n8n vs Zapier: free plans compared
Both are in AI Agents & Automation. Here is what each gives you for free, from the vendors’ pricing pages, with the date we last verified each offer (latest ).
- n8n
- n8n is a workflow automation platform for building AI agents and multi-step workflows visually, with code when needed. It can be self-hosted or run on n8n Cloud.
- How to get n8n free
- Zapier
- Zapier connects thousands of apps to automate workflows with Zaps, Tables, Forms, agents and MCP. All usage, including AI steps, is measured in tasks.
- How to get Zapier free
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan |
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| How long it's free | Free forever | Free forever |
| Cheapest paid plan | $20/mo, billed annuallyStarter | $19.99/moProfessional |
| Best for | Automate workflows, Build AI agents, Host & deploy appsTechnical teams, IT and ops, Developers | Automate workflows, Build AI agentsSmall businesses, Ops teams, Marketers |
| Limitations |
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| How to get it free | Self-host
| Free account · email or Google
|
| Free offer verified |
n8n vs Zapier: common questions
- Is n8n or Zapier free?
- Both have a free option. n8n has a free plan: Free self-hosted Community Edition; cloud plans from $20/mo with a free trial (checked 2026-10-18). Zapier has a free plan: 100 tasks/month, unlimited two-step Zaps (checked 2026-10-18).
- Which free plan includes more?
- It depends on what you need; here is what each free plan includes. n8n: Free self-hosted Community Edition; cloud plans from $20/mo with a free trial (source: n8n.io, checked 2026-10-18). Zapier: 100 tasks per month; Unlimited Zaps, Tables and Forms; Two-step Zaps only (source: zapier.com, checked 2026-10-18).
- How do I get each for free?
- n8n: Install n8n with Docker or the one-line setup; Run it on your own server as the free Community edition (checked 2026-10-18). Zapier: Sign up with Google or email; Use the 14-day premium trial, then stay on Free; Build two-step Zaps (100 tasks a month) (checked 2026-10-18).
