AI Automation · Pricing comparison
n8n vs Zapier: Pricing
If you can self-host, n8n is free with unlimited runs. If you can't, Zapier is simpler and has more integrations.
Last checked September 27, 2026
At a glance
Zapier is the cheaper option ($0.01/mo less), both offer a free plan, n8n rates slightly higher.
Our take
n8n's Community Edition is free to self-host with unlimited executions. Its cloud plans start at about $20/mo billed yearly. Zapier starts at $19.99/mo billed yearly for Professional and charges per task as you grow.
n8n is the engineer's choice: custom JavaScript in workflows, strong AI-agent nodes, and full control over your data. Zapier is for non-technical teams who want something working in minutes with the biggest app library.
Self-hosting isn't free in time. You'll need to handle servers, backups and updates.
- Choose n8n if you have technical skills and want unlimited runs without per-task fees.
- Choose Zapier if you're non-technical or need the widest range of app integrations.
Watch out: n8n's cloud plans are priced by executions, so high-volume users should compare cloud vs self-hosting costs.
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n8n vs Zapier: side-by-side
| Feature | n8n | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Category | AI Automation | AI Automation |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan details | Self-hosted community edition is free with unlimited executions. | Free plan with 100 tasks/month and basic Zaps. |
| Starting price | $20/mo (Cloud Starter, billed yearly) | $19.99/mo (Professional, billed yearly) |
| Highest known plan | $800/mo (Business), custom Enterprise | $69/mo+ (Team), scaling with tasks |
| Trial of paid plan | No (free plan instead) | No (free plan instead) |
| Best for | Engineering teams wanting control, self-hosting, and AI agents | Non-technical teams wanting the fastest path to working automation |
| Team support | Yes | Yes |
| API access | Yes | Yes |
| Editor rating | 4.4 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
Pricing and free plans
n8n uses a freemium model, starting at $20/mo (Cloud Starter, billed yearly). Cloud Starter is about $20/mo and Pro about $50/mo on annual billing (listed as €20 and €50), priced by workflow executions. Business (self-hosted) is about $800/mo. The Community Edition is free to self-host. Its free plan: Self-hosted community edition is free with unlimited executions.
Zapier uses a freemium model, starting at $19.99/mo (Professional, billed yearly). Professional starts at $19.99/mo and Team at $69/mo on annual billing; prices scale with task volume. Separate Agents and Chatbots products have their own plans. Its free plan: Free plan with 100 tasks/month and basic Zaps.
Which is cheaper?
If budget is the deciding factor, Zapier wins on entry price. If output quality or specific features matter more, weigh the feature lists below before deciding.
n8n: pros and cons
Pros
- Free forever if self-hosted
- No per-task pricing anxiety
- Best AI-agent flexibility
Cons
- Self-hosting is real DevOps work
- Non-technical users hit walls
- Fewer integrations than Zapier
Zapier: pros and cons
Pros
- Biggest integration catalog
- Fastest to first automation
- AI agent layer included
Cons
- Per-task cost explodes at scale
- Add-ons for AI features
- Overage billing complaints
Who each tool is best for
- Best for beginners: Zapier — lower barrier to entry and easier to start for free or cheaply.
- Best for teams: n8n.
- n8n is best for: Engineering teams wanting control, self-hosting, and AI agents.
- Zapier is best for: Non-technical teams wanting the fastest path to working automation.
Verdict
If you can self-host, n8n is free with unlimited runs. If you can't, Zapier is simpler and has more integrations. Choose n8n if you have technical skills and want unlimited runs without per-task fees; choose Zapier if you're non-technical or need the widest range of app integrations.
n8n vs Zapier FAQ
Which is cheaper, n8n or Zapier?
Zapier has the cheaper entry price — about $0.01/mo less. n8n starts at $20/mo (Cloud Starter, billed yearly), while Zapier starts at $19.99/mo (Professional, billed yearly).
Does n8n or Zapier have a free plan?
Both offer a free plan. n8n: Self-hosted community edition is free with unlimited executions. Zapier: Free plan with 100 tasks/month and basic Zaps.
Is n8n or Zapier better for beginners?
Zapier tends to be the easier starting point thanks to its pricing and free access, though both cover the same core ai automation needs.
Which is better for teams?
n8n is the stronger team pick given its collaboration support and rating.