n8n vs Zapier
Powerful, self-hostable workflow automation with a free option. · The easiest way to connect thousands of apps.
| Dimension | n8n | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | $24/mo | $20/mo |
| Free plan | Self-hosted free (fair-code) | Free tier (~100 tasks/month) |
| Primary use case | Self-hostable workflow automation | No-code app automation |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Self-hosting | Available | No |
| Agent capabilities | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web, api, cli, selfHosted | web, api |
| Integrations | 400+ nodes, GitHub, Slack, API | 7,000+ apps (Slack, Gmail, Sheets, etc.) |
| Pros | Self-hostable and free; Full data control; Powerful AI nodes; No per-task pricing | Easiest to start; Huge app library; AI agents built in |
| Cons | Technical learning curve; Fair-code license limits resale | Expensive at scale (tasks); Less control than Make |
Which should you choose?
n8n stands out for: self-hostable and free. Zapier stands out for: easiest to start. The right pick depends on your task, budget, and workflow — use the finder to see a transparent match score for your situation.
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