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Last updated: October 29, 2026
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n8n vs Zapier (2027): Which Automation Tool Should You Use?
Short answer: choose Zapier if you want the easiest setup and the most integrations. Choose n8n if your workflows have many steps or you want to self-host: n8n bills one execution per workflow run, while Zapier bills every action as a task.
For multi-step workflows, n8n is usually far cheaper: a 5-step workflow run 1,000 times is about 1,000 executions on n8n but about 5,000 tasks on Zapier.
Try n8n free → Cloud trial, no card
At a glance
| n8n | Zapier | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Free self-hosted Community edition | 100 tasks/month, two-step Zaps |
| Entry paid plan | Starter €20/month for 2,500 executions (annual) | Professional $19.99/month for 750 tasks (annual), $29.99 monthly |
| Trial | Cloud trial, no card | Free plan |
| Best for | technical teams and self-hosting | the largest library of app integrations |
Pricing model
Zapier Professional costs $19.99/month (annual) for 750 tasks, and every action counts. n8n Cloud Starter costs €20/month (annual) for 2,500 workflow executions, however many steps each has. Self-hosted n8n is free apart from the server.
Ease of use
Zapier is the easiest tool on the market and has the largest integration library. n8n is more technical but adds code and AI nodes.
Free plans
Zapier's free plan includes 100 tasks a month with two-step Zaps. n8n's Community edition is free to self-host.
Which one should you choose?
| If you are… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A non-technical team with simple automations | Zapier | Easiest setup, most integrations |
| A technical team with long workflows | n8n | Billed per execution, not per step |
| Anyone who wants to self-host | n8n | Free Community edition |
| A team needing a niche app integration | Zapier | Largest library |
Try n8n free → Cloud trial, no card
Try Zapier free → Free plan
1. 
n8n — best for technical teams and self-hosting
Pricing: Starter €20/month for 2,500 executions (annual). Free option: Free self-hosted Community edition. Official pricing.
- Pros:
- Billed per workflow execution, not per step
- Free to self-host
- Strong AI and code nodes
- Cons:
- Self-hosting means you handle updates and backups
- Cloud execution limits on Starter
Choose it if: your workflows are long, or you can self-host.
Try n8n free → Cloud trial, no card
2. 
Zapier — best for the largest library of app integrations
Pricing: Professional $19.99/month for 750 tasks (annual), $29.99 monthly. Free option: 100 tasks/month, two-step Zaps. Official pricing.
- Pros:
- Largest integration library
- Easiest to set up
- Cons:
- Billed per task: every action counts
- Gets expensive at volume
Choose it if: you want simplicity and the most integrations.
Try Zapier free → Free plan
Pick in 10 seconds
FAQ
Is n8n cheaper than Zapier?
For multi-step workflows, usually yes, because n8n counts executions, not steps.
Is n8n free?
The self-hosted Community edition is free; n8n Cloud starts at €20/month on annual billing.
Is Zapier easier than n8n?
Yes. Zapier is built for non-technical users; n8n suits technical teams.
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