Automation & Agents comparison
Zapier vs n8n
Our pick: Zapier scores 9.1/10 against 8.9/10 for n8n. Here's how they differ and which one fits your needs.
VS
At a glance
| Zapier | n8n | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 9.1/10 | 8.9/10 |
| Best for | Small businesses, Operations teams, Marketers | Technical teams, Automation builders, Agencies |
| Type | Workflow automation | Workflow automation |
| Pricing | Free plan | Free plan |
| Starting price | $19.99/mo | Free |
| Platforms | Web, Chrome | Web, Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Launched | 2011 | 2019 |
Key features
Zapier
- 8,000+ app integrations
- AI steps
- Zapier Agents
- Tables and Interfaces
- MCP server
n8n
- Visual workflow editor
- AI agent nodes
- Self-hosting
- Code nodes
- 400+ integrations
Zapier: pros and cons
Pros
- Largest integration library
- Very easy for beginners
Cons
- Gets expensive at high task volume
- Complex logic is harder than in Make or n8n
n8n: pros and cons
Pros
- Self-host for free
- Very flexible for technical users
- Strong AI agent support
Cons
- More technical than Zapier
- Cloud plans limit executions
Verdict: Zapier or n8n?
Choose Zapier if you're small businesses or operations teams or marketers and value largest integration library.
Choose n8n if you're technical teams or automation builders or agencies and value self-host for free.
Overall we rate Zapier slightly higher. Both are worth trying, and at least one has a free plan or trial. See all Automation & Agents tools for more options.
We may earn a commission if you sign up through links on this page. How we make money.