Self-Host n8n on Zeabur for only $5/Month

Devon Sun profile picture Devon Sun
Last updated: August 30 2025
View in Github

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to deploy a self-hosted n8n instance on Zeabur, a cloud platform that simplifies the deployment process. We'll use a pre-built template to get you up and running in minutes, all for about $5 per month.

Why Self-Host n8n?

  • Cost-Effective: Significantly cheaper than paid automation platforms.
  • Full Control: You own your data and can customize your n8n instance.
  • Unlimited Workflows: No limits on the number of workflows or executions.

Getting Started with Zeabur

First, you'll need a Zeabur account.

  1. Go to the Zeabur and sign up for a new account.
  2. Connect your GitHub account to Zeabur. This is how Zeabur will deploy your n8n instance.
Zeabur1

One-Click Deployment

Zeabur provides a one-click template to deploy n8n.

  1. Go to the n8n template on Zeabur.
Zeabur2
  1. Click the Deploy button.
  2. Give your self-hosted n8n instance a name and configure cloud provider settings.
  3. This will create a new n8n project in your Zeabur account and automatically start the deployment.

Using Your Self-Hosted n8n

You can now access your n8n instance using the domain you configured.

  1. Open your n8n domain in your browser.
  2. You'll be prompted to create an owner account.
Zeabur3
  1. Then, you'll see the n8n dashboard, ready for you to create workflows.
Zeabur4

Done! You now have a self-hosted n8n instance running on Zeabur. 🎉

Additional Configurations for Your n8n Instance

You can also configure your n8n instance further with the following options:

Custom Domain Binding

  1. In your Zeabur dashboard, navigate to your n8n project.
  2. Go to the Networking tab.
  3. Add your own custom domain.

Setting Up Environment Variables

To keep your API keys and other secrets secure, use environment variables.

  1. In your Zeabur project, go to the Variables tab.
  2. Add your environment variables. For example, to add an OpenAI API key:
bash 
OPENAI_API_KEY=your_openai_api_key

Now you can access these variables in your n8n workflows using an expression: {{ $env.OPENAI_API_KEY }}.

Get Your FREE Credits 💰

You can claim FREE $5 USD Zeabur credits through the AI Builders community (enough to cover a basic n8n instance for about a month):

  1. Visit the AI Builders Zeabur perk page: https://theaibuilders.dev/zeabur.
  2. Follow the instructions (join the community if you haven't already & submit the short form).
  3. Receive your credit code / automatic credit application from Zeabur (processing can take a short while—check your email or Zeabur billing dashboard).

> Tip: Apply the credit before scaling up resources so you maximize the free usage window.

Zeabur's pricing is pay-as-you-go. Without credits, a basic n8n instance typically costs approximately $5 per month, making this a very affordable way to self-host n8n—especially with the starter credits applied.

Conclusion

By following this tutorial, you've successfully deployed a self-hosted n8n instance on Zeabur. You now have a powerful and affordable automation platform at your fingertips.

Check out Zeabur today and start automating your workflows with n8n!

Happy Automating!🎉