Updated 5 Nov 2026
Zapier vs n8n
Hosted convenience against a workflow tool you can run yourself.
Verdict
Zapier if nobody wants to operate infrastructure. n8n if agent workflows need a runtime you can host and extend. Read n8n's licence before embedding it in a product you sell.
Option 1
n8n
n8n
Where it wins
Self-hosting and flexible AI nodes.
Where it gives way
You operate it, and the licence is not a standard permissive OSS grant.
Option 2
Zapier
Zapier
Where it wins
Less to run, more connectors.
Where it gives way
You do not control the runtime, and tasks add up.