Lesson 2. How to Deploy n8n (Quick Start)

Lesson 2. How to Deploy n8n (Quick Start)#

Goal: understand how to run n8n locally or in the cloud.

Option 1: n8n.cloud (Cloud Version)#

The easiest way to get started is to use the official n8n cloud.

Pros:

• nothing to install

• works in the browser

• automatic updates

Cons:

• paid (from $20/month for 2,500 workflow executions)

• data is stored on n8n servers

How to start:

1. Go to n8n.cloud

2. Sign up (email + password)

3. Create a new workflow

4. Start working

Trial period: usually a free 14-day trial is available.

Option 2: Docker (Self-Hosted, Local)#

If you want to deploy n8n on your computer or server — use Docker.

Requirements:

• Docker installed on your computer (download: docker.com)

Command to run:

docker run -it --rm \


  --name n8n \


  -p 5678:5678 \


  -v ~/.n8n:/home/node/.n8n \


  docker.n8n.io/n8nio/n8n

What happens:

• n8n runs locally on port 5678

• data is saved to the ~/.n8n folder

• open your browser: http://localhost:5678

To stop:

• press Ctrl+C in the terminal

Pros:

• free

• data stored locally

• full control

Cons:

• need to install Docker

• workflows won't run when the computer is off

Option 3: VPS (Cloud Server)#

If you want workflows to run 24/7, deploy n8n on a VPS (virtual server).

Providers:

• DigitalOcean, Hetzner, Timeweb, Selectel (from $5–10/month)

Installation:

• use the official guide: docs.n8n.io/hosting

• or ready-made installation scripts (e.g., n8n-setup.sh)

Pros:

• runs 24/7

• full control

• relatively cheap

Cons:

• need to know how to work with servers (SSH, Docker, domains)

• need to configure security (HTTPS, passwords)

What to Choose for Getting Started#

For learning and testing: use Docker locally (Option 2) or n8n.cloud trial.

For production: use n8n.cloud (if you're willing to pay) or VPS (if you know how to set up servers).