Platform Comparison 2024
n8n vs Zapier: Complete Comparison
Choosing the right automation platform for your business? Compare n8n and Zapier across pricing, features, integrations, and security to make the right decision.
The Bottom Line
n8n wins for most businesses needing scalability, complex workflows, or data control. Zapier is better only for non-technical users with simple, low-volume automations.
n8n
Best for: Growing businesses, developers, enterprises
Unlimited workflows, self-hosting, advanced features, AI-ready
Zapier
Best for: Simple automations, non-technical users
Easy setup, huge app library, but expensive at scale
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Pricing
Feature
n8n
Zapier
Winner
Free tier
Unlimited workflows (self-hosted)
5 Zaps, 100 tasks/month
n8n
Paid plans
From $20/month (cloud) or free (self-hosted)
From $19.99/month (750 tasks)
n8n
Per-workflow costs
No per-workflow limits
Limited by plan tier
n8n
Enterprise pricing
Transparent, scalable
Custom, often expensive
n8n
Features
Feature
n8n
Zapier
Winner
Workflow complexity
Unlimited nodes, branches, loops
Limited branching, no loops
n8n
Custom code
Full JavaScript/Python support
Limited code steps
n8n
AI integration
Native OpenAI, Claude, Langchain
Basic AI actions
n8n
Data transformation
Advanced with code nodes
Basic formatters
n8n
Integrations
Feature
n8n
Zapier
Winner
Pre-built integrations
400+ integrations
5,000+ integrations
Zapier
Custom integrations
Easy API/webhook setup
Limited customisation
n8n
Database connections
Direct database access
Via third-party only
n8n
Webhook support
Full webhook capabilities
Premium feature
n8n
Deployment & Security
Feature
n8n
Zapier
Winner
Self-hosting
Full self-host option
Cloud only
n8n
Data control
Complete data ownership
Data on Zapier servers
n8n
Compliance
GDPR, SOC2, HIPAA ready
Limited compliance options
n8n
SSO/SAML
Available on all plans
Enterprise only
n8n
Which Platform is Right for You?
Choose n8n if you need...
- Complex workflows with loops and branching
- Self-hosted deployment for data control
- Unlimited workflows without per-task costs
- Custom code execution capabilities
- AI and machine learning integrations
- Database direct connections
- Enterprise security compliance
Choose Zapier if you need...
- Simple, linear automations only
- Maximum app library (5,000+ apps)
- No technical expertise on team
- Quick setup for basic tasks
- Cloud-only is acceptable
- Small scale with few workflows
Migrate from Zapier to n8n
Join businesses saving thousands monthly after switching to n8n
$2,000+
Monthly Savings
Average savings after migrating from Zapier to n8n
Unlimited
Workflows
No per-workflow costs with n8n
100%
Data Control
Self-host for complete data ownership
2-4 weeks
Migration Time
Typical timeline for full migration
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Make the Switch?
Get a free assessment of your current automation setup and see how much you could save with n8n.