n8n vs Zapier: Workflow Automation Comparison 2025
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.
Trusted by Thousands
Both platforms serve millions of users worldwide
Powerful Features
Advanced capabilities and integrations
Flexible Pricing
Plans to fit every budget and business size
Features Comparison
| 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 |
Pricing Comparison
| 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) |
Pros & Advantages
| 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 | ✗ | ✓ |
Cons & Limitations
| 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 | ✗ | ✓ |
The Bottom Line
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.
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