Self-Hosting n8n: A Practical Guide

Self-hosting n8n gives you control over data, cost, and reliability. Here's a pragmatic approach for 2026.

Core Setup

• Docker Compose with persistent volumes and TLS via a reverse proxy
• Backups before upgrades; snapshot volumes regularly

HA & Scaling

• Move to Kubernetes for multiple instances, probes, and autoscaling
• Use a shared database and optional queue for worker scaling

Security

• Strong admin credentials, encrypted secrets, and limited public exposure
• Validate webhook inputs, rate-limit, and audit admin actions

Ops Tips

• Pin image tags; stage upgrades; monitor latency/throughput/errors