About n8n
n8n is a workflow automation tool with publicly available source code: In the visual builder, you can connect hundreds of services – email, databases, CRM, accounting, AI models – and automate recurring processes without any coding; where necessary, code nodes can be used to add your own logic. Unlike Zapier or Make, n8n does not charge per task executed, and with us you get the operation of your instance for a fixed monthly price. With Managed n8n Hosting, you get this freedom as a managed service, without having to worry about servers, updates or availability.
Who is n8n suitable for?
n8n is worthwhile for any SME where data is regularly copied manually between systems: fiduciary firms that automatically transfer documents from their inbox to their case management or accounting systems; agencies that import leads from web forms into their CRM and project planning systems; or medical practices and law firms that automate appointment confirmations and reminders. n8n is also a handy tool for clubs and associations that need to keep member data synchronised across their website, newsletter tool and spreadsheets. Because the workflows run on your own instance, customer and business data do not pass through a US-based automation cloud.
n8n hosting in Switzerland
OpenHosting operates your n8n instance in Swiss data centres in the Zurich region: workflows, stored credentials and execution logs are stored in Switzerland and processed in accordance with the nDSG. Updates, security patches and monitoring are included in the Managed Hosting service; daily backups following the 3-2-1 principle safeguard the entire instance, hourly with your own n8n licence. If you’re switching from Zapier or Make, we’ll help you replicate your existing automations.
Two options: workflow service or your own licence
n8n is not published under a classic open-source licence but under the vendor’s Sustainable Use License. It allows free use for your own internal purposes – but not for a hosting provider to offer n8n as a service in which customers build their own workflows. That is why we offer two options: with the workflow service, we implement and run your automations – with no licence fees, from CHF 19/month plus implementation billed by time. With your own n8n licence, your team works in the editor itself: you license n8n directly from the vendor, and we run the instance from CHF 59/month and activate your licence key. This also gives you single sign-on, projects with roles and Git version control.
Why n8n?
See how n8n compares.
| n8n | Zapier | Make.com | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swiss server | ✓ | ||
| Costs | Flat-rate | Per task | Volume-based |
| Data Protection | Excellent (CH) | US cloud | Medium |
| Price per month | from CHF 19 | from $20 | from $10 |
Frequently asked questions about n8n
How much does n8n hosting cost in Switzerland? ▾
It depends on who builds the workflows. With the workflow service, we implement and run your automations: from CHF 19 per month for operation, with implementation billed by time at CHF 225 per hour. If your team wants to build workflows itself, we run your licensed instance from CHF 59 per month; you buy the n8n licence directly from the vendor (Business plan EUR 667 per month billed annually). We don't charge per execution.
Do I need an n8n licence? ▾
Only if your team builds workflows itself. n8n is not open source in the classic sense but is published under the vendor's Sustainable Use License. The free licence does not allow a provider to offer n8n as a service in which customers create their own workflows. If we implement the workflows for you and you use the results, the free licence is sufficient. If your team wants to work in the editor, you license n8n from the vendor and we operate the instance on your behalf.
Which features are missing from the free version of n8n? ▾
The free Community Edition includes almost the full feature set: unlimited workflows and executions, all integrations, code nodes and webhooks. What is missing are mainly team and compliance features: single sign-on (SAML/LDAP), sharing workflows and credentials in projects with roles, Git version control and separate test and production environments. The n8n Business plan unlocks these; external secret stores and log streaming are only available in the Enterprise plan.
Is n8n suitable for sensitive business data? ▾
Yes. Your n8n instance runs in data centres in the Zurich region; workflows, credentials and execution logs are stored exclusively in Switzerland – important for compliance with the nDSG and the GDPR. For transparency: to protect against attacks, Cloudflare, a US provider, sits in front of our servers. Access to your instance therefore passes through its network, where traffic is inspected but not stored permanently.
How do backups work for n8n? ▾
We back up the entire instance automatically – daily with the workflow service, hourly with your own licence. These backups are meant for emergencies: the whole instance is always restored to a point in time, not individual changes. To roll back individual workflows, you can set up an automatic export of your workflows in n8n, for example to a Git repository. With a Business licence, n8n's built-in Git version control is added.
Who takes care of updates, maintenance and support? ▾
We run the servers and the n8n installation: we regularly review new n8n versions and security updates and install them. Backups, monitoring and support for technical incidents are included. You are responsible for the content – workflows, credentials and user accounts – unless we implement the workflows for you with the workflow service. We offer help with set-up, building workflows and training for CHF 225 per hour or by subscription.
Why n8n rather than Zapier or Make? ▾
n8n connects over 400 services, allows you to create your own logic using code nodes, and does not charge per task. Your automations and login details remain on Swiss servers.
Pairs well with n8n
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Pricing for n8n
Workflow service
CHF 19/Mo
- ✓ We build and run your workflows
- ✓ Implementation billed by time (CHF 225/hour)
- ✓ No n8n licence fees
- ✓ Daily backups
- ✓ Email support
With your own n8n licence
CHF 59/Mo
- ✓ Your own instance, your team builds
- ✓ Plus n8n licence from EUR 667/month
- ✓ SSO, projects and Git version control
- ✓ Hourly backups
- ✓ Priority Support
Why two options: n8n's free licence does not allow customers to build workflows themselves in a hosted instance. For that, you license n8n directly from the vendor (Business plan EUR 667 per month billed annually, incl. 40,000 executions; as of 09/2026). Consulting, set-up and training: CHF 225 per hour or by subscription.
All prices exclude VAT.