n8n offers over 400 core nodes, 600+ community nodes, and unlimited custom API integrations in 2025. Unlike other automation tools like Zapier or Make, n8n prioritizes flexibility and control, allowing users to create tailored workflows for any API without hidden costs or restrictions. You can self-host n8n for as little as $7/month on a VPS, gaining full control over scalability, performance, and security.
Here’s a quick breakdown of n8n’s integration options:
- Core Nodes (400+): Officially supported integrations like Google Workspace, Slack, and AWS.
- Community Nodes (600+): User-contributed connectors for platforms like Reddit and Telegram.
- Custom API Nodes (Unlimited): Connect to any REST API using HTTP or Code nodes.
n8n also excels in AI/ML automation, with 30+ AI integrations and support for custom Python and JavaScript workflows. By self-hosting, you can enhance functionality with external libraries and ensure your data stays secure.
For developers, teams, and businesses looking for automation tools in 2025, n8n stands out by offering unmatched customization and cost efficiency compared to competitors like Zapier or Make.
n8n’s Integration Ecosystem in 2025
n8n takes a different approach to integrations compared to traditional SaaS platforms. Instead of relying solely on pre-built connectors, it combines core nodes, community contributions, and custom extensibility to deliver flexible automation. This hybrid system supports both ready-made solutions and tailored workflows, making it a powerful tool for technical teams. You can use its drag-and-drop visual builder for simplicity or dive into custom code when more complex workflows are required.
Core Integration Categories
n8n organizes its 400+ core nodes into categories designed to tackle key automation needs:
- Productivity & Collaboration: These nodes connect popular workplace tools like Google Workspace, Notion, Slack, and Airtable. They help streamline tasks like document management and team communication.
- Marketing & CRM: Integrations with platforms like HubSpot, Pipedrive, and Facebook Ads enable lead nurturing, data synchronization, and multi-channel marketing campaigns.
- DevOps & Cloud Infrastructure: Nodes for AWS, GitHub, DigitalOcean, and Docker are essential for deployment automation, system monitoring, and managing cloud infrastructure.
- AI & Machine Learning: This rapidly growing category includes integrations with OpenAI, Stability, and Hugging Face, supporting tasks like content creation, data analysis, and natural language processing.
- Core Utility: Nodes like HTTP, Webhook, Function, and Code provide the backbone for custom workflows. These allow you to connect to any API or add custom logic directly into your automation.
Integration Count and Extensibility
n8n’s power lies in its three-tier integration structure:
| Node Type | Count | Examples | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Nodes | 400+ | Slack, Google Sheets, MySQL, AWS | Official support, regular updates |
| Community Nodes | 600+ | Reddit, Trello, Telegram, Discord | Community-driven, unique use cases |
| Custom API Nodes | Unlimited | Any REST API, internal tools | Full control, tailored integrations |
This structure ensures you’re not tied to a limited marketplace. If a connector isn’t available, you can either create it yourself or find one in the community repository. The flexibility of n8n stands out in real-world scenarios.
n8n’s ability to handle cURL requests directly is a game-changer. You can simply paste API calls into workflows, skipping the need to write custom integration code from scratch.
The Expanding AI/ML Node Library
AI and machine learning nodes are n8n’s fastest-growing category, with over 30 integrations available as of 2025. This growth reflects the increasing role of AI in automating business processes.
- Development Operations: Teams use AI nodes to convert natural language into API calls, cutting down on manual coding and speeding up development workflows.
- Sales Teams: AI integrations help extract actionable insights from customer reviews and feedback, automating tasks that once required manual effort.
- Security Teams: AI nodes assist in enriching incident tickets by automatically categorizing threats and providing contextual data, enabling quicker responses.
n8n makes it easy to combine visual workflows with custom Python or JavaScript code, opening the door to advanced machine learning applications. You can even integrate npm packages or Python libraries directly into your workflows. As Martino Bonfiglioli, Senior Product Manager, puts it:
“The idea is that everybody in the organization can use n8n to manage data retrieval or data transformation.”
This flexibility ensures that any AI service with an API is available for immediate use, even if an official integration doesn’t exist yet. The HTTP and Code nodes make it possible to connect to emerging AI tools without delay, showcasing n8n’s ability to adapt to evolving needs. Up next, we’ll explore how custom nodes further demonstrate this adaptability.
Extending n8n with Custom Nodes
Custom nodes in n8n expand its already impressive library of over 400 core nodes and 600+ community nodes. They allow you to bridge gaps for specialized tools, internal APIs, or unique business workflows.
What Are Custom Nodes?
Custom nodes are JavaScript modules designed to create tailored connectors for any API. Unlike traditional SaaS automation tools that restrict you to a predefined marketplace, n8n’s open framework gives you complete control over your integrations. You can even write JavaScript or Python code directly within your workflows when needed.
How to Create a Custom Node
Creating a custom node in n8n is a flexible process that adapts to your technical requirements. Here are a few ways to get started:
- The HTTP Node Approach:
This is the quickest way to integrate with any REST API. Simply paste cURL requests into your workflow for rapid setups. - The Code Node Method:
For more complex tasks, n8n’s Code nodes allow you to handle authentication, process responses, and implement advanced logic that goes beyond basic API calls. - Using External Libraries:
n8n supports external libraries from npm or Python, enabling you to add encryption tools, data processing capabilities, or specialized SDKs. After testing endpoints with the HTTP node, you can refine and package the logic into a reusable custom node.
Additionally, community-shared solutions often complement this process, filling in any remaining gaps.
The Role of Community Contributions
The n8n community plays a big role in expanding its ecosystem. Instead of relying on corporate roadmaps, the platform grows based on real user needs. For instance, a developer might create a custom node for Reddit’s API, while a marketing team might build one for Telegram.
Popular community nodes are frequently updated and enhanced by multiple contributors, ensuring quick fixes and reliable performance. By using n8n, you become part of a collaborative network where your automation challenges are either already addressed or where you can contribute solutions to help others.
For even greater flexibility and performance, deploying custom nodes on a VPS gives you local control and reliability that SaaS platforms often can’t provide.
n8n vs Zapier vs Make vs IFTTT: A Quick Comparison
Another key distinction lies in scalability. While SaaS platforms like Zapier and Make operate within predefined limits, n8n enables users to scale their automation based on their own infrastructure capabilities. You may check our in-depth comparison guide at the following link.
Comparison Table of Features
| Tool | Integrations | Custom API Support | Hosting | Pricing Model | Scalability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| n8n | 400+ core (+ unlimited custom) | Full (JS/Python nodes, cURL) | Self-hosted + Cloud | Free/Open Source | User-controlled |
| Zapier | ~6,000 | Limited (Webhooks Pro) | SaaS only | From $19.99+/month | Provider-managed |
| Make | ~1,000 | Partial (custom modules) | SaaS only | From $9+/month | Provider-managed |
| IFTTT | ~700 | None | SaaS only | From $3.99/month | Low |
The VPS Advantage for n8n: True Automation Freedom
While n8n’s cloud service offers convenience, hosting it on a VPS unlocks its full potential. With a VPS, you gain complete control, allowing you to push n8n beyond the limits of traditional SaaS platforms. This setup lays the groundwork for a secure and powerful automation system.
Why VPS Hosting Is a Game-Changer
Hosting n8n on a VPS transforms it into a powerful automation tool. With full root access, you can directly install npm modules or Python libraries on your server, expanding n8n’s functionality far beyond its default capabilities. This flexibility is essential for building advanced workflows that rely on custom libraries or unique dependencies.
A self-hosted VPS setup also offers encrypted secret stores, giving you complete control over sensitive data like API keys and credentials. Unlike SaaS platforms, where your information passes through third-party servers, VPS hosting keeps everything within your infrastructure.
As highlighted by n8n:
“Host with on-prem control or in-the-cloud convenience. n8n gives you more freedom to implement multi-step AI agents and integrate apps than any other tool.” – n8n.io
Businesses are already seeing the benefits. Delivery Hero, for example, saves 200 hours each month using n8n’s ITOps workflows, while StepStone cut a two-week task down to just two hours, achieving a 25X improvement in marketplace data integration.
Another standout feature is the ability to paste cURL requests directly into your automations, offering a level of customization that traditional SaaS tools simply can’t match. This aligns perfectly with n8n’s vision of limitless flexibility.
Performance Benchmarks with VPS
When it comes to performance, a 2 GB VPS can handle over 50 concurrent workflows, making it an affordable choice for small-to-medium businesses or solo developers. For larger-scale needs, scaling up is straightforward. A 4 GB VPS can manage hundreds of workflows simultaneously while maintaining smooth performance. The best part? You control the scaling – no waiting for platform updates or paying extra for added capacity.
Why VPSus Stands Out
VPSus offers several features that make it an excellent choice for hosting n8n. With 18 global data centers, it ensures low-latency access no matter where your workflows need to connect. This global reach is critical for automations involving APIs and services across different regions.
The platform’s NVMe storage and 1-10 Gbps connectivity deliver the speed required for data-heavy workflows. When you’re processing large datasets or managing multiple API calls at once, fast storage and high-speed connectivity eliminate bottlenecks.
Key benefits include:
- Instant provisioning: Get n8n up and running in minutes.
- Unmetered traffic: No need to worry about bandwidth limits, even for API-heavy workflows.
- n8n-specific plans: Starting at just $7/month, these plans come pre-configured with Docker-ready environments, HTTPS, and custom domain support, simplifying setup while giving you full control.
With 24/7 customer support, VPSus combines the dependability of managed hosting with the flexibility of a self-hosted environment.
Thanks to its performance, global presence, and n8n-optimized plans, VPSus provides a solid foundation for organizations looking to take their automation capabilities to the next level.
Takeaway: Integration Freedom Comes with Hosting Freedom
n8n’s true strength lies in its ability to adapt and expand, especially when paired with flexible hosting options. While n8n already offers over 400 core nodes and 600+ community nodes, its standout feature is the ability to create unlimited custom integrations. Unlike SaaS platforms that confine you to predefined marketplaces, n8n allows you to transform any REST API into a tailored integration using HTTP nodes, JavaScript functions, or even by simply pasting cURL requests.
To fully unlock this potential, a solid hosting solution is essential. That’s where VPSus steps in, offering the perfect environment for n8n. With high-performance NVMe storage, lightning-fast 1–10 Gbps connectivity, and 18 global data centers, VPSus ensures your workflows run seamlessly, regardless of where your APIs are based. Their n8n-specific hosting plans start at just $7/month and come pre-configured with Docker, HTTPS, and custom domain support. This eliminates setup hassles while giving you complete control over your automation.
The bottom line? Hosting freedom gives you full control over your automation. You can install any npm package, process sensitive data securely, and build workflows that are simply not possible on restricted SaaS platforms. With over 200,000 community members and 149.6k GitHub stars, n8n is backed by a thriving developer community that embraces this open and scalable approach.
For developers, automation experts, and creators exploring workflow tools in 2025, the choice is obvious: the ability to create unlimited integrations far outweighs the limitations of fixed marketplaces. It’s not about how many integrations n8n offers – it’s about how many you can build with it.
