Zapier vs n8n: Which Productivity App Wins in 2026?
Choosing between Zapier and n8n? This comprehensive comparison covers pricing, features, pros and cons to help you make the right decision.
Quick Summary
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Zapier | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 9/10 | 8.4/10 |
| Free Tier | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Starting Price | $20/mo | $20/mo |
| Category | Automation | Automation |
| Platforms | Web | Web, Self-hosted |
| Founded | 2011 | 2019 |
Key Features
Zapier Features
- 6000+ app connections
- Multi-step Zaps
- Filters & paths
- Formatter
- Webhooks
- Schedule triggers
- Tables
- Interfaces
n8n Features
- Self-hosting
- Visual builder
- 200+ integrations
- Custom code
- Version control
- Error handling
- Webhooks
- API
Pros & Cons
Zapier
Pros
- + Massive app library
- + No coding required
- + Reliable
- + Good free tier
- + Excellent documentation
Cons
- - Can get expensive
- - Task limits on free
- - Complex automations tricky
- - Slower than native integrations
n8n
Pros
- + Self-hostable
- + Fair-code model
- + Custom code support
- + No operation limits self-hosted
- + Active community
Cons
- - Self-hosting complexity
- - Fewer integrations
- - Documentation gaps
- - Less polished UI
Pricing Comparison
The Verdict
Both Zapier and n8n are excellent automation tools, but they serve different needs.
Choose Zapier if: You value massive app library and no coding required.
It's best for everyone and marketers.
Choose n8n if: You prioritize self-hostable and fair-code model.
It's ideal for developers and self-hosters.
Zapier vs n8n FAQ
It depends on your needs. Zapier (9/10) excels at massive app library, while n8n (8.4/10) is known for self-hostable. Zapier has the higher overall rating.
Both Zapier and n8n offer free tiers. Zapier's paid plan starts at $20/mo, while n8n starts at $20/mo.
Yes, many users combine Zapier and n8n in their productivity stack. You can connect them using automation tools like Zapier or Make. This works well if Zapier handles your 6000+ app connections while n8n manages self-hosting.
Zapier offers: 6000+ app connections, Multi-step Zaps, Filters & paths. n8n provides: Self-hosting, Visual builder, 200+ integrations. The "better" features depend on what you need most.
Zapier is generally user-friendly. n8n is generally user-friendly. Both offer tutorials and onboarding to help you get started.
Zapier is available on Web. n8n supports Web, Self-hosted. Both offer cross-platform sync.
For teams, consider: Zapier is more individual-focused. n8n is better for personal use.
Consider switching if n8n's strengths (Self-hostable, Fair-code model) address pain points you have with Zapier. Both tools typically offer data export, making migration possible. Test n8n with a free trial first.
Key differences: Pricing (free tier vs free tier), Focus (Automation vs Automation), Platforms (1 vs 2 platforms).
Zapier users love: Massive app library, No coding required. Common complaints: Can get expensive. n8n users appreciate: Self-hostable, Fair-code model. Common issues: Self-hosting complexity.