Best VPS for n8n
Workflow automation platform with AI agent nodes that you can self-host with Docker.
n8n server requirements
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| vCPU | 2 | 2 |
| RAM | 2 GB | 4 GB |
| Disk | 20 GB | 40 GB |
- OS:
- Any Linux distribution with Docker
- Runtime:
- Docker (or Node.js 20.19-24.x)
- RAM is the main bottleneck: n8n keeps workflow data in memory.
- Use 4 GB when PostgreSQL runs on the same server; 8 GB or more for queue mode with Redis.
Official docs do not list server sizing; numbers are community recommendations.Official docs
Cheapest VPS for n8n
Plans with at least 2 vCPU, 4 GB RAM, and 40 GB disk, sorted by monthly price.
| Provider | Plan | vCPU | RAM | Disk | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hostup | VPS XS | 2 | 4 GB | 50 GB | $4.48/mo | Details |
| Netcup | VPS 500 G12 | 2 | 4 GB | 128 GB | $5.59/mo | Details |
| Contabo | Storage Vps 10 NVME | 2 | 4 GB | 300 GB | $6.20/mo | Details |
| Hetzner | CX 23 | 2 | 4 GB | 40 GB | $6.75/mo | Details |
| Hetzner | CAX11 | 2 | 4 GB | 40 GB | $7.31/mo | Details |
| Netcup | VPS 1000 ARM G11 | 6 | 8 GB | 256 GB | $7.36/mo | Details |
| Contabo | Storage Vps 20 SSD | 3 | 8 GB | 400 GB | $8.45/mo | Details |
| Contabo | Cloud Vps Core 6 NVME | 6 | 12 GB | 200 GB | $8.45/mo | Details |
| Hostup | VPS SM | 4 | 8 GB | 100 GB | $8.86/mo | Details |
| Netcup | VPS 1000 G12 | 4 | 8 GB | 256 GB | $9.82/mo | Details |
Details links may be referral links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
How to install n8n on a VPS
Install Docker on your VPS
curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com | shCreate a volume for workflows and credentials
docker volume create n8n_dataPoint a domain (for example n8n.example.com) to your VPS and start n8n, reachable only from the server itself
docker run -d --restart unless-stopped --name n8n -p 127.0.0.1:5678:5678 -e WEBHOOK_URL=https://n8n.example.com/ -v n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n docker.n8n.io/n8nio/n8nServe n8n over HTTPS with Caddy, which issues the certificate automatically
sudo apt install -y caddy && echo 'n8n.example.com { reverse_proxy localhost:5678 }' | sudo tee /etc/caddy/Caddyfile && sudo systemctl reload caddyOpen https://n8n.example.com and create the owner account right away
Commands are taken from the official documentation; check it for the latest version.
Why self-host n8n on a VPS?
Self-hosting n8n removes execution limits of hosted plans, keeps your credentials on your own server, and gives webhooks a stable public address. A small VPS is usually cheaper than a paid cloud plan once you run more than a few workflows.
FAQ
How much RAM does n8n need?
n8n starts with 2 GB, but RAM is its main bottleneck because workflow data is kept in memory. Choose 4 GB if PostgreSQL runs on the same server, and 8 GB or more for queue mode with Redis.
SQLite or PostgreSQL?
SQLite is fine for testing. Use PostgreSQL for production workflows and backups.
Do I need a domain and HTTPS?
Yes for production: webhooks and OAuth callbacks need a public HTTPS URL. Put n8n behind a reverse proxy such as Caddy, Nginx, or Traefik.