Zapier vs n8n
Zapier is no-code automation platform connecting 6,000+ apps with triggers and actions, while n8n is open-source workflow automation with a visual editor. Self-hostable with code flexibility. The biggest difference up front: n8n is free, while Zapier starts at $19.99/mo. Zapier is built for non-technical users who want to automate workflows between apps, whereas n8n targets technical users who want self-hosted automation with code escape hatches.
At a glance
|
Zapier
|
n8n
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Non-technical users who want to automate workflows between apps | Technical users who want self-hosted automation with code escape hatches |
| Starting price | $19.99/mo | Free (self-hosted) |
| Free tier | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | — | ✓ |
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | — | ✓ |
| App Integrations | ✓ | — |
| Custom Code | — | ✓ |
| Filters | ✓ | — |
| Multi-Step Zaps | ✓ | — |
| Open Source | — | ✓ |
| Self-Hosted | — | ✓ |
| Triggers | ✓ | — |
| Visual Editor | — | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✓ | ✓ |
Zapier
Strengths
- Largest app integration library (6,000+)
- Easy to use for non-technical users
- Reliable and well-maintained
- Good documentation and templates
Weaknesses
- Expensive at scale — per-task pricing adds up
- Free tier very limited (100 tasks/mo)
- Multi-step zaps require paid plan
- Execution speed can be slow (polling-based)
n8n
Strengths
- Open source and self-hostable
- Can write custom code within workflows
- No per-execution pricing (self-hosted)
- Growing integration library
Weaknesses
- Requires technical setup if self-hosting
- Smaller app library than Zapier/Make
- Cloud version is relatively expensive
- UI less polished than commercial alternatives
The bottom line
Pricing: n8n is completely free, which makes it the obvious pick if budget is the top concern. Zapier starts at $19.99/mo, but Free for 100 tasks/month, 5 zaps. That cost buys you a more polished or feature-rich experience, so it comes down to whether the extras justify the spend.
Feature gaps: Zapier offers App Integrations, Filters and Multi-Step Zaps that n8n lacks. n8n brings Custom Code, Open Source and Self-Hosted that Zapier does not have. Both share Webhooks.
Team fit: Zapier is geared toward any size teams, while n8n is aimed at small teams teams. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.
Open source: n8n is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. Zapier is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.
Where each tool shines: Zapier's biggest strengths are: largest app integration library (6,000+). easy to use for non-technical users. n8n's biggest strengths are: open source and self-hostable. can write custom code within workflows.
Watch out for: With Zapier, users commonly note that expensive at scale — per-task pricing adds up. With n8n, the main complaint is that requires technical setup if self-hosting.
Choose Zapier if...
- You need a tool built for non-technical users who want to automate workflows between apps
- You specifically need App Integrations and Filters
- You care about easy to use for non-technical users
- Your team size fits the any size profile Zapier is designed for
- The free tier works for you: free for 100 tasks/month, 5 zaps
Choose n8n if...
- You need a tool built for technical users who want self-hosted automation with code escape hatches
- Budget is a hard constraint — n8n is free, Zapier is not
- You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- You specifically need Custom Code and Open Source
- You care about can write custom code within workflows
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