If you’re trying to choose between n8n and Zapier, you’re not alone. Both are powerful workflow automation tools — but they serve very different types of users. In this comparison, we’ll break down everything from pricing to features to help you make the best decision.

TL;DR: Quick Comparison Table

What Is Zapier?

Zapier is one of the most popular no-code tools for connecting apps. It’s cloud-based, intuitive, and offers thousands of ready-made “Zaps” to automate tasks between tools like Gmail, Google Sheets, Slack, Trello, Salesforce, and more.

Pros:

• Huge app library (5,000+ integrations)
• No coding required
• Excellent for individuals and small teams

Cons:

• Gets expensive quickly as usage increases
• Limited flexibility for advanced use cases
• Custom logic requires premium plan

What Is n8n?

n8n (short for “nodemation”) is an open-source automation platform designed for developers and technical teams. It’s self-hostable, supports unlimited workflows, and gives full control over logic, integrations, and data privacy.

You can also use n8n Cloud, their hosted version — and they offer a generous free tier to get started.

Pros:

• Free to self-host or try via n8n Cloud
• Unlimited executions on self-hosted setup
• Create custom workflows using JavaScript
• Supports any app with an API
• Ideal for privacy, scalability, and developer control

Cons:

• Requires some technical setup if self-hosted
• Smaller native app catalog (but highly flexible)

🚀 Try n8n for Free: Get n8n Now

Use Case Scenarios: Which Tool Fits You Best?

Final Verdict

Zapier is great if you want to get started fast with no technical learning curve. But as your automations grow, so do your costs — and your limitations. If you’re a developer, tech-savvy entrepreneur, or want full control of your automation stack, n8n is the smarter long-term choice.

🚀 Try n8n for Free (No Server Required)

Want to experience n8n without setting up a server?

✨ Click Here to Sign Up for n8n Cloud →

Try it for free and build unlimited workflows with powerful automation logic.

✅ Visual automation editor
✅ Free-tier available with hosted infrastructure
✅ Upgrade anytime or self-host for unlimited use

Looking for the self-hosting path instead? Read our full guide to installing n8n on your own server.