Zapier vs 
n8n (2026 Comparison)
No-code SaaS vs. self-hostable, code-friendly automation.
Zapier is a polished, fully hosted no-code platform with the most integrations; n8n is source-available and self-hostable, with code steps and native AI nodes for technical teams that want control and predictable cost. Choose Zapier for ease and app breadth; choose n8n to self-host, write custom code, and build AI workflows without per-task pricing.
- Best pick
- It depends on your team
- Integration
- Webhook / API
- Setup
- Varies
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Team Fit — who should build on what
Before pricing or features, get the fit right. Here's how Zapier and n8n map to real team profiles.
| Dimension | Zapier | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Primary job | Hosted no-code automation | Self-hostable, code-friendlyEven |
| Best team | Business / ops teams | Developers & technical teamsEven |
| App coverage | 8,000+ appsEdge | 400+ integrations |
| Control & code | Limited | Full (JS/Python)Edge |
| Hosting | SaaS only | Self-host or cloudEdge |
| Cost model | Per task | Free self-hosted / per executionEdge |
Who is Zapier best for?
Automation & iPaaS
Ops and marketing teams of 1–50 who rely on a broad SaaS stack and prefer no-code automation over engineering-built integrations.
- Teams that want to connect many SaaS tools without writing code
- Teams automating repetitive cross-app tasks like lead routing and notifications
- Teams scaling operations that want AI-assisted, multi-step workflows
Who is n8n best for?
Automation & iPaaS
Technical and developer-led teams (startup to mid-market) that want to self-host and customize automations rather than rely on a closed, per-task SaaS.
- Teams that build custom automations and want code-level control (JavaScript/Python)
- Teams that need self-hosting for data sovereignty, compliance, or cost control
- Teams building AI agents and LLM-driven workflows
Pricing & Features — what you actually pay for
Side-by-side plans with the fine print most comparison pages skip, plus a filterable feature matrix.
Zapier
Automate work across 8,000+ apps — no code.
Free
$0
- 100 tasks/mo
- Two-step Zaps
- Unlimited Tables & Forms
Professional
$20/mo
- Multi-step Zaps
- Unlimited premium apps
- Webhooks, filters & paths
Team
$69/mo
- Up to 25 users
- Shared workflows & connections
- SAML SSO
Hidden costs to watch
- Pricing scales with monthly tasks — each step of a multi-step Zap consumes a task, so real cost often exceeds the base rate.
- Free is limited to two-step Zaps; multi-step Zaps, premium apps, and webhooks require the paid Professional tier.
- Team features (shared connections, SSO) and Enterprise controls are gated to the top tiers; lowest rates need annual billing.
n8n
Source-available workflow automation for technical teams.
Community
$0
- Unlimited executions
- Run on your own infra
- Full core features
Starter
$24/mo
- 2,500 executions/mo
- Unlimited workflows & users
- ~2,300 AI credits
Pro
$60/mo
- 10,000 executions/mo
- Admin roles
- Execution search & debug
Hidden costs to watch
- Self-hosting is free software but you pay for servers, database, scaling, security, and DevOps time.
- Cloud plans meter by workflow executions — exceeding limits pauses workflows or forces a costly upgrade.
- Cloud pricing is set in EUR (USD shown is approximate); SSO and advanced security require Business/Enterprise.
Feature specs
5 of 8 features differ between these tools.
| Feature | Zapier | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| No-code builder | NativeNative | NativeNative |
| Code steps (JS/Python) | Paid Add-onPaid Add-on | NativeNative |
| App integrations (breadth) | NativeNative | Paid Add-onPaid Add-on |
| Self-hosting | Not SupportedNot Supported | NativeNative |
| Native AI / agents | NativeNative | NativeNative |
| Webhooks & API | NativeNative | NativeNative |
| Error handling | Paid Add-onPaid Add-on | NativeNative |
| Data control / sovereignty | Not SupportedNot Supported | NativeNative |
Automation Blueprints — make them work together
The real payoff is the stack. These are concrete Zapier ↔ n8n workflows worth building.
Hand off from Zapier to n8n
Zap Run
Needs custom code
Webhook Node
Use Zapier for app breadth, then hand off to self-hosted n8n for custom logic.
Hand off from n8n to Zapier
Workflow Complete
Needs a Zapier-only app
Catch Webhook
Bridge a self-hosted workflow into Zapier's app ecosystem.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about choosing between and combining Zapier and n8n.
Zapier or n8n?
Is n8n really free?
Which is better for AI workflows?
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