Best VPS for n8n: Top Hosting Picks for Workflow Automation

If you're looking to self-host n8n — the powerful open-source workflow automation tool — choosing the right VPS is crucial for performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

What is n8n?

n8n is a fair-code licensed workflow automation platform that lets you connect apps and automate workflows. Think of it as a self-hosted alternative to Zapier or Make, but with more flexibility and no per-task pricing.

Why Self-Host n8n?

• No execution limits — Run unlimited workflows
• Full data control — Your data stays on your server
• Cost-effective — One VPS cost vs. per-task pricing
• Customization — Modify and extend as needed
• Privacy — Sensitive workflows stay private

n8n VPS Requirements

Requirement	Minimum	Recommended
CPU	1 vCPU	2+ vCPU
RAM	2GB	4GB+
Storage	20GB SSD	50GB+ NVMe
Bandwidth	1TB	2TB+
OS	Ubuntu 20.04+	Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

For most users running moderate workflows (50-200 executions/day), a 4GB RAM VPS with 2 vCPUs is the sweet spot.

Top VPS Picks for n8n

1. Hostinger VPS (Best Value)

$4.99/mo | 1 vCPU, 4GB RAM, 50GB NVMe

Hostinger's KVM 1 plan offers the most RAM per dollar:

• 4GB RAM — more than competitors at this price
• NVMe storage for fast execution logging
• 24/7 live chat support
• 4TB bandwidth

Why it's best for n8n: More RAM means more concurrent workflows. NVMe storage keeps the dashboard snappy.

2. Hetzner Cloud (Best for Europe)

€3.79/mo | 2 vCPU, 4GB RAM, 40GB NVMe

If you're EU-based, Hetzner delivers excellent value:

• 2 vCPU for better multi-workflow performance
• Unmetered traffic
• German data centers (GDPR compliant)
• Great API for automation

3. DigitalOcean (Best Developer Experience)

$12/mo | 1 vCPU, 2GB RAM, 50GB SSD

For developers who want great tooling:

• Industry-leading documentation
• One-click Docker droplet
• Excellent doctl CLI
• Strong community

4. Contabo (Best for Heavy Workloads)

€4.99/mo | 4 vCPU, 8GB RAM, 50GB SSD

For large n8n deployments with many workflows:

• Insane specs for the price
• Unlimited bandwidth
• Great for running n8n + PostgreSQL + Redis

Quick n8n Installation

Step 1: Get Your VPS

Choose a provider, select Ubuntu 24.04.

Step 2: Install Docker

apt update && apt upgrade -y
curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com | sh

Step 3: Run n8n

docker run -d --restart always \
  -p 5678:5678 \
  -e N8N_BASIC_AUTH_ACTIVE=true \
  -e N8N_BASIC_AUTH_USER=admin \
  -e N8N_BASIC_AUTH_PASSWORD=your-password \
  -v n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n \
  --name n8n \
  n8nio/n8n

Step 4: Access n8n

Open http://your-server-ip:5678 in your browser.

Next step: Set up a reverse proxy with Nginx and SSL for production use.

Provider Comparison

Provider	RAM	Price	Storage	Support
Hostinger	4GB	$4.99	50GB NVMe	24/7 Chat
DigitalOcean	2GB	$12	50GB SSD	Tickets
Vultr	1GB	$6	25GB SSD	Tickets
Linode	1GB	$5	25GB SSD	Tickets
Hetzner	4GB	€3.79	40GB NVMe	Tickets
Contabo	8GB	€4.99	50GB SSD	Tickets

n8n Performance Tips

1. Use PostgreSQL Instead of SQLite

For production workloads, SQLite can become a bottleneck:

# docker-compose.yml
environment:
  - DB_TYPE=postgresdb
  - DB_POSTGRESDB_HOST=postgres
  - DB_POSTGRESDB_DATABASE=n8n
  - DB_POSTGRESDB_USER=n8n
  - DB_POSTGRESDB_PASSWORD=yourpassword

2. Enable Execution Pruning

Delete old executions to save disk space. In n8n settings:

• Save Data Error Execution: last 30 days
• Save Data Success Execution: last 7 days

3. Monitor Resources

Keep an eye on your VPS:

htop
docker stats n8n

If consistently above 80% RAM, upgrade your plan.

4. Set Up Automatic Backups

# Export all workflows
docker exec n8n n8n export:workflow --all --output=/home/node/.n8n/backups/

FAQ

How much RAM do I need for n8n?

• Light usage (< 50 workflows): 2GB
• Medium usage (50-200 workflows): 4GB
• Heavy usage (200+ workflows): 8GB+

Can I run n8n on a $5 VPS?

Yes, but opt for 2GB+ RAM minimum. Hostinger's $4.99 plan with 4GB is ideal.

Should I use Docker or native install?

Docker is recommended. It's easier to update, backup, and isolate from the system.

What about n8n Cloud?

n8n Cloud starts at $20/mo with execution limits. Self-hosting on a $5 VPS gives unlimited executions.

Conclusion

For most users self-hosting n8n, Hostinger offers the best value:

✅ 4GB RAM at $4.99/mo — most RAM per dollar
✅ NVMe storage for fast workflow execution
✅ 24/7 live chat support
✅ Easy upgrade path (KVM 2 for $9.99/mo)

Whether you're automating personal tasks or building business workflows, a good VPS provides the perfect foundation for unlimited n8n automations.