Zapier vs n8n
Zapier: Connect thousands of apps and automate work, with AI steps and agents. n8n: Open-source workflow automation with AI agents you can self-host. Here is how they compare on features, pricing, platforms, pros and cons.
Quick verdict
Zapier
Best for: Small businesses automating repetitive tasks between apps.
Stands out for: Huge number of app integrations; No coding needed.
n8n
Best for: Technical teams that want control over their automations.
Stands out for: Open source and self-hostable; Flexible with code when needed.
Side-by-side comparison
| Visit zapier.com (opens in a new tab) | Visit n8n.io (opens in a new tab) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Connect thousands of apps and automate work, with AI steps and agents. | Open-source workflow automation with AI agents you can self-host. |
| Pricing | Free + Paid | Open source |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Category | AI Agents & Automation | AI Agents & Automation |
| Editor rank | #1 in category | #2 in category |
| Made by | Zapier | n8n |
| Best for | Small businesses automating repetitive tasks between apps. | Technical teams that want control over their automations. |
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Zapier vs n8n: questions
Is Zapier better than n8n?
Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Zapier slightly higher overall in AI Agents & Automation, but n8n can be the better fit: Technical teams that want control over their automations.
Which is free, Zapier or n8n?
Both can be used without paying: Zapier is free + paid and n8n is open source. Paid plans add more usage or features.
Can I use Zapier and n8n together?
Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example send new form entries to a spreadsheet with Zapier, and self-host automations for full data control with n8n.