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Pricing, plan names, free plan availability, and trial details are checked against official provider pages before being used in ProPicked scores. Vendor relationships do not change rankings, scores, or recommendations.
Provider Pricing Facts
Provider pricing facts: n8n offers a free plan; Zapier offers a free plan.
Source and Freshness Note
Source and freshness note: pricing, free-plan, and feature signals are compared from public provider data and updated comparison records. Last checked May 2026.
n8n vs Zapier: Honest Comparison (2026)
n8n
Open-source workflow automation with fair-code licensing
Zapier
Automate your work across 7,000+ app integrations without writing code
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Quick Verdict:
Zapier wins with 8.8/10 vs 8.5/10. Choose n8n for overall value. Choose Zapier for ease of use.
Zapier wins this comparison with a score of 8.8/10 vs 8.5/10. Both offer free plans. n8n stands out for clear category fit:n8n is positioned for buyers comparing no code options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives., while Zapier excels at clear category fit:Zapier is positioned for buyers comparing no code options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.. Both tools score equally in our detailed feature analysis (7.3/10 each).
| Feature | n8n | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| Ease of Use | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| Features | 8.9/10 | 8.9/10 |
| Value for Money | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| Customer Support | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| Free Plan | Yes ✓ | Yes ✓ |
| Starting Price | $24/mo | $19.99/mo |
| Feature Score | 7.3/10 | 7.3/10 |
| Top Strength | Clear category fit:n8n is positioned for buyers comparing no code options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives. | Clear category fit:Zapier is positioned for buyers comparing no code options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives. |
| Biggest Weakness | Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing. | Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing. |
| Best For | Is n8n free?Provider data indicates a free plan is available. | Is Zapier free?Provider data indicates a free plan is available. |
| Winner | Zapier (8.8/10) | |
Tool A Strengths
- Open-source with self-hosting option
- No per-task pricing limits
- Code nodes for custom logic
- Complex branching and error handling
- Visual node-based workflow editor
Tool A Weaknesses
- Requires technical knowledge to set up
- Fewer pre-built integrations
- Self-hosting requires infrastructure management
- Steeper learning curve
Tool B Strengths
- 6000+ app integrations
- Extremely easy to set up automations
- No technical knowledge required
- Reliable cloud infrastructure
- Excellent documentation and templates
Tool B Weaknesses
- Expensive per-task pricing at scale
- Limited custom code options
- Complex workflows become costly
- Less control over execution environment
What is n8n?
Open-source workflow automation with fair-code licensingn8n is a Business tool for teams evaluating no code software in 2026. Open-source workflow automation with fair-code licensing ProPicked's review is based on provider-published pricing, plan limits, feature availability, and customer review signals rather than sponsorship placement. Provider data highlights visual Builder, workflows, api Connector, custom Code, web App as tracked capabilities. The current rating is 8.5/10, with value, feature coverage, ease of use, and support considered separately so buyers can compare it against alternatives in the same category. Use this page to verify what n8n offers, where it is strongest, what trade-offs to check, and which competing tools may fit better before committing.
- +Clear category fit:n8n is positioned for buyers comparing no code options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- +Provider-checked pricing context:Provider data indicates a free plan is available. A 14-day trial is listed for evaluation before purchase.
- +Feature coverage is documented:Provider data highlights visual Builder, workflows, api Connector, custom Code, web App as tracked capabilities.
- •Is n8n free?Provider data indicates a free plan is available.
- •What should I verify before buying?Confirm current pricing, plan limits, cancellation terms, integrations, and support response expectations.
- •How does ProPicked score n8n?Ratings combine provider data, pricing checks, feature coverage, and public review signals across four dimensions.
What is Zapier?
Automate your work across 7,000+ app integrations without writing codeZapier is a Business tool for teams evaluating no code software in 2026. Automate your work across 7,000+ app integrations without writing code ProPicked's review is based on provider-published pricing, plan limits, feature availability, and customer review signals rather than sponsorship placement. Provider data highlights visual Builder, workflows, api Connector, custom Code, web App as tracked capabilities. The current rating is 8.8/10, with value, feature coverage, ease of use, and support considered separately so buyers can compare it against alternatives in the same category. Use this page to verify what Zapier offers, where it is strongest, what trade-offs to check, and which competing tools may fit better before committing.
- +Clear category fit:Zapier is positioned for buyers comparing no code options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- +Provider-checked pricing context:Provider data indicates a free plan is available. A 14-day trial is listed for evaluation before purchase.
- +Feature coverage is documented:Provider data highlights visual Builder, workflows, api Connector, custom Code, web App as tracked capabilities.
- •Is Zapier free?Provider data indicates a free plan is available.
- •What should I verify before buying?Confirm current pricing, plan limits, cancellation terms, integrations, and support response expectations.
- •How does ProPicked score Zapier?Ratings combine provider data, pricing checks, feature coverage, and public review signals across four dimensions.
n8n vs Zapier: Key Differences
n8n vs Zapier: Quick Verdict
Decision Summary
Who wins in each scenario? A quick look at how n8n and Zapier compare across different buyer needs.
Scores 8.8/10 vs 8.5/10
Scores 9.2/10 on value vs 7.8/10
Ease of use: 8.7/10 vs 7.8/10
Features + support avg: 8.4/10 vs 8.2/10
Free plan available + 9.2/10 value
Both offer free plans
Choose n8n if you need...
- ✓Clear category fit:n8n is positioned for buyers comparing no code options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- ✓Provider-checked pricing context:Provider data indicates a free plan is available. A 14-day trial is listed for evaluation before purchase.
- ✓Feature coverage is documented:Provider data highlights visual Builder, workflows, api Connector, custom Code, web App as tracked capabilities.
- !Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing.
- !Fit depends on workflow:Teams with complex integrations or strict compliance requirements should compare n8n against at least two alternatives.
Choose Zapier if you need...
- ✓Clear category fit:Zapier is positioned for buyers comparing no code options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- ✓Provider-checked pricing context:Provider data indicates a free plan is available. A 14-day trial is listed for evaluation before purchase.
- ✓Feature coverage is documented:Provider data highlights visual Builder, workflows, api Connector, custom Code, web App as tracked capabilities.
- ✓Lower starting price ($19.99/mo vs $24/mo)
- !Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing.
- !Fit depends on workflow:Teams with complex integrations or strict compliance requirements should compare Zapier against at least two alternatives.
Our Take: n8n vs Zapier
Zapier edges ahead with a 8.8/10 vs 8.5/10. The gap is noticeable but not dramatic — both are legitimate options depending on what you prioritize.
Where they differ: n8n's biggest strengths are clear category fit:n8n is positioned for buyers comparing no code options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives. and provider-checked pricing context:Provider data indicates a free plan is available. A 14-day trial is listed for evaluation before purchase.. Zapier, on the other hand, shines with clear category fit:Zapier is positioned for buyers comparing no code options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives. and provider-checked pricing context:Provider data indicates a free plan is available. A 14-day trial is listed for evaluation before purchase.. These reflect fundamentally different product priorities.
Both offer free plans, so you can test each one with zero risk before committing. We recommend trying both for a week with real data.
n8n vs Zapier Score Comparison
| Category | n8n | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
🏆Overall Score | 8.5 | ▲8.8 |
💫Ease of Use | 7.8 | ▲8.7 |
⚙Features | 8.9 | 8.9 |
💰Value for Money | 9.2▲ | 7.8 |
💬Customer Support | 7.5 | ▲8.0 |
Why These Scores? Our Reasoning
n8n — 8.5/10- +Clear category fit:n8n is positioned for buyers comparing no code options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- +Provider-checked pricing context:Provider data indicates a free plan is available. A 14-day trial is listed for evaluation before purchase.
- +Feature coverage is documented:Provider data highlights visual Builder, workflows, api Connector, custom Code, web App as tracked capabilities.
- -Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing.
- -Fit depends on workflow:Teams with complex integrations or strict compliance requirements should compare n8n against at least two alternatives.
- +Clear category fit:Zapier is positioned for buyers comparing no code options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- +Provider-checked pricing context:Provider data indicates a free plan is available. A 14-day trial is listed for evaluation before purchase.
- +Feature coverage is documented:Provider data highlights visual Builder, workflows, api Connector, custom Code, web App as tracked capabilities.
- -Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing.
- -Fit depends on workflow:Teams with complex integrations or strict compliance requirements should compare Zapier against at least two alternatives.
n8n vs Zapier Pros & Cons
n8n8.5/10+Strengths
- ✓Clear category fit:n8n is positioned for buyers comparing no code options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- ✓Provider-checked pricing context:Provider data indicates a free plan is available. A 14-day trial is listed for evaluation before purchase.
- ✓Feature coverage is documented:Provider data highlights visual Builder, workflows, api Connector, custom Code, web App as tracked capabilities.
-Weaknesses
- ✗Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing.
- ✗Fit depends on workflow:Teams with complex integrations or strict compliance requirements should compare n8n against at least two alternatives.
- ✗Review signals can lag product changes:New feature launches and pricing updates may not be reflected in public user feedback immediately.
+Strengths
- ✓Clear category fit:Zapier is positioned for buyers comparing no code options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- ✓Provider-checked pricing context:Provider data indicates a free plan is available. A 14-day trial is listed for evaluation before purchase.
- ✓Feature coverage is documented:Provider data highlights visual Builder, workflows, api Connector, custom Code, web App as tracked capabilities.
-Weaknesses
- ✗Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing.
- ✗Fit depends on workflow:Teams with complex integrations or strict compliance requirements should compare Zapier against at least two alternatives.
- ✗Review signals can lag product changes:New feature launches and pricing updates may not be reflected in public user feedback immediately.
Who Should Use n8n vs Zapier?
n8n is ideal for
- •Is n8n free?Provider data indicates a free plan is available.
- •What should I verify before buying?Confirm current pricing, plan limits, cancellation terms, integrations, and support response expectations.
- •How does ProPicked score n8n?Ratings combine provider data, pricing checks, feature coverage, and public review signals across four dimensions.
- •Match the provider's published plan limits against your expected seats, projects, contacts, storage, or usage volume.
- •Check whether the features you need are included in the entry plan or require an upgrade.
Zapier is ideal for
- •Is Zapier free?Provider data indicates a free plan is available.
- •What should I verify before buying?Confirm current pricing, plan limits, cancellation terms, integrations, and support response expectations.
- •How does ProPicked score Zapier?Ratings combine provider data, pricing checks, feature coverage, and public review signals across four dimensions.
- •Match the provider's published plan limits against your expected seats, projects, contacts, storage, or usage volume.
- •Check whether the features you need are included in the entry plan or require an upgrade.
When NOT to Choose n8n or Zapier
Knowing when a tool is the wrong fit is just as important as knowing its strengths
Skip n8n if...
- ✗Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing.
- ✗Fit depends on workflow:Teams with complex integrations or strict compliance requirements should compare n8n against at least two alternatives.
- ✗Review signals can lag product changes:New feature launches and pricing updates may not be reflected in public user feedback immediately.
Skip Zapier if...
- ✗Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing.
- ✗Fit depends on workflow:Teams with complex integrations or strict compliance requirements should compare Zapier against at least two alternatives.
- ✗Review signals can lag product changes:New feature launches and pricing updates may not be reflected in public user feedback immediately.
n8n vs Zapier Decision Framework
Choose based on what matters most to you
n8n vs Zapier Pricing
| Pricing Feature | n8n | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Starting Price | $24/mo | $19.99/mo |
| Free Trial | 14 days | 14 days |
| Number of Plans | 4 | 5 |
| Value Rating | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
n8n Plans
- ✓Self-hosted
- ✓Unlimited workflows
- ✓All integrations
- ✓Community support
- ✓Cloud hosted
- ✓2,500 executions
- ✓5 workflows
- ✓Email support
- ✓10,000 executions
- ✓15 workflows
- ✓Execution log
- ✓Priority support
- ✓Unlimited executions
- ✓SSO
- ✓Advanced permissions
- ✓Dedicated support
Zapier Plans
- ✓100 tasks/month
- ✓5 Zaps
- ✓Single-step Zaps
- ✓AI actions
- ✓750 tasks/month
- ✓20 Zaps
- ✓Multi-step Zaps
- ✓Filters & formatters
- ✓2,000 tasks/month
- ✓Unlimited Zaps
- ✓Paths (branching)
- ✓Custom logic
- ✓2,000 tasks/month
- ✓Shared connections
- ✓Premier support
- ✓SSO
- ✓Custom tasks
- ✓Advanced admin
- ✓SAML SSO
- ✓Dedicated support
What You Get: Plan Feature Comparison
Comparing n8n's Starter ($24/mo) vs Zapier's Starter ($19.99/mo)
| Feature | n8n | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud hosted | ✓ | ✗ |
| 2,500 executions | ✓ | ✗ |
| 5 workflows | ✓ | ✗ |
| Email support | ✓ | ✗ |
| 750 tasks/month | ✗ | ✓ |
| 20 Zaps | ✗ | ✓ |
| Multi-step Zaps | ✗ | ✓ |
| Filters & formatters | ✗ | ✓ |
Which Should You Choose?
Quick Buyer's Guide
Based on our analysis, here's who each tool is best suited for
n8n is best for:- ✓Is n8n free?Provider data indicates a free plan is available.
- ✓What should I verify before buying?Confirm current pricing, plan limits, cancellation terms, integrations, and support response expectations.
- ✓Users who need clear category fit:n8n is positioned for buyers comparing no code options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- ✓Is Zapier free?Provider data indicates a free plan is available.
- ✓What should I verify before buying?Confirm current pricing, plan limits, cancellation terms, integrations, and support response expectations.
- ✓Users who need clear category fit:Zapier is positioned for buyers comparing no code options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- ✓Teams with tighter budgets ($19.99/mo vs $24/mo)
n8n vs Zapier: The Bottom Line
Zapier wins this comparison, but the right pick depends on your priorities.
Choose n8n if you want an open-source, self-hostable automation platform with code flexibility and no per-task pricing limits. Choose Zapier if you want the easiest automation setup with the largest app integration catalog and zero technical requirements. n8n at 8.5/10 is still competitive and may be the better fit depending on your specific requirements and budget.