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Zapier vs n8n

A side-by-side look at Zapier (the paid SaaS) and n8n (the open source alternative). Use this page to decide if the switch fits your team and workflow.

Zapier n8n
Tagline Connect thousands of apps with no-code automations. Node-based automation tool — self-host or cloud.
License Proprietary SaaS Sustainable Use License (source-available, free for self-host)
Pricing Free tier (100 tasks/month); Starter from $19.99/month. Free to self-host · optional paid hosted plan
Self-host option No Yes — difficulty 2/5
Hosted cloud available Yes (only option) Yes
Desktop apps Varies by product Windows, macOS, Linux
Mobile apps Official apps typically available None official
Ad slot — between tables

Best for

The most mature and feature-rich open automation platform.

n8n strengths

  • 400+ integrations out of the box.
  • Visual editor plus code nodes for flexibility.
  • Active community building templates.

n8n weaknesses

  • License is "fair-code" — not strict OSI open source.
  • Cloud pricing scales with active executions.
  • Some integrations lag behind Zapier's freshest APIs.

What's the catch with Zapier?

  • Pricing scales with task volume quickly.
  • Data flows through Zapier cloud.
  • Self-hosting not possible.

Still unsure?

Check the full list of alternatives to Zapier: see Zapier alternatives, or learn more about n8n on its project page.

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Recommended reading

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Will the open source project you depend on still exist in three years?

Bus factor, maintainer burnout, funding models, and the signals that separate OSS projects that survive from those that quietly decay.

From SaaS to self-hosted: a 30-day migration playbook

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