n8n vs Zapier: Self-Hosted Automation vs Per-Task SaaS
n8n is a source-available workflow automation tool you can self-host for free for internal use, and it counts usage per workflow execution regardless of how many steps run. Zapier is the most widely used automation SaaS, billed by tasks — each successful action step counts. Zapier is easier for non-technical teams and has the most integrations. n8n is usually far cheaper for multi-step, high-volume workflows and keeps your data on your infrastructure.
Prices are vendor list prices as of September 2026 — see sources below. Updated .
n8n vs Zapier at a glance
| Dimension | n8n | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing | Sustainable Use License ("fair-code") — source-available, not OSI open source | Proprietary SaaS |
| How usage is counted | Per execution — one run of a whole workflow, any number of steps | Per task — each successful action step (triggers and built-in tools excluded) |
| Entry price | Self-hosted Community: free. Cloud Starter: €20/month for 2,500 executions (annual) | Pro: $19.99/month for 750 tasks (annual), $29.99 monthly |
| Overage | Plan limits; self-hosted has no execution cap | 1.25× base rate (annual) or 2.5× (monthly), if pay-per-task is enabled |
| Hosting | Your own server, or n8n Cloud | Zapier cloud only |
| Ease of use | Visual builder, but more technical; supports code steps | Easiest for non-technical users |
| Integrations | Hundreds of nodes plus any HTTP API | The largest app catalog |
The honest answer
Choose n8n if…
- Your workflows have many steps or run at high volume
- You want automation data to stay on infrastructure you control
- You need custom code, branching, or API calls that Zapier makes awkward
- You have someone technical to build and maintain workflows
Choose Zapier if…
- Non-technical staff need to build automations themselves
- Your volume is low and your workflows are simple
- You need a niche app integration only Zapier offers
- You want zero infrastructure to maintain
A worked example
Take a workflow with one trigger and four action steps that runs 1,000 times a month. Zapier counts the four actions as tasks — about 4,000 tasks — which needs the 5,000-task Pro tier at $89 a month billed annually. In n8n the same thing is 1,000 executions, which fits the €20-a-month Cloud Starter plan, or costs only hosting when self-hosted. The gap widens as workflows get longer, because Zapier’s cost scales with steps and n8n’s does not.
Run your own numbers in the cost calculator →What migration involves
There is no automatic converter, so each Zap is rebuilt as an n8n workflow. Simple Zaps take minutes; complex ones with paths, filters, and formatters take longer and are a good moment to consolidate. Running old and new automations in parallel for a short time catches differences before you switch off Zapier.
If you decide to switch
n8n vs Zapier — common questions
Is n8n cheaper than Zapier?+
Is n8n open source?+
Is n8n harder to use than Zapier?+
How does Zapier count tasks?+
Sources
Vendor pricing changes. Figures reflect each source as of September 2026; check the vendor before deciding.
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