n8n vs Zapier
Detailed comparison between n8n and Zapier. Which one to choose for your project?
N
n8n
4.8/5 · 182
Z
Zapier
4.6/5 · 4.8k
Our verdict is revealed after the rounds. Scroll for the analysis →
Head to Head
Our recommendation
n8n
Open source automation for developers
4.8/5 (182 reviews)
Price
Free plan available Key features
- Open source, self-hostable
- Native connectors + generic HTTP
- JavaScript and Python in workflows
- AI agents with tools and memory
Zapier
The absolute reference in no-code automation
4.6/5 (4,822 reviews)
Price
Free plan available Key features
- The largest integration library
- Built-in AI actions (summary, translation...)
- Create AI chatbots connected to your apps
- Built-in database
n8n vs Zapier — Specs at a glance
| Criteria | n8n | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.8/5 · 182 reviews | 4.6/5 · 4,822 reviews |
| Pricing model | freemium | freemium |
| Starting price | Free plan + paid from $20/mo | Free plan + paid from $19.99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Technical teams wanting AI automations without vendor lock-in | Everyone — the most accessible and complete automation platform |
n8n — Pros and Cons
Pros
- Open source and self-hostable
- Very powerful no-code and code mix
- Natively built-in AI agents
- Active community
Cons
- Learning curve for non-developers
- Fewer integrations than Zapier
- Auto-hosting = maintenance
Zapier — Pros and Cons
Pros
- 7000+ integrations — unbeatable
- Easiest to get started with
- Very practical AI Actions
- Industry standard
Cons
- More expensive than Make for more operations
- Less flexible than Make for complex scenarios
- Limited free plan (100 tasks/month)
Frequently asked questions
Which one is cheaper: n8n or Zapier?
Both n8n and Zapier offer a free plan, so you can start with either at no cost. n8n has the lowest paid entry point (Free plan + paid from $20/mo).
Does n8n or Zapier offer a free plan?
Yes, both n8n and Zapier offer a free plan.
Which has the higher user rating, n8n or Zapier?
n8n has a higher user rating: 4.8/5 (182 reviews) versus 4.6/5 (4,822 reviews) for Zapier.
What is n8n best for compared to Zapier?
n8n is best for technical teams wanting ai automations without vendor lock-in. Zapier is best for everyone — the most accessible and complete automation platform. Choose based on which use case matches your needs.
