How to Install n8n on DigitalOcean (Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners)

New to automation? Start with our n8n vs Zapier comparison to understand why many users switch.

Want to run n8n without paying for expensive automation tools? In this guide, you’ll learn how to install n8n on a cloud server using DigitalOcean — one of the easiest and most affordable ways to get started.

What You Need Before Starting

• A DigitalOcean account
• Basic understanding of cloud servers
• 10–15 minutes

Not sure which provider to use? See our best hosting for self-hosted tools guide.

Step 1: Create a Droplet

Sign up for DigitalOcean and create a new droplet (cloud server). Choose Ubuntu and the basic plan to keep costs low.

Step 2: Connect to Your Server

Use SSH to connect to your server. On Mac or Linux, use Terminal. On Windows, use PowerShell or PuTTY.

Step 3: Install Docker

Run the following commands to install Docker:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install docker.io -y

Step 4: Run n8n

Use Docker to launch n8n:

docker run -it --rm -p 5678:5678 n8nio/n8n

Step 5: Access n8n

Open your browser and go to: http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:5678

Why Use n8n Instead of Zapier?

n8n is one of the best open source tools because it gives you full control and eliminates per-task pricing.

Final Thoughts

Running n8n on DigitalOcean is one of the easiest ways to get started with self-hosted automation. Once set up, you can build unlimited workflows without recurring fees.

You can also explore more open source tools to expand your workflow.