Zapier vs n8n

When Zapier wins

· Zero maintenance

· Non-technical team members

· Speed to value

When n8n wins

· Self-hosted = near-free at volume

· Custom code steps

· Data stays on your box

The three rounds that actually decide it

Price reality: ignore the sticker — count the tier you'll actually need in six months, plus transaction or per-seat fees. That's where these two usually separate.

Day-to-day friction: the better tool is the one your team opens without sighing. Feature lists don't run your business; habits do.

Room to grow: switching costs are the hidden price. Pick the one whose ceiling you won't hit — moving later costs more than choosing right now.

Or skip the DIY debate

I pick, set up, and wire the right one into your website as a fixed-scope job — so you're running it this week instead of researching it next month.

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