Automation · Cost comparison
n8n vs ZapierThe largest cost gap in automation.
Verdict
n8n is almost always cheaper for any workflow with more than 3 steps running more than 200 times per month. A 10-step workflow running 1,000 times costs ~$50–100/month on Zapier and ~€20/month on n8n Cloud. Zapier's only real advantage is its 8,000+ native integrations and ease of use for non-technical users.
Plan pricing — March 2026
Annual billing shown.
| n8n Cloud | Zapier | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Billing unit | Per execution | Per task (each step) | |
| Entry plan | €20.00/mo — 2500 exec | $19.99/mo — 750 tasks | 2 |
| Mid plan | €50.00/mo — 10000 exec | $69.00/mo — 2000 tasks | 2 |
| 10-step × 1,000 runs | 1,000 executions = €20.00/mo | 10,000 tasks = $19.99/mo–$69.00/mo | 1 |
| Self-hosting | Free community edition | Not available | 1 |
| Custom code | Yes — JS and Python | Enterprise only |
Real-world cost examples
The cost gap grows with workflow complexity.
Simple 3-step notification workflow
New form submission → lookup in CRM → send Slack notification. Runs 300 times/month.
Zapier
$19.99/mo
900 tasks — within Professional plan
n8n Cloud
€20.00/mo
300 executions — Starter plan
Complex 10-step business workflow
Lead capture → enrich → score → route → CRM update → email → Slack → log → tag → follow-up. Runs 1,000/month.
Zapier
$69–$125
10,000 tasks — Team plan or above
n8n Cloud
€20.00/mo
1,000 executions — Starter plan
When to choose each
n8n
Workflows with 4+ steps at volume
AI/LLM integration needed
Technical team
Cost is a priority
Data residency required
Zapier
Need a rare app integration
Simple 2–3 step workflows
Non-technical team
Volume is under 500 runs/month
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Prices updated daily · Last fetch: Mar 26, 2026
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