n8n vs Zapier
Both automate workflows across SaaS apps, but they sit at opposite ends of the market. Zapier is the polished SaaS for non-technical users with 8000+ integrations. n8n is the open-source, self-hostable tool for engineers who want code nodes, branching, and flat pricing at volume.
Zapier wins for non-technical teams and breadth of integrations. n8n wins for self-hosting, AI agents, complex logic, and anyone running thousands of executions a month.
The tools at a glance
n8n
by n8n GmbH
Open-source workflow automation with code nodes, AI agents, and flat-rate cloud pricing.
- Best for
- Engineering teams, AI agent workflows, self-hosted automation, high-volume runs.
- Standout
- Native AI Agent node, JavaScript/Python Code nodes, and flat per-execution pricing instead of per-task billing.
- Weakness
- Steeper learning curve than Zapier; UI is denser and less forgiving for non-technical users.
- Pricing
- Free self-hosted; Cloud Starter $20/mo (2.5K executions); Pro $50/mo (10K); Enterprise custom
Zapier
by Zapier Inc.
The default SaaS automation platform with 8000+ app integrations and the gentlest learning curve.
- Best for
- Non-technical business users, marketing/ops teams, broad SaaS coverage.
- Standout
- The largest integration catalog in the category and a UI a marketing manager can ship a Zap on day one.
- Weakness
- Per-task pricing scales painfully past a few thousand runs; logic and branching feel bolted on.
- Pricing
- Free 100 tasks/mo; Pro $19.99/mo (750 tasks); Team $69/mo; Company custom
Key differences
Pricing model
Zapier charges per task — every step in a Zap counts. A 5-step Zap firing 2K times = 10K tasks. n8n charges per execution (one full workflow run = 1 execution) regardless of how many nodes. At 10K runs/mo, n8n Pro is $50; Zapier equivalent runs hundreds. n8n self-hosted is free.
Self-hosting
n8n is open source under a fair-code license and ships a Docker image you can run on any VPS. Zapier is SaaS only — there is no on-prem option. For regulated industries, EU data residency, or anyone keeping IP off third-party clouds, n8n is the only choice here.
Ease of use
Zapier wins decisively for non-technical users. The Zap editor is linear, the trigger/action model is simple, and the docs are excellent. n8n exposes the full graph, expressions, and node parameters — more power, more cognitive load.
Integrations
Zapier has 8000+ pre-built integrations versus around 1000+ for n8n. For obscure SaaS apps (niche CRMs, legacy tools), Zapier almost always has it. n8n covers the popular stack and falls back to its excellent HTTP Request node for the rest.
AI features
n8n shipped a first-class AI Agent node early — it chains LLMs with tools, memory, and sub-workflows natively. Zapier has Zapier AI, Copilot, and AI actions but they feel layered onto a non-agent runtime. For agent-style workflows (LLM + tools + loops), n8n is ahead.
Advanced logic
n8n has Code nodes (JavaScript and Python), proper branching, merging, and loop primitives. Zapier has Paths, Filters, and Code by Zapier but they are limited and expensive to run at scale. For ETL or anything with conditional branching, n8n is the better fit.
Feature matrix
| Feature | n8n | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Open source / self-hostable | Yes (fair-code) | No (SaaS only) |
| Integration count | ~1000+ | 8000+ |
| Pricing unit | Per execution (workflow run) | Per task (per step) |
| Cheapest paid cloud tier | $20/mo (2.5K executions) | $19.99/mo (750 tasks) |
| Code nodes (JS/Python) | Yes (native) | Limited (Code by Zapier) |
| AI Agent node | Yes (native) | AI actions / Copilot |
| Branching and loops | Yes (full graph) | Paths + Filters (limited) |
| Free tier | Free self-hosted; limited cloud trial | Yes (100 tasks/mo) |
| Best for non-technical users | No | Yes |
Pick by use case
Non-technical business user automation
A marketer can ship a working Zap in 10 minutes. n8n requires understanding expressions, JSON, and the node graph.
AI agent workflows (LLM + tools)
The native AI Agent node, sub-workflows, and Code nodes let you build real agentic loops. Zapier AI actions are simpler but not built for tool-using agents.
High-volume operations (10K+ runs/mo)
Flat $50/mo for 10K executions, or free self-hosted. Zapier at the same volume often runs $300+ once tasks-per-Zap is factored in.
Self-hosted internal automations (compliance/IP)
Zapier has no self-hosted option. n8n on a private VPS keeps data in your perimeter — table stakes for regulated industries.
Marketing/SaaS automation across many apps
8000+ integrations means the obscure tool your team uses is probably already there. n8n usually requires the HTTP node for long-tail SaaS.
Webhook + HTTP-heavy custom integrations
n8n's HTTP Request node and Code nodes make wiring custom APIs natural. Zapier can do it but every step costs a task.
Cost-conscious indie/startup
Self-hosted on a $5 VPS is hard to beat. Zapier free tier is fine for a handful of automations but caps fast.