n8n vs Zapier
Comprehensive comparison for 2026: features, pricing, and expert recommendations
By Shyft Research TeamUpdated Feb 25, 2026
TL;DR
- Both tools is our recommended choice for most users
- Compare ratings, features, and pricing below
- See detailed pricing comparison below
- Technical teams, self-hosting requirements, complex workflows, cost-sensitive high-volume operations
n8n Rating
N/A
Zapier Rating
4.5/5
n8n Price
$20/mo
Zapier Price
$19/mo
Zapier is the market leader in no-code automation. n8n is the open-source challenger offering self-hosting and no per-task fees. This comparison helps you decide based on your technical comfort and requirements.
Quick Verdict
Zapier wins for ease of use and app coverage. n8n wins for power users, self-hosting, and cost at scale.
Choose n8n
n8n is open-source, self-hostable, and has no per-task pricing. More powerful for technical users who want full control.
Technical teams, self-hosting requirements, complex workflows, cost-sensitive high-volume operations
OR
Choose Zapier
Zapier is the easiest to use with 6,000+ integrations. Best for non-technical users and quick automations.
Non-technical users, quick setup, maximum app compatibility, managed solution preference
Head-to-Head Comparison
n8n
Zapier
Category
Automation
Automation
Rating
No rating
Starting Price
$20/mo
$19/mo
Free Tier
What it Does
Open-source workflow automation platform
Connect apps and automate workflows without code
Frequently Asked Questions
Choose Zapier for simplicity and the widest app support. Choose n8n if you want self-hosting, need complex workflows, or want to avoid per-task pricing at scale.
Our Expert Verdict
“Zapier wins for ease of use and app coverage. n8n wins for power users, self-hosting, and cost at scale.”
Pros
- • n8n: AI-ready with MCP
- • Zapier: 4.5/5 rating
Recommendation: We recommend depends for most use cases.
Verdict: n8n vs Zapier
Winner: depends
Zapier wins for ease of use and app coverage. n8n wins for power users, self-hosting, and cost at scale.
Common Questions: n8n vs Zapier
Both n8n and Zapier are strong Automation tools. n8n and Zapier has a 4.5/5 rating. The best choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific feature requirements. Both offer ways to try before you buy.