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Operations & Automation

n8n vs Zapier

Choosing between n8n and Zapier in operations & automation? This page compares pricing, ratings, integrations, and headline features so UK buyers can decide faster. On combined rating and review volume, Zapier currently edges ahead — still verify fit against your stack.

What n8n is

n8n is a workflow automation platform with strong AI-agent building blocks, 400+ integrations, and self-host or cloud options. Technical teams use it to connect CRMs, helpdesks, databases, and LLMs with approval gates, retries, and code steps when no-code tools run out of road. Fair-code licensing and unlimited users on many plans make it popular for internal automation infrastructure rather than one-off consumer Zaps.

Pricing signal: Free self-host / cloud from ~$20/mo · Verified listing

What Zapier is

Zapier connects 9,000+ apps and uses AI to help teams automate workflows without coding. Beyond classic multi-step Zaps, the platform now emphasises AI automation, agents, tables, and chatbots so operators can move data, trigger actions, and assist teams across tools they already use. Still the default first automation layer for SMEs before heavier orchestration platforms.

Pricing signal: Free / from $19.99/mo · Verified listing

n8n

AI-native workflow automation for technical teams

Rating
4.7
Reviews
2,800
Pricing
Freemium
Visit n8n
Zapier

AI-powered automation connecting 9,000+ apps

Rating
4.6
Reviews
9,800
Pricing
Freemium
Visit Zapier

At a glance

Fieldn8nZapier
taglineAI-native workflow automation for technical teamsAI-powered automation connecting 9,000+ apps
priceLabelFree self-host / cloud from ~$20/moFree / from $19.99/mo
Rating4.7 (2,800 reviews)4.6 (9,800 reviews)
Verified

Integrations

Shared (2)
Google WorkspaceSlack
Only n8n (3)
OpenAIGitHubPostgreSQL
Only Zapier (3)
SalesforceHubSpotShopify

Feature differences

Headline capabilities from each catalogue listing. Overlap means both claim the capability; exclusive rows are where the products diverge for buyers shortlisting operations & automation.

Shared (0)
  • No identical feature strings listed
Stronger on n8n
  • AI agent workflows
  • LLM integration nodes
  • Open source core
  • Self-hosting option
  • 400+ integrations
  • Code and no-code modes
Stronger on Zapier
  • 9,000+ app integrations
  • AI-assisted workflow and agent creation
  • Multi-step Zaps with conditional logic
  • Tables, forms, and chatbot products
  • AI data transformation helpers
  • Error handling and retries

Who should choose which?

Pick n8n if…

  • You want aI-native workflow automation for technical teams
  • You specifically need: AI agent workflows
  • Your stack already includes OpenAI, GitHub, PostgreSQL

Pick Zapier if…

  • You want aI-powered automation connecting 9,000+ apps
  • You specifically need: 9,000+ app integrations
  • Your stack already includes Salesforce, HubSpot, Shopify
  • You prefer the more widely reviewed option (9,800 reviews)

This is a catalogue comparison for shortlisting, not a paid endorsement. Always confirm current pricing and security claims on the vendor site before buying.

Need to compare more?

Build a 3-way comparison with the full feature breakdown, or see alternatives to either app.

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Need help implementing n8n vs Zapier?

Choosing the tool is the easy part. We help UK service businesses map the workflow, connect systems, set approval gates, and roll out without a stalled pilot. Independent advice — we are not the vendor.

  • ·Shortlist and fit for your process
  • ·Integration and data handoff plan
  • ·Human approval where it matters
  • ·Clear next step after the call