agency cost?
The setup depends on the complexity: first come the server setup and the first workflows. We plan complex automations with custom nodes as a separate stage. n8n itself is free in the community edition, so you only pay for the server (from approx. €5/month) and our setup. After the free initial consultation you receive a fixed-price quote.

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Next step

Ready for self-hosted automation?

In 30 minutes we analyse your processes and clarify whether n8n or Make is the better choice for your requirements. Free and non-binding.

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