Comparison
Zapier vs n8n
A practical comparison for small businesses choosing between Zapier and n8n. No star ratings, no pretend test lab, just structured decision criteria.
Comparison table
| Criteria | Zapier | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Automation | Automation |
| Best for | Small businesses that want the widest app coverage and quick setup. | Teams that want control, custom logic and self-hosting options. |
| Pricing model | Free plan available; paid plans scale by tasks and advanced features. | Cloud and self-hosting options; pricing depends on deployment and usage. |
| Key features | No-code Zaps, Triggers and actions, Tables, Interfaces | Workflow editor, Code steps, Self-hosting, Webhook triggers |
| Strengths | Very broad integration library, Fast to start, Good templates for common workflows | Flexible for technical workflows, Good self-hosting path, Helpful for custom integrations |
| Watch-outs | Costs can rise with high task volume, Very complex workflows may need careful maintenance | Less beginner-friendly than simple no-code tools, Self-hosting requires maintenance |