# What is self-hosting? > Self-hosting means running software like n8n on a server you control instead of the vendor's cloud. The trade-offs and when it's worth it. Source: https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/self-hosting · Updated 2026-10-01 · Free from Stepthrough (https://learn.ynteractive.com) [n8n and automation](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary#topic-n8n-and-automation) · [AI glossary](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary) Updated October 1, 2026 · By [Robert Breen](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/about) Self-hosting means running software such as n8n on a server you control, like a rented cloud server or a machine in your office, instead of using the vendor's hosted version. You gain control over your data and setup, and you take on updates, security and uptime. ## Why it matters for a small business For n8n, the choice is between n8n Cloud, where n8n runs and updates the service for you, and running the same software yourself. Self-hosting appeals to businesses that want workflow data to stay on infrastructure they control, need to reach systems on a private network, or would rather pay for a server than a subscription. The trade is responsibility. Someone has to install updates, back up workflows and credentials, keep the server secure and make sure it is running at 7 a.m. when the job emails go out. Webhooks also need a public HTTPS address so forms and apps can reach the server. If nobody on the team is comfortable with that, the hosted version is usually the safer choice. ## In a real lesson: Find and Use n8n Templates Stepthrough's lessons use n8n Cloud, and none of them walks through setting up a server. The [Find and Use n8n Templates lesson](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/find-and-use-n8n-templates) is the closest place to see the difference, because the workspace address is part of the flow: you click **Import template to hillside-grooming.app.n8n.cloud**, an address on n8n's hosted service. The same lesson shows the most common self-hosting surprise. When you connect Google, the step notes that n8n Cloud handles the Google setup for you, so you just click **Sign in with Google**. That convenience is n8n's managed OAuth (the receipt lesson leaves the credential on **Managed OAuth2**). On a self-hosted instance you typically create your own OAuth app in Google Cloud and paste its client ID and secret into the credential first. Everything else in the lessons, from triggers and the AI Agent to expressions and **Publish**, works the same either way. [Try this lesson free](https://learn.ynteractive.com/modules/n8n-templates) or [read the step-by-step guide](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/find-and-use-n8n-templates). ## Common confusions ### Self-hosting vs n8n Cloud Same core product, different operator. With Cloud, n8n runs the server and you log in. Self-hosted, you run it, which also means you choose the version and when to update. ### Self-hosting vs running it on your laptop Running n8n on a laptop is fine for learning, but it stops when the laptop sleeps, and outside apps can't reach its webhooks. A real self-hosted setup runs on a server that is always on. ### "Self-hosted means free" You can run n8n yourself without a subscription under its license, but the server, your time and any paid APIs (like an OpenAI key) still cost money. Check n8n's current license terms for your kind of business use. ## Tips - Learn on the hosted version; move only when you have a concrete reason to. - If you self-host, set up backups of workflows and credentials before building anything important. - Check the instance's default timezone as well as each workflow's timezone setting. ## Related terms [n8n](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/n8n) · [Webhook](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/webhook) · [OAuth](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/oauth) · [Credential](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/credential) · [Secrets and environment variables](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/environment-variables) · [n8n template](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/n8n-template) ## Where to learn more [n8n tutorials](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/tool/n8n) · [n8n Jump Start](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/path/n8n-jump-start) ## Frequently asked questions **Do Stepthrough's n8n lessons work on self-hosted n8n?** The building steps are the same. The main difference is connecting Google: on n8n Cloud you just sign in, while a self-hosted instance usually needs its own Google OAuth app first. **Is self-hosting n8n more private?** It can be, because workflow data stays on your server. Any data you send to outside services, like an AI model or Gmail, still leaves it. **What do I need to self-host n8n?** An always-on server, a way to run n8n on it (commonly Docker), a domain with HTTPS so webhooks work, and someone responsible for updates and backups. [All AI glossary terms, A to Z](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary) · [Free prompt templates](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/prompts)