Compare
n8n vs Zapier
A · AUTOMATION
n8n
The open-source workflow builder that finally lets you automate without handing your data to a third party. Set it up once, let it run, quietly forget you built it.
83
AIght score
B · AUTOMATION
Zapier
The original no-code automation platform, and still the most reliable way to connect apps that were never built to talk to each other. It just works, every single time.
70
AIght score
Five-axis score
Axisn8nZapierΔ A−B
Utility82.085.0▼ 3.0
Privacy85.062.0▲ 23.0
Speed75.080.0▼ 5.0
Cost90.060.0▲ 30.0
Transparency85.065.0▲ 20.0
Pricing
n8n
- Free tier
- n8n is open-source — self-hosted is genuinely free with no execution limits. Cloud hosting has a 14-day free trial.
- Cliff
- Self-hosting requires a server and some DevOps patience. If you can't run a Node.js app, the free path isn't frictionless.
- Paid monthly
- n8n Cloud Starter at $20/month for 2,500 executions and 5 active workflows. Grows with usage.
Zapier
- Free tier
- 100 tasks per month on 5 Zaps. Single-step Zaps only — no multi-step automation on the free tier.
- Cliff
- Multi-step Zaps — the useful kind — require a paid plan. 100 tasks evaporates fast if you're doing anything with volume.
- Paid monthly
- Starter at $19.99/month for 750 tasks and multi-step Zaps. Professional at $49/month for 2,000 tasks and premium apps.
AIght’s take
n8n
Worth learning if you've ever opened Zapier and felt cornered.
Zapier
No take filed for Zapier yet.
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