N8N vs Zapier: Which Automation Platform is Right for Your Business?
An honest comparison of n8n and Zapier for business automation. Pricing, features, limitations, and when to choose each platform.
The Automation Platform Decision
Zapier is the obvious choice. It's the market leader, has the most integrations, and requires zero technical knowledge. But n8n is gaining ground fast—especially among businesses that hit Zapier's limitations.
Here's how to choose.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Zapier | n8n |
|--------|--------|-----|
| Pricing | $19-$799/month | Free (self-host) or $20+/month (cloud) |
| Integrations | 6,000+ | 400+ (but growing fast) |
| Learning curve | Easy | Moderate |
| Customization | Limited | Extensive |
| Self-hosting | No | Yes |
| Complex logic | Basic | Advanced |
Zapier: The Safe Choice
Strengths
**Massive integration library**: 6,000+ apps means you'll find almost anything. Obscure CRMs, niche tools, legacy systems—Zapier probably connects to it.
**Zero learning curve**: If you can fill out a form, you can use Zapier. Truly no-code.
**Reliability**: Enterprise-grade infrastructure. 99.9% uptime. They handle scaling.
**Support**: Extensive documentation, active community, responsive support team.