Our Verdict
Based on ratings, features, pricing, and capabilities, n8n edges ahead in this comparison. n8n scores higher on user ratings and overall feature set.
Feature
n8n
Zapier
Rating
⭐ 4.9/5
⭐ 4.8/5
Free Plan
Starting Price
$20/mo
$19.99/mo
Monthly Visits
14.0M
38.0M
API Support
Open Source
AI Capabilities
Mobile App
Desktop App
Browser Extension
Integrations
7 apps
7 apps
Team Size
STARTUP
ENTERPRISE
n8n Pros & Cons
Pros
- Self-hostable for free on a $5/mo VPS with unlimited execution runs
- Best automation tool for building production AI agents with memory and tool calling
- Complete privacy — your sensitive customer data never passes through a third-party cloud
Cons
- Self-hosting requires maintaining your own Docker container and PostgreSQL database
- Cloud hosted tier has monthly execution limits
Zapier Pros & Cons
Pros
- Largest integration ecosystem in the world (connects tools that have no official partnership)
- Natural language Zap builder creates automations from simple prompts
- Reliable webhooks and error-rerunning engine
Cons
- Monthly task limits can become expensive for high-volume data syncing operations
- Multi-step conditional branching requires paid tiers
n8n Key Features
- 100% Free Self-Hostable via Docker with Zero Execution Caps
- Built-In AI Agent & LangChain Integration Nodes
- Execute Custom JavaScript and Python Scripts Anywhere in Workflow
- 400+ Native Integrations and Unlimited Webhooks
Zapier Key Features
- 7,000+ Supported SaaS App Integrations
- Multi-Step Zaps with Conditional Paths & Delays
- Zapier Tables (Built-In Automation Database)
- Zapier Central AI Agents with Tool Access