DOAn8n vs Zapier: which one to choose?
We compare n8n and Zapier on price, devices, difficulty and who each one suits, using the data on their DOA pages.
n8n
Automate tasks by connecting hundreds of apps and build AI agents in a visual workflow editor. Self-host it or use the cloud.
Zapier
The best-known automation platform: connects thousands of apps and adds AI steps and agents without writing code.
DOA verdict for getting work done
n8n wins
81.9 n8n · 78.1 Zapier / 100
Businesses automating processes with AI. Very powerful and flexible.
Why
- DOA score in getting work done · n8n: 92/100 vs 90/100
- Free version · n8n: 80/100 vs 62/100
- Ease of use · Zapier: Easy vs For people who already know the craft
- Devices · n8n: 4 vs 1
Pick Zapier if…
Small businesses without tech staff. Very easy to get started.
How we decide: this verdict uses a formula of its own for comparisons, different from the DOA score: DOA score in getting work done (60%), free version (20%), ease of use (10%) and devices (10%). Data from each tool page, reviewed on 13 October 2026. How we calculate the DOA score and the verdict
| n8n | Zapier | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Freemium Free self-hosted. Cloud: Starter €20, Pro €50 and Business €667 a month (billed yearly). | Freemium Free with 100 tasks a month. Professional from $19.99 and Team from $69 a month. |
| Devices | Browser · Windows · Mac · Linux | Browser |
| Level | For people who already know the craft | Easy |
| What it is for | Getting work done Coding | Getting work done Marketing |
| DOA score | 74/100 | 75/100 |
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On the overall DOA score, n8n gets 74/100 and Zapier 75/100. It is an indicative rating: try both on a real task before you pay.
n8n is a better fit for
- Businesses automating processes with AI
- Technical users wanting a Zapier alternative
Zapier is a better fit for
- Small businesses without tech staff
- Automating marketing, sales and alerts