Zapier
No-code automation platform connecting 5000+ apps with workflow automation....
n8n
Open-source workflow automation tool with visual interface and self-hosting opti...
Zapier vs n8n: Which Is Better in 2026?
Comprehensive comparison of Zapier and n8n covering features, pricing, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you make the right choice for your business.
Quick Overview
Zapier
- Best for: Non-technical users, Marketing automation
- Starting price: Free
- Category: automation
- Founded: 2011
n8n
- Best for: Developers, Privacy-focused teams
- Starting price: Free
- Category: automation
- Founded: 2019
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side feature comparison to help you understand the key differences between Zapier and n8n.
| Feature | Z Zapier | n n8n |
|---|---|---|
| App Integrations | ||
| Multi-step Workflows | ||
| Conditional Logic | ||
| Scheduling | ||
| Webhooks | ||
| Data Formatting | ||
| API Access | ||
| Team Features | ||
| Self-hosting |
Our Verdict
After extensive testing and analysis, Zapier edges out as the winner in this comparison. While both tools excel in their respective areas, Zapier offers better overall user satisfaction. n8n remains a strong alternative, especially for users who prioritize developers.
Zapier
Best for Non-technical users and Marketing automation. Largest app directory.
Try ZapierPros & Cons
Zapier Pros & Cons
Pros
- Largest app directory
- Easy to use
- No coding required
- Quick setup
- Reliable
Cons
- Expensive at scale
- Limited on free tier
- Task limits add up
- Some integrations basic
n8n Pros & Cons
Pros
- Open source
- Self-hosting option
- No execution limits self-hosted
- Fair pricing
- Active community
Cons
- Learning curve
- Less polished UI
- Fewer native integrations
- Requires technical knowledge
Pricing Comparison
Compare the pricing plans and see which tool offers better value for your budget.
Zapier
freemium- 100 tasks/month
- 5 Zaps
- 15-min update time
- 750 tasks/month
- 20 Zaps
- Multi-step Zaps
- 2000 tasks/month
- Unlimited Zaps
- Auto-replay
- Shared workspaces
- Premier support
- SAML SSO
- Advanced admin
- Annual invoicing
- Dedicated manager
n8n
freemium- Open source
- Unlimited workflows
- Full control
- 5 active workflows
- 2500 executions
- Cloud hosted
- 15 active workflows
- 10K executions
- Priority support
- Unlimited workflows
- SSO
- Dedicated support
Which Tool Is Best For You?
Choose Zapier if you need:
- Non-technical users
- Marketing automation
- Sales workflows
- Small teams
- Largest app directory
- Easy to use
Choose n8n if you need:
- Developers
- Privacy-focused teams
- Technical users
- Self-hosters
- Open source
- Self-hosting option
Zapier vs n8n FAQ
What are the main differences between Zapier and n8n?
Zapier focuses on non-technical users with largest app directory, while n8n excels at developers with open source. Key differences include pricing structure, feature depth, and target user base.
Is Zapier or n8n better for small businesses?
Zapier offers a free tier which is great for small businesses starting out. For small businesses with limited budgets, consider starting with the tool that offers Zapier's lower starting price of $0/month.
What is the pricing difference between Zapier and n8n?
Zapier starts at $0/month with a free tier available, while n8n starts at $0/month with a free tier available. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.
Can Zapier integrate with n8n?
While direct integration may vary, both Zapier and n8n support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. Zapier integrates with 5000+ apps including Slack, Gmail, Salesforce, HubSpot, while n8n works with 400+ apps, HTTP requests, Databases.
Which tool is easier to use, Zapier or n8n?
Based on user reviews, Zapier generally receives higher marks for ease of use with a 4.7 rating. However, ease of use can depend on your specific needs and technical background. Zapier is known for easy to use.
Does Zapier or n8n offer better customer support?
Both Zapier and n8n provide customer support, with options varying by plan tier. Zapier offers support through standard support channels. Check each tool's specific plan for support details.
What are the pros of Zapier compared to n8n?
Zapier's main advantages include: Largest app directory, Easy to use, No coding required. Compared to n8n, it's particularly strong for non-technical users.
What are the cons of Zapier compared to n8n?
Zapier's potential drawbacks include: Expensive at scale, Limited on free tier. n8n may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.
Should I switch from Zapier to n8n or vice versa?
Consider switching if your current tool doesn't meet your needs. Key factors include: current pain points, migration complexity, team training, and total cost of ownership. Use our ROI calculator to estimate the potential impact of switching.
Which tool is best for automation in 2026?
In 2026, Zapier leads in this comparison with a 4.7 rating. However, the best choice depends on your specific requirements. Zapier excels for non-technical users, while n8n is ideal for developers.