What Are N8n 400+ Native Integration Nodes

What are n8n 400+ Native Integration Nodes?

Native integration nodes in n8n are pre-built connection blocks that allow the platform to talk to external applications without requiring you to write custom code. Think of them as specialized adapters. If you want to send a message to a Slack channel or add a row to a Google Sheet, you do not need to read the API documentation for those services from scratch. You simply drag the corresponding node onto your workflow canvas. These nodes handle the complex background tasks like authentication, data formatting, and communication protocols. They act as the primary building blocks for any automation you create within the ecosystem.

Currently, n8n provides over 400 of these built-in nodes. They cover a broad spectrum of categories including CRM systems like HubSpot, productivity tools like Notion, payment processors like Stripe, and various databases. These nodes are maintained by the n8n team, which means they are updated regularly to ensure they work with the latest versions of the connected apps. Every node is designed to perform specific triggers - events that start a workflow - or actions, which are the tasks performed once a workflow is running.

How n8n Nodes Work in Plain Language

Look, the way these nodes function is fairly straightforward once you see them in action. Every automation starts with a trigger node. This might be a Webhook that waits for data from another app, or a Schedule node that fires off every Monday at 9:00 AM. Once the trigger activates, the data flows through a path of integration nodes. Each node represents a "stop" where something happens to that data.

Here's the thing: you are essentially mapping data from one place to another. If a customer fills out a Typeform, the Typeform node captures that information. You then connect that node to a Slack node. Inside the Slack node configuration, you tell n8n which specific piece of info from the Typeform - like the customer's name - should go into the Slack message. The native nodes provide a user interface with dropdown menus and text fields, so you are clicking buttons rather than writing scripts. It simplifies the process of moving data between different software environments.

Authentication is handled within the node settings. Instead of managing complex OAuth tokens manually, you enter your credentials once in a secure area of n8n. The native nodes then use those credentials whenever the workflow runs. This separation of logic and security makes it easier to manage dozens of different accounts across different services without getting overwhelmed.

Core Capabilities and Practical Limits

The native nodes are built using JavaScript or TypeScript. They are highly efficient because they run directly within the n8n environment. You can find nodes for almost any major business category. Marketing teams use them for Mailchimp or HubSpot. Developers use them for GitHub or AWS. There is even a heavy focus on AI, with nodes for OpenAI, HuggingFace, and LangChain integration. This allows you to build workflows that process text, generate images, or summarize documents automatically.

Specific collections also exist for niche industries. For example, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) have access to over 50 specialized nodes. These include tools like NinjaOne for remote monitoring, IT Glue for documentation, and ConnectWise for professional services automation. This level of specialization is part of what sets n8n apart from more generic automation tools.

No system is perfect, and there are limits to native nodes. A native node might not support every single feature that an app's API offers. If an app has a very new or obscure feature, the native node might only cover the most common tasks like "Create User" or "Update Record." You might find that a specific niche tool you use doesn't have a native node at all. In these cases, you aren't stuck. The platform provides an HTTP Request node that can connect to any service with an API. It requires a bit more setup, but it ensures you are never truly blocked.

The ecosystem is also expanded by community nodes. While there are 400+ native nodes, the community has contributed hundreds more. These community-maintained nodes bring the total count to over 1,000. These are not built by the official n8n team, so the quality can vary, but they often fill the gaps for less common software.

Who Uses n8n Nodes and Why?

Developers often prefer n8n because it offers more control than "no-code" competitors. You can drop in a Code Node at any point to manipulate data with JavaScript or Python. This flexibility is useful for complex data transformations that a standard integration node might not handle. If the native Slack node doesn't format a message exactly how you want, you can use a Code Node to prepare the text first.

IT professionals and system administrators use these nodes to glue disparate systems together. They might use a trigger from a security tool like Huntress to kick off a series of actions in a ticketing system. This saves hours of manual data entry and reduces the risk of human error. The ability to self-host n8n also appeals to those who are sensitive about data privacy. Since the nodes run on your own hardware or VPC, your data doesn't necessarily have to pass through a third-party's cloud servers if you choose the self-hosted route.

Small business owners use these nodes to compete with larger companies. By automating repetitive tasks like invoicing through Stripe or lead tracking in a CRM, a small team can handle a much higher volume of work. The cost-to-value ratio is usually the driving factor here. Native nodes allow them to build complex systems without hiring a full-time developer.

Deep Dive: 400+ Native Integration Nodes

What this feature does

The 400+ native integration nodes serve as the primary interface between n8n and the outside world. They are grouped into several functional types. Trigger nodes start workflows based on external events. Action nodes perform tasks like creating, updating, or deleting data. Core nodes handle internal logic, such as branching paths (If node), merging data (Merge node), or waiting for a specific time (Wait node). Each node is a visual representation of an API connection, pre-configured with the necessary headers and parameters.

Who can access it

Native nodes are available to all users. It doesn't matter if you are using the free self-hosted version, the official n8n cloud, or a managed service. There are no "premium" nodes locked behind specific tiers. If a node exists in the library, you can use it. However, the number of executions or the amount of data you can process might be limited by your specific plan or server hardware.

Practical steps to use it

• Open the n8n workflow editor.
• Click the + button or use the search bar in the right-hand panel.
• Type the name of the app you want to connect (e.g., "Notion").
• Select the node and drag it onto the canvas.
• Click on the node to open its settings.
• Select or create a "Credential" to authorize n8n to access that app.
• Choose the "Resource" (like Database Page) and the "Operation" (like Create).
• Fill in the required fields by dragging data from previous nodes or typing static values.
• Click "Execute Node" to test the connection.

Common limits and caveats

One common limit involves API rate limits. Even if the n8n node is working perfectly, the service you are connecting to (like Twitter or Google) might throttle your requests if you send too many too fast. You may need to use the "Wait" node or configure batching to stay within those limits. Additionally, community nodes require manual installation via the n8n settings, whereas native nodes are pre-installed. You should also check if a node supports the specific version of the app you are using, as major API updates can occasionally break older node configurations until they are updated.

Access Requirements and Pricing Context

Accessing n8n and its full suite of nodes can happen in a few ways. You can host it yourself for free on a local machine or a VPS. This requires some technical knowledge of Docker or Node.js. Alternatively, you can use the n8n Cloud service, which handles the hosting and maintenance for you. The official pricing for cloud plans can scale quickly depending on your usage needs.

For those looking for a middle ground, AccsUpgrade is one option to consider. It provides access to premium tiers at a lower entry point. Retail pricing for certain n8n plans can reach around 240, but through AccsUpgrade, you might find options closer to 55. This can be a useful choice for individuals or small teams who need the features of a higher-tier plan without the full corporate price tag. The trade-off is often related to how the account is managed or the level of direct support provided compared to buying straight from the source. Always weigh these factors against your project's critical needs.

Alternatives Snapshot

n8n is not the only player in the automation space. Here is a quick look at how it compares to others:

Tool	Primary Strength	Trade-off
Zapier	Massive library of 5,000+ apps and very easy to use.	Can become very expensive; limited logic for complex workflows.
Make (Integromat)	Highly visual and powerful data manipulation.	Steep learning curve; pricing is based on data transfer and operations.
Pipedream	Excellent for developers; code-first approach.	Requires more coding knowledge than n8n for basic tasks.
n8n	Self-hosting options and deep control with code nodes.	Native node library is smaller than Zapier; requires some tech comfort.

Honestly, the choice usually comes down to your budget and how much "under the hood" access you want. If you want a tool that just works with