Compare n8n and Zapier for integrations, hosting, customization, pricing, and use cases. Find out which automation platform fits developers, startups, and non-technical teams in 2025.
Both platforms serve millions of users worldwide
Advanced capabilities and integrations
Plans to fit every budget and business size
| Feature | n8n | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Open-source, self-hosted workflow automation | Cloud-first AI orchestration platform |
| Integrations | 400+ native integrations; unlimited via API & community nodes | 8,000+ ready-made apps and integrations |
| Hosting Options | Self-host (Docker/K8s) or n8n Cloud | Cloud-only (Zapier Cloud) |
| Complex Workflow Support | Advanced branching, loops, error handling, custom code nodes | Zaps with paths & filters; limited native looping |
| Customization | Full control (custom nodes & JS code) | Template-driven; webhooks & APIs for custom work |
| Ease of Use | Developer-focused; steeper learning curve | Beginner-friendly; drag-and-drop visual editor |
| Platform Components | Workflows with visual builder | Zaps, Tables, Interfaces, Canvas, and MCP in unified platform |
| AI & Modern Features (2025) | AI node generation, GPT connectors, vector DBs, custom model endpoints | AI Builder, ChatGPT integrations, MCP for AI apps and orchestration |
| Execution Limits & Scaling | Scalable when self-hosted; cloud plan limits apply | Task-based limits with pay-per-task billing option |
| Feature | n8n | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Free (self-hosted unlimited); n8n Cloud free tier with limits | Free plan (100 tasks/month, limited access to Tables & Interfaces) |
| Starter / Professional | n8n Cloud starts €20/month (~$22) for 2,500 executions | Starter & Professional plans – task-based pricing with access to Zaps, Tables, Interfaces, and AI Builder |
| Team / Pro | Cloud plans scale with executions | Team plan – task-based, includes collaboration features & higher task limits |
| Enterprise | Custom enterprise pricing with SLAs, advanced security, and private hosting options | Enterprise plan – custom pricing with SSO, admin controls, and SLAs |
| Billing Model | Execution-based (cloud) or free (self-hosted) | Task-based with pay-per-task overage option |
| Annual Discount | Available on cloud plans | Available (discount vs monthly) |
| Feature | n8n | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Open-source & self-hosting | ✓ | ✗ |
| Low cost at scale (self-hosted) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Advanced AI capabilities for developers | ✓ | ✗ |
| Beginner-friendly with massive app coverage (8,000+) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Unified platform (Zaps, Tables, Interfaces, MCP) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Rapid setup & polished UX | ✗ | ✓ |
| Feature | n8n | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Steeper learning curve for non-devs | ✓ | ✗ |
| Smaller official integration library (vs Zapier) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Self-hosting requires technical setup | ✓ | ✗ |
| Higher cost for large task volumes on Zapier | ✗ | ✓ |
| No self-hosting option for Zapier | ✗ | ✓ |
| Less control over customization on Zapier | ✗ | ✓ |
n8n is an open-source, self-hostable automation platform built for flexibility and complex workflows with custom nodes and developer-friendly features. Zapier is a cloud-first, beginner-friendly automation platform with 8,000+ prebuilt integrations and unified AI orchestration capabilities. Choose n8n for control, cost-efficiency at scale, and complex automation; choose Zapier for speed-to-value, simplicity, and broad app coverage.
Start your free trial today and see which platform works best for your needs.