n8n vs Zapier
Self-host swap-in for Zapier. · Self-host Zapier · n8n on os-alt
n8n is one of the open-source self-host replacements for Zapier — license Sustainable Use License, 10min docker-compose to stand up, and $5 vps for low-volume; $10-20 once you cron-trigger workflows on minute intervals. Compare against Zapier's $19.99/mo Starter (750 tasks); $49/mo Professional (2k tasks) below.
| n8nopen-source | Zapierpaid SaaS | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Workflow automation / iPaaS | Workflow automation / iPaaS |
| License / pricing | Sustainable Use License | $19.99/mo Starter (750 tasks); $49/mo Professional (2k tasks) |
| Starting price | $0 self-host | $19.99/user/mo |
| GitHub | n8n-io/n8n | closed source |
| Setup time | 10min docker-compose | SaaS — sign up + bill |
| Monthly cost | $5 VPS for low-volume; $10-20 once you cron-trigger workflows on minute intervals. | from $19.99/user/mo ($19.99/mo Starter (750 tasks); $49/mo Professional (2k tasks)) |
Switching from Zapier to n8n
Zapier doesn't export Zaps, so workflow migration is manual. n8n has 400+ integrations including Gmail, Slack, Notion, Airtable, OpenAI, HTTP. Map each Zap trigger → n8n Trigger node, each action → n8n Action node. Webhook-based Zaps port directly to n8n's Webhook node.
Full step-by-step migration guide →
- Good fit for
- Devs and ops who want code-extensible workflows (every node can call a Function step) and aren't blocked by the SUL.
- Weak at
- License is non-OSI; if your use case is commercial reselling, this won't qualify.
- License note
- Fair-code: source-available, free for internal business use including self-host. Reselling as a SaaS or competing with n8n's commercial offering is restricted.
Other open-source self-host alternatives to Zapier
In a terminal? npx os-alt zapier prints Zapier's self-host options —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Is n8n a free alternative to Zapier?
Yes — n8n is open source under Sustainable Use License. Self-host cost: $5 VPS for low-volume; $10-20 once you cron-trigger workflows on minute intervals.. Zapier starts at $19.99/user/mo ($19.99/mo Starter (750 tasks); $49/mo Professional (2k tasks)).
How long does n8n take to set up vs Zapier?
Self-hosting n8n: 10min docker-compose. Zapier is a hosted SaaS — sign up and you're in.
What is n8n good at, and what is it weak at?
Good fit for: Devs and ops who want code-extensible workflows (every node can call a Function step) and aren't blocked by the SUL.. Weak at: License is non-OSI; if your use case is commercial reselling, this won't qualify..