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AI Automation

Zapier AI vs n8n

Zapier wins on simplicity and app coverage; n8n on flexibility and cost when self-hosted.

Side by side

Zapier AI vs n8n compared
FeatureZapier AIn8n
PricingFree + PaidFree plan · From $19.99/moFree + PaidFree self-hosted · Cloud from €20/mo
Free to start Yes Yes
Best forTeams that need the widest possible app coverage.Technical teams that want automation on their own servers.
Made byZapiern8n
Launched20112019
Top features
  • 8,000+ app integrations
  • Natural language Zap building
  • AI agents and chatbots
  • Self-hosting with full data control
  • Custom JavaScript and Python nodes
  • LangChain-based AI agent nodes
Use cases
  • Connecting apps that have no native integration
  • Automating lead and ticket routing
  • Building AI agents over your stack
  • Self-hosted workflow automation
  • Custom LLM and RAG pipelines
  • Automations touching private data

Pricing is what each tool's site lists; it changes often, so check before you buy.

Which should you pick?

Pick Zapier AI if…

Pick Zapier if non-technical colleagues will build and maintain automations.

Pick n8n if…

Pick n8n if developers will own the workflows and you want to run them on your own servers.

The two tools

  • Zapier AI

    Free + Paid

    Connects 8,000+ apps, now with AI agents.

    WorkflowVisit
  • n8n

    Free + Paid

    Source-available automation you can self-host.

    WorkflowVisit

Full details: Zapier AI · n8n · see every option in AI Automation

More workflow comparisons

Zapier AI vs n8n: common questions

Is Zapier AI better than n8n?

Neither is better for everyone. Zapier wins on simplicity and app coverage; n8n on flexibility and cost when self-hosted. Pick Zapier if non-technical colleagues will build and maintain automations. Pick n8n if developers will own the workflows and you want to run them on your own servers.

Which is free, Zapier AI or n8n?

Both can be started for free. Zapier AI: Free plan · From $19.99/mo. n8n: Free self-hosted · Cloud from €20/mo. Prices change often, so check the official site before you buy.

Who is Zapier AI best for, and who is n8n best for?

Zapier AI: Teams that need the widest possible app coverage. n8n: Technical teams that want automation on their own servers.

AltFTool is not affiliated with Zapier AI or n8n. All comparisons