n8n vs Zapier (2026)
A side-by-side comparison of pricing, features and real-world ratings to help you choose between n8n and Zapier.
| Feature | n8n | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Automation | Automation |
| Starting Price | $20/mo | $20/mo |
| Free Trial | 14-day trial | 14-day trial |
| G2 Rating | 4.6 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Best For | Startups | Freelancers |
| Reviews | 700 | 13,000 |
Key differences between n8n and Zapier
User sentiment favors n8n: it averages 4.6/5 across 700 reviews versus 4.5/5 for Zapier (13,000 reviews).
n8n leans into self-hostable and code nodes, while Zapier puts its weight behind 7,000+ integrations and multi-step zaps — pick based on which of those you will actually use weekly.
Their sweet spots differ: n8n is strongest for startups, whereas Zapier is built with freelancers in mind.
🏆 Our Verdict
n8n is our overall pick, scoring 4.6/5 across 700 reviews. That said, Zapier remains a great option if you prioritise freelancers. Read the breakdown below before you decide.
Head to head
n8n
n8n is the automation tool engineers reach for: source-available, self-hostable, with code nodes wherever visual building runs out of road. Recent releases lean hard into AI agent workflows, making it a favorite for LLM orchestration. Self-hosting eliminates per-task fees entirely — compelling at scale — while the cloud version stays competitive. The catalog is smaller than Zapier's and the polish assumes technical comfort, which is exactly its audience.
n8n
Source-available workflow automation you can self-host.
Visit n8n →Pros
- ✓Self-host option
- ✓Developer-friendly
- ✓Fair pricing
Cons
- ✗Needs technical setup
- ✗Smaller app library
Zapier
Zapier is the connective glue of business software, with an integration catalog — 7,000+ apps — that no competitor approaches. Multi-step Zaps, filters, paths and now AI steps let non-developers automate real workflows in minutes, and Tables plus Interfaces edge it toward an app platform. Task-based pricing is the perennial complaint: high-volume automations get expensive fast, which is precisely where Make and n8n make their pitch.
Zapier
Connect 7,000+ apps with no code.
Visit Zapier →Pros
- ✓Largest app library
- ✓Easy to use
- ✓Free tier
Cons
- ✗Task pricing adds up
- ✗Limited logic vs rivals
How we compare tools
Every comparison on SaaS Compare follows the same recipe: we aggregate verified user ratings from G2 and Capterra, track published pricing (including free plans and trial terms), and weigh the practical pros and cons reported by real users. We refresh this data on a regular schedule and never let affiliate partnerships influence a verdict — the same criteria decide every matchup, including this n8n vs Zapier comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Is n8n better than Zapier?
Based on aggregated ratings, n8n edges ahead with a 4.6/5 score. The right choice still depends on your budget and use case — n8n suits startups, while Zapier is strong for freelancers.
Which is cheaper, n8n or Zapier?
n8n starts at a free plan and Zapier starts at a free plan.
Does n8n or Zapier offer a free trial?
n8n: 14-day trial. Zapier: 14-day trial.
What do users say about n8n and Zapier?
n8n averages 4.6/5 from 700 reviews (G2: 4.6/5, Capterra: 4.7/5). Zapier averages 4.5/5 from 13,000 reviews (G2: 4.5/5, Capterra: 4.7/5). Ratings aggregate thousands of verified users, so small gaps are meaningful at this scale.
When should I pick Zapier instead?
Despite the overall verdict, Zapier is the better fit when largest app library and easy to use matter most to your workflow, particularly for freelancers.