Zapier Agents vs n8n
In short, they tie on ops and back office; n8n leads on no-code agent building (8.5 to 8.0). Here's who should pick which.
Published · Updated . Facts checked November 12, 2026. Some links on this page are affiliate links; see our disclosure.
Which is better, Zapier Agents or n8n?
It depends on your size and the job. By size, Zapier Agents fits small businesses, mid-size companies and enterprises better. By job, n8n leads on no-code agent building. Choose Zapier Agents if you already automate with Zapier and want agents that can reach nearly any app you use. Choose n8n if you have someone technical and want to build and own your agents and automations, possibly on your own servers.
Choose Zapier Agents if you already automate with Zapier and want agents that can reach nearly any app you use.
Visit Zapier AgentsFit by business size
| Measure | Zapier Agents | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Small business (1 to 50 people) | 7.6 | Not built for it |
| Mid-size company (50 to 1,000 people) | 7.9 | 7.6 |
| Enterprise (1,000+ people) | 7.9 | 7.8 |
Scores by job
| Measure | Zapier Agents | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Ops and back office | 8.3 | 8.3 |
| No-code agent building | 8.0 | 8.5 |
Base scores
| Measure | Zapier Agents | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Does the work | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| Reach | 9.5 | 8.5 |
| Setup | 8.0 | 4.0 |
| Control | 7.0 | 8.5 |
| Value | 7.0 | 8.5 |
| Trust | 7.5 | 8.0 |
| Enterprise readiness | 8.5 | 8.0 |
Which jobs each takes on
| Job | Zapier Agents | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Answers customers | ||
| Finds and follows up with leads | ||
| Writes and posts marketing | ||
| Handles email and calendar | ||
| Takes and makes phone calls | ||
| Back office: reports, docs, data | ||
| Runs on a schedule or trigger | ||
| Asks before risky actions | ||
| Connects to hundreds of apps | ||
| API or MCP access |
Price and fine print
Prices and terms as of November 2026, from each company's own site.
| Detail | Zapier Agents | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Agent builder | Agent builder |
| Starting price | From $19.99/mo | From $20/mo in euros, billed annually |
| Free plan | Yes: 100 tasks and 400 agent activities a month | A self-hosted community version is available on GitHub |
| Extra charges | Agent activities are billed separately from Zap tasks | Prices are listed in euros |
| Refunds | Not stated | Not stated |
| Best for | Businesses already on Zapier that want AI steps across their apps. | Technical teams that want full control over their agents, including self-hosting. |
Zapier Agents
- The largest app catalog of any tool here
- Free tier includes agent activities
- Familiar if you already use Zapier
- Agents ask before continuing past their per-run limit
- You still design the jobs yourself
- Two meters: tasks and agent activities
- No phone handling
- Monthly billing costs about 50% more than annual
n8n
- Human approval for agent tool calls
- Self-hosting option
- Priced per execution, not per step
- Unlimited users and workflows
- Needs technical skills to set up
- You build and maintain everything
- No ready-made phone or support agent
- Hosted prices listed in euros
Zapier Agents vs n8n: questions
Is Zapier Agents better than n8n?
It depends on the job. In short, they tie on ops and back office; n8n leads on no-code agent building (8.5 to 8.0). Choose Zapier Agents if you already automate with Zapier and want agents that can reach nearly any app you use. Choose n8n if you have someone technical and want to build and own your agents and automations, possibly on your own servers.
Which is built for my company's size?
Zapier Agents is built for: small business, mid-size company, enterprise. n8n is built for: mid-size company, enterprise.
Which costs less, Zapier Agents or n8n?
Zapier Agents: from $19.99/mo, as of November 2026. n8n: from $20/mo in euros, billed annually, as of November 2026. Check extra charges too: Zapier Agents, agent activities are billed separately from Zap tasks; n8n, prices are listed in euros.