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Zapier vs n8n compares two automation platforms. Zapier connects thousands of apps through Zaps, with Copilot to draft them and agents for multi-step jobs. By contrast, n8n links nodes, code and AI agents, and you can run it free on your own server.
Our reviews, for example, score Zapier 3.4 and n8n 3.4. So the choice depends on the job and how much you care about data terms.
Zapier vs n8n: The Short Answer
Our scores tie at 3.4, so the job decides. Choose Zapier, first, for the quickest setup for non-technical teams; choose n8n, however, for self-hosting and per-run pricing.
On price, moreover, Zapier starts at Professional $19.99 a month yearly. The other tool, in contrast, starts at Starter 20 euros a month yearly.
Head to Head
| Criterion | Zapier | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | The quickest setup for non-technical teams | Self-hosting and per-run pricing |
| Works in | Cloud only | Self-hosted or cloud |
| Free plan | 100 tasks a month | Free self-hosted |
| Entry paid plan | Professional $19.99 a month yearly | Starter 20 euros a month yearly |
| Billing | Tasks per action step | Executions per run |
| Training on your data | De-identified; opt-out form | Self-host: yours; cloud unstated |
| Our score | 3.4 | 3.4 |
What Each Does
To begin with, Zapier connects thousands of apps through Zaps, with Copilot to draft them and agents for multi-step jobs. As a result, it suits you if you want the quickest setup for non-technical teams.
In contrast, n8n links nodes, code and AI agents, and you can run it free on your own server. It suits you if you want self-hosting and per-run pricing.
Prices and Billing
Zapier starts with 100 tasks a month on two-step Zaps, and its entry paid plan is Professional $19.99 a month yearly. n8n, meanwhile, starts with a free self-hosted Community Edition with unlimited executions, with Starter 20 euros a month yearly as its entry paid plan.
Billing also works differently. Zapier uses tasks, one per action step.
n8n, however, uses executions, one per workflow run. Our list of the best AI for productivity compares more options.
Data and Training
On training, for Zapier, its terms allow training on de-identified data unless you opt out by form. For n8n, by contrast, self-hosting keeps data on your servers, while cloud training terms are unstated.
Therefore, keep regulated data out of AI steps until terms are clear. Our guide to which AI tools train on your data compares more tools.
Reliability and Safety
Zapier holds credentials for every connected app, so a misconfigured agent can reach many accounts, one security assessment notes. Running n8n on your own server means you handle updates, backups and security.
Automations act on real accounts, so test with sample data, add approval steps for sensitive actions, and give connections the least access they need.
Our guide to reducing AI hallucinations also covers the checklist, and our list of the best AI for business ranks more tools.
Winners by Category
In short, Zapier wins for the quickest setup for non-technical teams. The other tool, by contrast, wins for self-hosting and per-run pricing.
Overall, in Zapier vs n8n our scores tie at 3.4, so the job decides.
Which One to Choose
Therefore, take Zapier if you want the quickest setup for non-technical teams. Otherwise, the other tool may fit better.
Our pages on the cheapest useful AI tools and setting up local AI, in addition, cover other options.
Whichever you pick, our guides to building a personal AI workflow and combining AI tools also help.
Other pairings are covered in our Zapier vs Make and Make vs n8n comparisons.
How We Research
This Zapier vs n8n comparison reuses the sources behind our reviews of each tool, read between July and October 4, 2026, including Zapier’s automation platform page.
However, we run no tests of our own. Our about page explains the criteria, and our list of the best AI tools for developers covers more tools.
Zapier vs n8n FAQ
Our scores tie at 3.4; pick Zapier for the quickest setup for non-technical teams and n8n for self-hosting and per-run pricing.
Entry paid plans are Professional $19.99 a month yearly and Starter 20 euros a month yearly, in that order.
For Zapier, its terms allow training on de-identified data unless you opt out by form. For n8n, self-hosting keeps data on your servers, while cloud training terms are unstated.
n8n can run on your own server; the other is cloud only.
Yes; some teams run simple jobs in one and heavy workflows in the other.
The Verdict
Overall, Zapier vs n8n is a tie on our scores: Zapier for the quickest setup for non-technical teams, n8n for self-hosting and per-run pricing. Data terms, however, deserve a check either way.
So pick by the job, check the output, and also keep sensitive material out of lower plans.