Comparison · 4 shared capabilities
n8n vs Zapier
They overlap on 4 things. n8n is stronger at 2 of them, Zapier at 2. If you pay for both, check whether you use the parts that don't overlap.
n8n
A workflow automation platform you can self-host for free (Community Edition) or buy as n8n Cloud, billed by executions.
Zapier
A no-code automation service that connects thousands of apps, priced by the number of tasks it completes each month.
From $19.99/mo Verified
Capability by capability
| Capability | n8n | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Automate simple app-to-app workflows | StrongFewer prebuilt connectors than Zapier or Make; gaps are filled with HTTP requests | Core featureCosts climb quickly with task volume |
| Collect information with forms and surveys | WorkaroundNot a polished form builder | PartialBasic compared with dedicated form tools |
| Run AI agents that complete multi-step tasks | Core featureAgent reliability depends on prompt design and the chosen model | PartialAgent activity is metered separately from tasks |
| Run multi-step, high-volume automations | Core featureSelf-hosting means you own uptime, backups, security patches and scaling | StrongLoops and complex data handling are clumsier than in Make or n8n |
| Store structured data in a shared database or spreadsheet | — | PartialNot a full database or spreadsheet replacement |
Choose n8n if…
- • you need strong run multi-step, high-volume automations
- • you need strong run ai agents that complete multi-step tasks
- • Free, self-hosted automation with no per-step fees, which no hosted competitor matches at volume.
- • Data control: workflows and their data can stay entirely inside your own network.
Choose Zapier if…
- • you need strong automate simple app-to-app workflows
- • you need strong collect information with forms and surveys
- • you rely on store structured data in a shared database or spreadsheet (the other doesn't do it)
- • A 9,000+-app integration catalogue; niche SaaS apps often have a Zapier connector before they have one anywhere else.
- • Reliability without self-hosting: Zapier runs, retries and monitors the automations for you.
Switch between them
- Extract invoice data with AI into Google Sheets, with validation and human approvalFor low invoice volumes: use Gemini in Google Workspace or ChatGPT file upload with a strict extraction prompt (no-code), or an n8n flow from Gmail to an LLM to Sheets (automated). Either way, totals and duplicates are checked by rules, and a human approves every invoice before payment.moderatePath A: 1–2 hours. Path…+$5/mouses Google Workspace
- Move simple and medium Zaps to n8n (self-hosted or n8n Cloud)Inventory your Zaps, stand up n8n Community Edition on a small VPS with Docker Compose (or use n8n Cloud), migrate lowest-risk Zaps first, parallel-run each one, and only then cancel. You trade a per-task bill for owning uptime, patching and backups.advanced1 day for the server and…+$14.4/mouses n8n
Fit levels are editorial judgements based on each product's documented features. See each tool page for sources and verification dates.