Overview
This lesson is part of the n8n AI Automation - Zero to Hero course, Section: 2. Getting Started.
Watch the video above for the full tutorial, or read the written guide below.
What is n8n Cloud and how does it compare to self-hosting?
n8n Cloud is the managed, browser-based version of n8n that lets you register, log in, and start building automation workflows immediately, with no installation or server management required. The trade-off is a paid subscription after the 14-day free trial and reduced control over where your data and logic live. Self-hosting gives you full control and flexibility but requires managing your own infrastructure.
How to register on n8n Cloud step by step
n8n Cloud registration takes just a few clicks starting at n8n.io. Click "Get started for free," fill in your name, a company email address, a password, and a unique account name. That account name becomes your permanent workspace URL, formatted as <accountname>.app.n8n.cloud. No credit card is required to start the 14-day free trial.
After submitting the form, n8n runs a short onboarding survey covering team type, company size, coding experience, and how you heard about n8n. The following screen offers a team-invite step so collaborators can access the same workspace. You can skip this and add team members later from inside the workspace.
Once you complete onboarding, your n8n canvas opens immediately. The workspace URL you chose during registration appears at the top of the interface, confirming where your workflows are hosted. Clicking "Create workflow" opens a blank canvas where you can drag and drop nodes and start building right away, with no additional configuration needed.
Key Takeaways
- n8n Cloud requires no installation: register at n8n.io, complete a short form, and your workspace is live within minutes under a custom
<accountname>.app.n8n.cloudURL. - The 14-day free trial starts with no credit card required; paid plans become necessary once free-tier usage limits are exceeded.
- n8n Cloud's main drawbacks are subscription cost at higher usage levels and reduced control over where your data and logic reside.
- Self-hosting is the better fit for technical users who need full control over their infrastructure, data, and automation logic.
- After registration the canvas opens immediately, and the "Create workflow" button lets you drag and drop nodes without any additional setup.
Related Lessons
- Lesson 5: [Free n8n] How to Install n8n on local machine using NPM Node.js
- Lesson 6: How to Install n8n for free on local machine using Docker Desktop
- Lesson 7: n8n Interface Walkthrough 2025 | Complete n8n UI Guide - Admin Panel, Settings
- Lesson 8: n8n Node Types Explained (2025) | How to Build Workflow with Triggers, Apps, Core & Actions
- Lesson 9: Build Your First n8n Workflow - Send Welcome Emails Automatically
Next Steps
Continue your n8n journey with the full n8n AI Automation - Zero to Hero course.
