Head to head · 2026
n8n vs Zapier
Quick answer
n8n is the better fit for developers and IT teams who want to self-host automation. Zapier is the better fit for Non-technical teams who want automations running in an afternoon. On our scores n8n comes out ahead overall (4.6 out of 5).
n8n
n8n is the strongest pick for technical teams that want automation and AI agents without per-task pricing. Because one full workflow run counts as one execution, complex workflows cost far less than on step-billed tools. Non-technical users will face a steeper learning curve than Zapier, and dedicated support is reserved for Enterprise.
- ✓One workflow run counts as one execution, no matter how many steps it has
- ✓Every plan includes unlimited users, workflows and all integrations
- ✓Self-hosted Community Edition is free, with full source on GitHub
- –Starter cloud plan is capped at 2,500 executions and 5-minute runs
- –Big price jump from Pro (€50/month) to Business (€667/month)
Zapier
Zapier is still the easiest way for non-technical teams to connect apps, and its 9,000+ integrations are unmatched. The catch is cost at scale: every successful action step uses a task, so busy multi-step workflows get expensive fast. Choose it for breadth and simplicity; look at execution-priced tools if volume is high.
- ✓9,000+ app integrations, by Zapier's count
- ✓Very approachable editor with Copilot to draft Zaps from plain language
- ✓Built-in tools like Formatter, Paths, Filter, Delay and Looping do not use tasks
- –Every successful action step uses a task; MCP tool calls count as 2
- –Free plan is limited to 100 tasks and two-step Zaps
Side by side
| n8n | Zapier | |
|---|---|---|
| Brent score | 4.6 | 4.5 |
| Features | 4.8 | 4.7 |
| Ease of use | 3.9 | 4.8 |
| Value | 4.7 | 3.8 |
| Support | 4.0 | 4.2 |
| Price | Free self-hosted; cloud from €20/month (billed annually) | Free plan; paid from $19.99/month billed annually ($29.99 monthly) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Developers and IT teams who want to self-host automation | Non-technical teams who want automations running in an afternoon |
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Compared on Brent Technologies using the same scoring method for both products.