n8n vs Zapier
Zapier versus n8n is closed iPaaS with the largest connector catalog versus fair-code workflows you can self-host. Task price versus Docker is the buying question.
Twin Scores side by side
n8n
n8n is the source-available workflow engine you can self-host, extend with code nodes, and now point at AI agents. Humans who can run Docker prefer it to Zapier for data gravity and cost. The REST API, CLI, and repo raise the agent score above closed iPaaS. License is.
Zapier
Zapier is the no-code integration fabric: Zaps, Tables, Interfaces, and now agents that run the same connectors. Humans who are not engineers automate Gmail-to-Slack here. Developer Platform and REST let agents create and run Zaps, but the soul of the product is the visual.
Capability snapshot
| Surface | n8n | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| API | excellent | strong |
| MCP | basic | basic |
| CLI | excellent | none |
Unique intro lives on this URL only. See also alternatives to n8n.