n8n vs Zapier — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of n8n and Zapier to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
n8n takes the lead with a 4.5 rating and is best for technical teams who want self-hosted automation with no per-execution limits.. Zapier (4.4) is the better pick if you need businesses needing to connect saas tools without code. the broadest integration platform..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | n8n | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.5(178) | ★★★★ 4.4(456) |
| Pricing Model | open_source | freemium |
| Starter Price | $24/mo (Cloud Starter, 2.5K executions) | $29.99/mo (Starter, 750 tasks) |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web, linux, mac, windows | web |
| Learning Curve | medium | easy |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Technical teams who want self-hosted automation with no per-execution limits. | Businesses needing to connect SaaS tools without code. The broadest integration platform. |
| Verdict | recommended | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | n8n | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Self-hostable open source | — | |
| Visual workflow builder | — | |
| 400+ built-in integrations | — | |
| Custom code nodes (JS/Python) | — | |
| Conditional branching and loops | — | |
| Community nodes ecosystem | — | |
| 6,000+ app integrations | — | |
| Multi-step Zaps | — | |
| Conditional paths | — | |
| Filters and formatters | — | |
| Tables (basic database) | — | |
| Webhooks and APIs | — |
n8n
Pros
- ✓Self-hosted with no per-execution pricing limits
- ✓Custom code nodes handle any edge case
- ✓Open source with full data control
Cons
- ✕Self-hosting requires technical setup and maintenance
- ✕Fewer pre-built integrations than Zapier
- ✕Cloud plans have execution limits like competitors
Zapier
Pros
- ✓Largest integration library at 6,000+ apps
- ✓Simplest workflow builder for non-technical users
- ✓Reliable execution with good error handling
Cons
- ✕Per-task pricing gets expensive for high-volume automations
- ✕Less powerful than Make for complex logic
- ✕Free tier is very limited at 100 tasks/month
The Bottom Line
Both n8n and Zapier are solid tools in the No-Code & Automation space. n8n edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.5 vs 4.4) and is the better choice for technical teams who want self-hosted automation with no per-execution limits.. However, if you prioritize businesses needing to connect saas tools without code. the broadest integration platform., Zapier is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.