n8n vs Zapier
Side-by-side — pricing, strengths, tradeoffs, and fit.
n8n
Open-source, self-hostable workflow automation with code when you need it.
Zapier
The leading no-code automation tool connecting 6,000+ apps.
At a glance
Open SourceFree TierEnterprise
● Established·From $0 self-hosted
Free TierEnterprise
● Established·From $19.99/mo
Overview
One-liner
One-liner
Open-source, self-hostable workflow automation with code when you need it.
One-liner
The leading no-code automation tool connecting 6,000+ apps.
Maturity
Maturity
EstablishedMaturity
EstablishedOpen source
Open source
✓ YesOpen source
✕ NoPricing
Free tier
Free tier
✓ AvailableSelf-hosted free; cloud has paid plans
Free tier
✓ Available100 tasks/month free, 5 Zaps
Starts at
Starts at
$0 self-hosted
Starts at
$19.99/mo
Model
Model
Flat rate
Model
Usage-based
Enterprise
Enterprise
✓ AvailableEnterprise
✓ AvailableBest for
✓ Best for
Self-hosted, code-friendly automationOwn your data and logic
AI-powered workflowsBuilt-in LLM/agent nodes
✓ Best for
No-code automation across SaaS appsConnect the most apps with least effort
Non-technical automationBuild Zaps without code
Not ideal for
✕ Not for
—
✕ Not for
—
Strengths
↑ Strengths
Open source and self-hostable
Code when you need it
AI/agent nodes
↑ Strengths
Largest app integration catalog
Easiest to use
Mature and reliable
Weaknesses
↓ Weaknesses
Self-hosting ops
Fewer prebuilt apps than Zapier
↓ Weaknesses
Task-based pricing adds up
Limited complex logic