n8n vs Zapier
Last updated: 2026-08-18
Open-source automation vs the market leader — which is better? — pricing, features, and our verdict.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | popular n8n | best Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | See website | $0/mo (Free) |
| Free trial | Check website | Free plan available (100 tasks/mo) |
| Best for | Various use cases | Connecting apps without code |
| Pricing | See website | — |
| Free plan | Check website | 100 tasks/mo, 5 Zaps |
| Starting paid price | — | $19.99/mo (Professional) |
| App integrations | — | 7,000+ apps |
| Multi-step Zaps | — | Professional plan+ |
| Conditional logic | — | Paths (Professional plan+) |
| Custom code | — | Python, JavaScript (Professional plan+) |
| Webhooks | — | ✓ |
| Execution speed | — | 15 min (Free), 1 min (Pro), instant (Team+) |
| API access | — | ✓ |
| Support | — | Community (Free), Email (Pro), Priority (Team+) |
n8n Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good feature set
- Active user community
- Regular updates
Cons
- Learning curve required
- Some limitations on lower tiers
Zapier Pros & Cons
Pros
- Largest integration ecosystem — 7,000+ apps
- Visual workflow builder — no code required
- Free plan (100 tasks/mo) for testing and simple automations
- Multi-step Zaps with conditional logic (Paths)
- Excellent documentation and community
Cons
- Expensive at scale — Professional $19.99/mo, Team $69/mo, Company $99/mo
- Free plan limited to 5 Zaps and 100 tasks/mo
- No native API building — can only connect existing apps
- Task-based pricing means complex multi-step Zaps eat through limits fast
- Slower execution on lower tiers (checks every 15 min on Free, every 1 min on Pro+)
Final Verdict
Both n8n and Zapier are solid choices in the Automation space. The right pick depends on your budget, team size, and specific feature needs. We recommend trying both via their free plans or trials before committing.
Our pick: Zapier
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for small businesses: n8n or Zapier?
For small businesses, the better choice depends on your budget and specific needs. Zapier generally offers better value for money, while n8n has more advanced features for growing teams.
Do n8n and Zapier offer free trials?
Yes, both platforms offer ways to try before buying. n8n offers a trial, and Free plan available (100 tasks/mo) also offers a trial. We recommend trying both before committing.
Can I switch from n8n to Zapier (or vice versa)?
Yes, most platforms offer data export tools. Contact lists, settings, and historical data can usually be migrated, though some manual setup will be required. Check each platform's migration documentation before switching.