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.
| Feature | Zapier | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | — | ✓ |
| App Integrations | ✓ | — |
| Custom Code | — | ✓ |
| Filters | ✓ | — |
| Multi-Step Zaps | ✓ | — |
| Open Source | — | ✓ |
| Self-Hosted | — | ✓ |
| Triggers | ✓ | — |
| Visual Editor | — | ✓ |
| Webhooks | ✓ | ✓ |
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
frequently asked
What is the difference between Zapier and 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.
Should I use Zapier or n8n?
n8n is the free option; Zapier charges $19.99/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
When should I choose Zapier over n8n?
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.
When should I choose n8n over Zapier?
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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