n8n is one of the most powerful open-source workflow automation tools available — and self-hosting it gives you full control over your data, integrations, and costs. On Akash Network, you can run your own n8n server for a fraction of what traditional cloud providers charge.
Why Self-Host n8n on Akash?
The n8n cloud plan starts at \(20/month. On Akash, the same workload can run for under\)2/month thanks to the open marketplace of compute providers competing on price. You get the same functionality with no vendor lock-in.
Setting Up the Deployment
n8n ships as a Docker image, making it straightforward to deploy on Akash. Your SDL file needs to:
- Reference the official
n8nio/n8nimage - Set at least 0.5 CPU and 512Mi memory (1 CPU / 1Gi recommended for reliability)
- Expose port
5678for the web UI - Mount a persistent volume for workflow storage
Persisting Your Data
Akash supports persistent storage, which is essential for n8n — without it, your workflows reset on every redeploy. Add a storage section to your SDL and mount it to /home/node/.n8n inside the container.
Going Live
Once deployed, grab the provider-assigned hostname from your Akash lease and open it in your browser. You’ll land directly on the n8n setup screen. From there, configure your credentials, build your first workflow, and start automating.
For the complete SDL file and step-by-step instructions, check the original post on X.