n8n vs Zapier
By Sebastiaan Smits ·
Published October 8, 2026 · Updated October 8, 2026
n8n counts a whole workflow run as one execution, allows unlimited users and can be self-hosted, but expects someone comfortable with JSON. Zapier counts completed steps as tasks, supports the most apps and is the easiest place to start. Technical teams with long flows choose n8n; office teams that want a guided builder choose Zapier.
Side by side
 n8n |  Zapier | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Node-based workflow builder with code steps and self-hosting | The best-known no-code app connector |
| Best for | Small teams with a developer | First-time automators |
| Headquarters | Germany | United States |
| Pricing model | Per workflow execution | Per task / month |
| Pricing | Cloud plans are published: Starter at 20 euros a month and Pro at 50 euros a month, both billed annually, with Business at 667 euros a month (self-hosted only) and a quoted Enterprise tier. | Free plan with 100 tasks; Professional from $19.99 a month billed annually, Team from $69 a month billed annually, and a quoted Enterprise tier. |
| Free option | Free trial | Free plan |
| Place in our workflow automation software ranking | #1 of 12 | #4 of 12 |
| Website | n8n.io | zapier.com |
Both are reviewed in full in Best Workflow Automation Software in 2026. Position in that ranking can be paid for; the wording of a review or of this comparison cannot. Placement disclosure.
Which one to choose
Choose n8n if
a developer or technically minded person will own the flows, runs are long and branching, and you want to self-host or keep data in the EU.
n8n, #1 in the ranking · Visit n8n →
Choose Zapier if
non-technical staff will build the automations, you need a niche SaaS connector, and flows are short enough that task counts stay low.
Zapier, #4 in the ranking · Visit Zapier →
Where they differ
What the meter counts
n8n defines an execution as a single run of the entire workflow, however many steps it has. Zapier counts successful completed steps as tasks, and failed actions do not count. A fifteen-step flow therefore costs one unit on n8n and up to fifteen on Zapier, so long flows favor n8n.
Edge: n8n
Starting without a developer
Zapier's flow of picking an app, a trigger and an action is the least intimidating in the category, and it is where most people run a first automation. n8n's canvas assumes comfort with JSON and expressions, and a non-technical team stalls on the first awkward data shape.
Edge: Zapier
App coverage
Zapier has the broadest app directory, so a niche tool is likelier to be supported there. n8n makes up for missing connectors with code steps, which means a few lines rather than a support ticket, but that is work for someone technical. We did not count the connectors on either side.
Edge: Zapier
Hosting and data location
n8n offers a free Community Edition, a self-hosted deployment on Business and Enterprise, and cloud hosting in Frankfurt according to our category notes. Zapier is cloud only. A team with residency rules or an on-premises requirement can use only n8n.
Edge: n8n
Entry plans and limits
n8n Starter is 20 euros a month for 2.5K executions with one shared project and forum support, and Pro is 50 euros for 10K with email support. Zapier Free gives 100 tasks of two-step Zaps without premium apps, and Pro starts at $19.99 a month on annual billing for 750 tasks. The two meters differ, so the numbers do not compare directly.
Edge: even
Users
All n8n plans allow unlimited users. Zapier Pro is for one user, Team lists 25 users, and Enterprise is unlimited. Anyone sharing flows across many colleagues pays for the Team tier on Zapier.
Edge: n8n
Tally: n8n 3, Zapier 2, even 1.
When neither fits
Neither suits a company that needs enterprise integration with governance, or a team that wants a visual builder with stronger branching than Zapier but no code. Make and Activepieces sit between them.
See Make and Activepieces among the 12 products in Best Workflow Automation Software in 2026.
Questions and answers
Is n8n cheaper than Zapier?
For long, multi-step flows usually yes, because n8n bills a full run as one execution while Zapier bills completed steps as tasks. For a few short Zaps on Zapier's free or entry plan the gap is small. We did not model a specific workload.
Can I self-host Zapier or n8n?
You can self-host n8n: the Community Edition is open source, and Business and Enterprise support self-hosting with a license key. Zapier runs only as a hosted service.
What happens when I go over my limit?
On Zapier with pay-per-task enabled, usage continues at 2.5 times the base rate on monthly billing or 1.25 times on annual, and it pauses at 3 times the subscription amount. Without pay-per-task, usage stops until the reset. We did not verify n8n's overage behavior.
Does Zapier's free plan include premium apps?
No. The free plan is limited to 100 tasks a month and two-step Zaps, and unlimited premium apps start on Pro.
Sources
Prices, plan limits and product facts on this page were checked against the vendors' own pages on October 8, 2026. Vendors change both without notice, so treat the figures as of that date.
- n8n pricing page: n8n plan prices, execution caps, unlimited users, shared projects, support levels, self-hosting and the definition of an execution
- Zapier pricing page: Zapier plan prices, task counts, free plan limits, premium app access, user limits and overage rules