n8n vs Zapier: self-hosting, licensing and cost per run
Checked against vendor pages on 2 November 2026. Not based on hands-on testing.
The short answer
Choose n8n if you have someone who can run a server, or if your workflows have many steps, because its cloud plans charge per workflow run rather than per step. Choose Zapier if you want a hosted product with nothing to maintain.
Side by side
| Detail | n8n | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Your own server, or n8n Cloud | Hosted by Zapier |
| How usage is counted | One execution per run of the whole workflow, on Cloud | Each unit of work completed, so one run can use several tasks |
| Entry paid plan | Cloud Starter: €20 a month billed yearly, for 2,500 executions | Professional: $19.99 a month billed yearly, for 750 tasks |
| Free option | Self-hosted Community edition, and you pay for hosting | 100 tasks a month, with two-step Zaps only |
| Licence | Sustainable Use License, with limits on commercial use | Commercial hosted service |
| Missing from the free option | SSO, Git version control, environments and projects need paid plans | Multi-step Zaps need Professional or higher |
Which should you choose?
This is our judgment, based on the details above.
Choose n8n if
- Your workflows have many steps per run
- You want to run workflows on servers you control
- Someone on your team can maintain, update and secure a server
Choose Zapier if
- Nobody on your team wants to look after a server
- Your workflows are short and low volume
- You'd rather not handle hosting and updates yourself
Common questions
Is n8n free?
The self-hosted Community edition doesn't need a paid licence, though you pay for your own hosting and upkeep. Features such as SSO and Git version control need a paid plan.
Is n8n open source?
n8n's licence is the Sustainable Use License. It allows use for your own internal business purposes, or non-commercial or personal use, and limits distributing the software to others. Read it before building n8n into something you sell.
Why can a run cost more on Zapier?
A Zapier workflow can use a task for each action, while an n8n Cloud execution counts the whole run. Zapier's built-in steps such as Filter don't count, so test with your own workflow.
Sources
Prices and plans change, so confirm them with the vendor before buying. Paying never affects these pages.