n8n vs Zapier: Which No-Code & Automation Tool Is Better in 2026?
n8n
From $20Zapier
From $19.99Quick verdict
Overall pick: Tie
Pick n8n if you need self-hosted deployment, open-source control, or privacy-first custom pipelines and AI agents; it starts at $20 flat and includes an AI workflow copilot. Pick Zapier if you want a built-in database and a tool aimed at non-technical SMB teams doing quick cross-app integrations, starting at $19.99 flat. Neither platform generates native mobile apps, so both are automation-only choices. The starting prices are nearly identical, so the decision hinges on self-hosting and built-in storage rather than cost.
- Zapier's entry plan ($19.99) is 0% cheaper than n8n's ($20).
- Both offer a free plan, so you can test them side by side at no cost.
- Only n8n offers: self-hosted / open-source option.
- Only Zapier offers: built-in database / table storage.
Cost calculator
| Tool | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| n8n · flat | $20.00 | $240 |
| Zapier · flat | $19.99 | $240 |
Based on entry-level paid plans. Prices change, so check the vendor before you buy.
Which one should you choose?
| If you need… | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy-first company needing to run automations on its own infrastructure | n8n | n8n supports self-hosted deployment and is described as fair-code, while Zapier does not offer self-hosting. |
| Non-technical SMB team building quick cross-app integrations | Zapier | Zapier is positioned for SMB non-technical teams and quick cross-app integrations, and it connects 7,000+ business apps. |
| Team that needs table storage inside the automation platform | Zapier | Zapier includes a built-in database, while n8n does not list built-in database storage. |
| Developer building custom self-hosted pipelines and AI agents | n8n | n8n is best suited to developers and privacy-first companies for custom self-hosted pipelines and AI agents, with an AI workflow copilot. |
| Buyer comparing entry-level flat pricing | Tie | n8n starts at $20 flat and Zapier at $19.99 flat, a difference of one cent, with both offering a free plan. |
Feature comparison: n8n vs Zapier
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | ✅ | ✅ |
| Starting price | $20 /mo | $19.99 /mo |
| Visual flow & drag-and-drop builder | ✅ | ✅ |
| Self-hosted / open-source option | ✅ | — |
| Pre-built app connectors & integrations | ✅ | ✅ |
| Built-in database / table storage | — | ✅ |
| Multi-step branches & conditional routers | ✅ | ✅ |
| Custom webhooks & API HTTP requests | ✅ | ✅ |
| Native mobile app generation | — | — |
| AI workflow & assistant builder | ✅ | ✅ |
Highlighted rows are where the tools differ.
Pros and cons
n8n
- Supports self-hosted deployment, which Zapier does not offer
- Fair-code, open-source-oriented model suited to privacy-first companies
- Includes an AI workflow copilot for building AI agents and pipelines
- Flat starting price of $20 with a free plan
- No built-in database or table storage
- No native mobile app generation
- Positioned toward developers rather than non-technical teams
Zapier
- Includes a built-in database for table storage
- Connects 7,000+ business apps for quick cross-app integrations
- Aimed at non-technical SMB teams
- Flat starting price of $19.99 with a free plan
- No self-hosted or open-source option
- No native mobile app generation
- Founded in 2011 and positioned for simplicity rather than developer control
Which tool would you pick for your stack?
Cast your vote to see real-time peer recommendations from other software buyers.
At a glance
Fair-code workflow automation tool with self-hosted privacy and AI nodes.
Founded 2019 · From $20 · 6/8 tracked features
Best for: developers & privacy-first companies, custom self-hosted pipelines & AI agents
See n8n alternatives →Easy automation tool connecting 7,000+ business apps without code.
Founded 2011 · From $19.99 · 6/8 tracked features
Best for: SMB non-technical teams, quick cross-app integrations
See Zapier alternatives →FAQ
Is n8n cheaper than Zapier?
Almost the same: n8n starts at $20 flat and Zapier at $19.99 flat, both with a free plan, so the one-cent difference is negligible.
Can I self-host n8n but not Zapier?
Yes. n8n offers a self-hosted option, while Zapier's data lists no self-hosted capability.
Does Zapier include a built-in database?
Yes, Zapier includes built-in database or table storage; n8n does not list this feature.
Do either of these tools generate native mobile apps?
No. Neither n8n nor Zapier lists native mobile app generation.
Which tool is better for non-technical teams?
Zapier is positioned for SMB non-technical teams and quick cross-app integrations, while n8n is aimed at developers and privacy-first companies.
Related comparisons
- Airtable vs n8n
- Airtable vs Zapier
- Bubble vs n8n
- Bubble vs Zapier
- FlutterFlow vs n8n
- FlutterFlow vs Zapier
Data last reviewed: pending verification. All No-Code & Automation tools →