n8n vs Zapier, the real decision
Which tool when. And why most people decide wrong.
What n8n is
Open-source workflow automation. Hosted (n8n Cloud at 24 EUR/month) or self-installed (Docker, free). Visual editor like Zapier, but with code nodes and more control.
Started in 2019, raised a 60 million USD Series B in 2023. No longer "the small tool", but enterprise-ready.
The real difference
Zapier is a service. You click, Zapier executes. Easy, but you pay per task.
n8n is software. You install it once, then it runs on your server (or as a Cloud subscription with n8n itself). Once built, it runs unlimited times at no extra cost.
When n8n clearly wins
High volumes. Self-hosted n8n has no volume cap other than your server. n8n Cloud scales in tiers (Starter 24 EUR/mo, Pro 50 EUR/mo, Business from around 600 USD/mo for 50,000+ executions). At comparable volumes Zapier is typically two to three times more expensive.
Complex data transformation. n8n has a "Code Node" where you write JavaScript. Zapier doesn't (except in premium tiers with limits).
Self-hosting + GDPR. Install on your own server, data doesn't leave the building. Often a dealbreaker for German SMEs.
Debugging. n8n shows every step with input/output. When something goes wrong, you see exactly where.
AI integration. n8n has direct hooks to OpenAI, Anthropic, Ollama. Zapier has it too, but n8n is more transparent on cost and calls.
When Zapier wins
Simplicity. n8n needs 30 minutes more onboarding than Zapier. If you want to slap something together quickly, Zapier.
Integration breadth. Zapier has 9,000+ apps, n8n around 400+. Obscure software? Zapier probably has it.
Team without dev background. The Zapier UI is directly usable for marketing/sales. n8n already feels a bit techier.
The pragmatic combo
Many teams use both. Zapier for the simple things, n8n for the complex ones. Plus: prototypes start in Zapier, on volume migrate to n8n.
Make (formerly Integromat)
Make is the third option. Positioned between Zapier and n8n. Cheaper than Zapier, more features, better debugging, but less complex than n8n. If Zapier is too expensive and n8n too techy: try Make.
Practical setup for beginners
My tip: start with n8n Cloud (24 EUR/month). That's the sweet spot between control and simplicity. If you eventually realize self-hosting makes sense for you, the move is easy.
The next topic: webhooks. They're the basis of everything you build with n8n or Zapier.