You’ve decided to self-host n8n, a smart move for more control, flexibility, and scalability. 

But the next question is: what are n8n VPS requirements?

The answer depends less on n8n itself and more on the workflows you plan to run. 

n8n’s resource needs depend on how you use it. 

Running a few simple automations requires far less power than handling multiple webhook workflows, complex Code nodes, or large data processes.

A basic setup can start with 1 vCPU, 2GB RAM, and 20–50GB SSD/NVMe storage. 

For production environments, 2–4 vCPU, 4–8GB RAM, and 40–100GB NVMe storage provide better performance and reliability.

Memory is especially important because resource usage increases during active workflow runs. 

n8n may stay lightweight when idle, but demanding tasks can quickly consume more resources, especially when processing files or running custom scripts.

For most self-hosted deployments, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS offers a stable and reliable environment.

This guide breaks down the n8n VPS requirements for your workload and shows which Truehost plan fits your needs.

Match Your VPS to Your Usage Type

Usage Type	vCPU	RAM	Storage	Truehost Plan	KES Price
Beginner / small projects	1	1–2GB	20GB SSD	N8N KVM1	Ksh 1,999/mo
Medium workloads	2	2–4GB	40GB NVMe	N8N KVM2	Ksh 2,499/mo
Heavy automation	4+	8GB+	80GB NVMe	Contact Truehost sales	Custom pricing

A quick note on storage. Our KVM1 plan gives you 50GB NVMe, more than enough for a starter setup. 

KVM2 steps that up to 100GB NVMe, which comfortably handles heavy automations with large databases and growing execution logs. 

For workloads that go beyond KVM2, reach out to our sales team for a custom configuration.

What Changes Your Numbers

Workflow complexity drives requirements more than the total number of nodes. 

Code nodes, binary file handling, loops over large datasets, or AI model integrations increase load significantly.

Execution frequency is important too. Scheduled cron jobs create a predictable load, while webhook-triggered workflows need headroom for sudden spikes.

Data volume per execution is key. Processing large CSV files, images, or database exports consumes more RAM and storage than simple API pings. 

Start conservatively and monitor with tools like htop or n8n’s built-in metrics. You can always upgrade your Truehost VPS without downtime.

Learn more about n8n Automation

Minimum VPS Requirements for n8n

This is your entry-level setup. It works. It has real limits.

• vCPU: 1 core, handles simple, sequential workflows fine; slows under concurrent load
• RAM: 2GB recommended (1GB is possible, but risks memory errors and silent failures even on basic workflows)
• Storage: 20GB SSD minimum, covers the OS, Docker, n8n, and early log accumulation
• OS: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
• Bandwidth: 1TB+ per month
• Best for: testing, personal projects, low-frequency automations

n8n itself uses around 180MiB RAM just to run. The base footprint is light. The problem is what happens the moment a workflow fires. 

Add Docker overhead, your database process, and a few concurrent executions. A 1GB server runs out of headroom fast.

n8n can technically operate on 1GB. But it’s not recommended. Memory errors can show up on basic workflows, not just complex ones.

The 2GB floor gives you breathing room. 

Simple, infrequent workflows, a daily report, a Slack notification, a form submission handler, this is genuinely enough to get started.

Our starter plan N8N KVM1 at Ksh 1,999/month: 1 vCPU, 2GB RAM, 50GB NVMe, 4TB bandwidth, unlimited workflows.

It’s the most affordable entry point for self-hosting n8n in Kenya. It ships pre-configured, so you skip the setup headache entirely.

Check our guide on how to run n8n on a VPS

n8n Recommended VPS Requirements for Stable, Production Use

This is where most small-to-medium teams should aim from day one.

• vCPU: 2–4 cores, handles concurrent executions without queuing delays
• RAM: 4–8GB, the sweet spot per n8n’s own documentation for production environments
• Storage: 40–80GB NVMe, headroom for your database, execution logs, and room to grow
• Bandwidth: 2TB+ per month
• Best for: small-to-medium business automation, production environments, complex or webhook-triggered workflows

The CPU bump is important here. Without Queue Mode, n8n executes workflows in the same process that handles the web interface. 

A single heavy workflow can freeze the editor. Incoming webhooks start failing. 

At 2+ cores, you have enough capacity to keep the UI responsive while executions run in the background.

NVMe storage at this tier isn’t optional. It’s a real performance upgrade. 

Faster disk I/O speeds up database reads and writes. That is important when your workflows log execution data or query large datasets on every run.

Running production automations? Invoice processing, CRM syncs, lead routing, API orchestration? Don’t start at the minimum. 

Start with our N8N KVM2 at Ksh 2,499/month, 2 vCPU, 4GB RAM, 100GB NVMe, 8TB bandwidth.

For just Ksh 500 more per month than KVM1, you get double the CPU, double the RAM, and double the storage. For most production use cases, KVM2 is the sweet spot.

Read also: n8n Automation Ideas to Try with Your VPS

n8n VPS Requirements FAQ

Which Plan Should You Choose?

Choosing the right VPS from the start prevents frustration and unnecessary upgrades.

For most people getting started, our KVM1 plan at Ksh 1,999/month is the right call. 

1 vCPU, 2GB RAM, 50GB NVMe, 4TB bandwidth. It covers personal projects, testing environments, and low-frequency business automations without overspending.

Step up to KVM2 at Ksh 2,499/month if:

• Your workflows fire frequently, webhook-triggered or scheduled every few minutes
• You’re handling binary files, large JSON payloads, or Code nodes
• You need the instance running reliably for production, not just experimentation
• You’re a developer or freelancer managing automations for clients

For heavy automation at scale, 4+ vCPU, 8GB+ RAM, contact our sales team for a custom configuration.

Ready to deploy? Check out Truehost’s n8n-optimized KVM plans pre-configured setups with queue mode support, NVMe storage, and generous bandwidth. 

Built for self-hosting n8n in Kenya.