My top 9 underrated n8n nodes

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n8n can feel overwhelming when you first open it.
So many nodes. So many options.

But the truth is, you don’t need to master everything to build powerful AI automations.

You just need to know which nodes actually move the needle.

In my latest video, I walk you through 9 underrated n8n nodes every beginner should know.

These are the ones I keep coming back to — because they save time, reduce mistakes, and make your automations 10x more flexible.

If you’re serious about building smarter workflows (without coding headaches), this is the cheat sheet you’ve been looking for.

Here are a few of my favorites from the list:

✅ Human in the Loop
Approve drafts before your AI sends them via Gmail, Slack, or Outlook. Perfect for keeping control without stopping the automation flow.

✅ OpenRouter Node
Instantly connect any large language model (GPT, Claude, you name it) without juggling endless API keys.

✅ AI Agent Node
Create one master agent that distributes tasks to different tools — all with memory and context baked in.

✅ AI Transform Tool
Combine, clean, and restructure messy LLM outputs into exactly what you need for the next step.

✅ Templates
Access thousands of pre-built workflows to save hours on setup.

I also cover how to use Simple Memory for chatbots, why adding Notes to your workflows matters more than you think, and a few ways to connect everything so it actually scales.

Most people only scratch the surface of what n8n can do.
These nodes are your shortcut to building automations that feel like magic (without hiring a dev team).

If you’re curious to see it in action…

👉 Watch the full video here

I think you’ll come away with at least 3 ideas you can implement this week.

I also want to share a little secret.

If you want to build stuff like this, you need to stay on the edge of what’s possible with AI. The way I do that?

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