Comparison
Zapier n8n
Side-by-side: pricing, features, integrations. Pick the one that fits.
Short version: Choose Zapier when you want a hosted service and its app connections cover your workflow. Consider n8n when you need code nodes, custom API calls or control over where the workflow runs. n8n Cloud is managed; the Community Edition runs on infrastructure you maintain. Self-hosting is an option, not a feature you get automatically with every n8n plan.
Specs · 6 differences
| Spec | Zapier | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Custom | Custom |
| Free tier | ||
| Pricing model | freemium | open_source |
| Pricing tiers | — | — |
| Best for | Teams looking to automate workflows using AI tools. | Businesses looking to automate tasks without code. |
| Integrations | — | — |
| Open source | ||
| Last verified | — | — |
Zapier
Pros
- Works across leading AI tools
- Instant access to 9,000+ apps
- Enterprise-grade security
- Self-healing workflows
- Users can build automations quickly
Cons
- No explicit pricing tiers mentioned
- Lack of integration details
- Limited feature list provided
n8n
Pros
- Builds no-code agents
- Integrates with multiple chat applications
- Decides the best action to execute
Cons
- No explicit pricing information provided
- No free tier mentioned
Verdict
Pick Zapier if teams looking to automate workflows using AI tools.
Pick n8n if businesses looking to automate tasks without code.
Bottom line
Compare the billing units first. Zapier charges for tasks. n8n Cloud charges for complete workflow executions, regardless of how many steps they contain. n8n Cloud Starter lists €20 a month with annual billing; Zapier Professional starts at $19.99 a month with annual billing. Different currencies and usage allowances make those entry prices a poor basis for naming a winner.
n8n's Community Edition has no software subscription for permitted self-hosted use, but you still pay for hosting and maintenance. It is source-available under a fair-code licence, not OSI-approved open source. Check the Sustainable Use License before offering a hosted service to customers.
Pick Zapier if you do not want to maintain infrastructure and its integrations fit. Pick n8n if you need code-level control or a workflow whose many steps make execution-based billing worth testing. Data stays on your infrastructure only when you actually self-host.
Sources checked 24 October 2026: Zapier pricing, n8n pricing, n8n licence.
Frequently asked
- Which is cheaper, Zapier or n8n?
- Both Zapier and n8n use custom pricing — contact sales for quotes.
- Does Zapier have a free tier?
- Yes — Zapier offers a free tier.
- Does n8n have a free tier?
- Yes — n8n offers a free tier.
- When should I pick Zapier over n8n?
- Pick Zapier if your use case matches: teams looking to automate workflows using AI tools..
- When should I pick n8n over Zapier?
- Pick n8n if your use case matches: businesses looking to automate tasks without code..
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