n8n vs Zapier
You are picking between the two best-known workflow automation tools. n8n is the open-ish, code-friendly challenger; Zapier is the polished category leader.
n8n
Open-source workflow automation with 400+ integrations and native AI agent nodes — self-host or cloud, no lock-in.
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Zapier
Connects 7,000+ apps with no-code automation, AI-powered Zaps, and Tables/Interfaces — the default automation layer for SaaS.
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For developers and ops teams who care about cost-at-scale and self-hosting, n8n. For non-technical operators who need the broadest integration catalog and zero infra, Zapier. The honest middle ground is most teams use both 鈥?Zapier for quick wins, n8n for the heavier lifts.
- n8n wins 5
- Zapier wins 2
- Ties: 0
Side-by-side
| n8n | Zapier | |
|---|---|---|
| Self-hosting | Yes (Docker/Helm, production-ready) | No, cloud-only |
| Integration count | ~400 native + 1,000+ community | 7,000+ |
| Code escape hatch | JS + Python function nodes | Code by Zapier (paid, JS only) |
| AI agent nodes | Native, in core | Bolted-on AI actions, less coherent |
| Pricing model | Per execution / fair-code self-host | Per task, can balloon at scale |
| Polish for non-devs | Functional, less smooth | Best-in-class UX |
| Lock-in | Medium (JSON-portable workflows) | High (proprietary, no export to OSS) |
FAQ
- Which is better, n8n or Zapier?
- For developers and ops teams who care about cost-at-scale and self-hosting, n8n. For non-technical operators who need the broadest integration catalog and zero infra, Zapier. The honest middle ground is most teams use both 鈥?Zapier for quick wins, n8n for the heavier lifts.
- What are the main differences?
- Self-hosting: n8n — Yes (Docker/Helm, production-ready); Zapier — No, cloud-only. Integration count: n8n — ~400 native + 1,000+ community; Zapier — 7,000+. Code escape hatch: n8n — JS + Python function nodes; Zapier — Code by Zapier (paid, JS only). AI agent nodes: n8n — Native, in core; Zapier — Bolted-on AI actions, less coherent. Pricing model: n8n — Per execution / fair-code self-host; Zapier — Per task, can balloon at scale. Polish for non-devs: n8n — Functional, less smooth; Zapier — Best-in-class UX. Lock-in: n8n — Medium (JSON-portable workflows); Zapier — High (proprietary, no export to OSS).
- Is n8n cheaper than Zapier?
- n8n: Per execution / fair-code self-host. Zapier: Per task, can balloon at scale.