n8n vs Zapier
Last reviewed
Verdict
n8n wins on cost, control, and AI flexibility because you can self-host it for free and use any model. Zapier wins on app coverage and ease — it connects more apps than anything else and requires zero setup.
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n8n vs Zapier: side by side
| Feature | n8n | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Open Source | Freemium |
| Free tier | Self-hosting is unlimited and free. The hosted n8n Cloud plan is paid after a trial. | Free plan includes ~100 tasks/month and multi-step Zaps with limits. |
| Best for | Builders who want a self-hosted, model-agnostic foundation for AI agents without per-seat SaaS fees. | Non-technical teams who want the broadest app coverage with the least setup. |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Cloud, API | Cloud, API |
| Setup difficulty | Medium | Easy |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Rating | ★ 4.8 | ★ 4.5 |
Choose n8n if…
Pick n8n if you're comfortable self-hosting, want to avoid task-based pricing, and need open AI-agent capabilities.
Better for: Developers and technical teams who want free self-hosting, private data, and flexible AI agents.
Choose Zapier if…
Pick Zapier if you want maximum app coverage, the easiest onboarding, and don't mind paying per task as you scale.
Better for: Non-technical users who want the largest app catalog with the simplest possible setup.
n8n vs Zapier FAQ
Can n8n replace Zapier?
For most automations, yes — n8n covers the same connect-apps-and-automate use cases and adds free self-hosting. Zapier still leads on sheer number of integrations.