n8n Alternatives: Zapier vs Make vs n8n Compared (2026)

Looking for n8n alternatives? The three major workflow automation platforms—n8n, Zapier, and Make—each have distinct strengths. According to Zapier's own comparison, n8n offers the most flexibility, Zapier has the most integrations, and Make provides the best visual workflow builder.

Key Takeaways

• Zapier: Best for non-technical users needing quick setup with 8,000+ integrations
• Make: Best balance of power and usability with visual scenario builder
• n8n: Best for technical teams wanting self-hosting and fair-code flexibility
• Pricing differs significantly: n8n charges per execution, while Zapier/Make charge per operation

Quick Comparison: n8n vs Zapier vs Make

Feature	n8n	Zapier	Make
Self-hosting	Yes	No	No
Open source	Yes (fair-code)	No	No
Integrations	400+	8,000+	2,500+
Pricing model	Per execution	Per task	Per operation
Free tier	Unlimited (self-host)	100 tasks/month	1,000 ops/month
Starting price	$24/month	$29.99/month	$10.59/month
Learning curve	Moderate	Easy	Moderate
AI features	Native nodes	Limited	Limited
Best for	Technical teams	Non-technical users	Visual builders

n8n vs Zapier: Detailed Comparison

According to Zapier's official comparison, here's how they stack up:

Ease of Use

Zapier wins for simplicity. Launched in 2011, it was designed to enable users without technical skills to create automations in minutes. The interface is straightforward: trigger → action → done.

n8n has a steeper learning curve. According to HatchWorks, the platform is "built around a node-based architecture similar to development tools like Node-RED."

Winner: Zapier for beginners, n8n for power users

Integrations

Zapier dominates with 8,000+ integrations. If an app exists, Zapier probably connects to it.

n8n offers 400+ native nodes. However, according to Contabo's comparison, "any service with an API can be integrated using HTTP Request or Webhook nodes."

Winner: Zapier for breadth, n8n for flexibility

Pricing

This is where n8n shines. According to Parseur:

Zapier's model: Charges per "task"—any successful action counts. A 20-step Zap uses 20 tasks per run. This punishes complexity.

n8n's model: Charges per workflow execution, regardless of complexity. A 20-node workflow costs the same as a 2-node workflow.

Example cost comparison for 10,000 monthly operations:

• Zapier: ~$250-500/month
• n8n Cloud: $50/month
• n8n Self-hosted: $0 (hosting costs only)

Winner: n8n for cost-effectiveness

Self-Hosting & Control

n8n is the only option that can be self-hosted. According to n8n's documentation, benefits include:

• Full data control—nothing leaves your servers
• No execution limits
• Custom domain and branding
• Compliance with data residency requirements

Zapier is cloud-only with no self-hosting option.

Winner: n8n (Zapier doesn't compete here)

n8n vs Make: Detailed Comparison

Visual Workflow Builder

Make (formerly Integromat) excels at visual workflow design. According to Intuz, it "brilliantly balances accessibility and technical capability" with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface.

n8n also uses a visual builder but with a more technical, node-based approach.

Winner: Make for visual design, n8n for technical control

Pricing

Both use operation/execution-based models, but definitions differ:

Make: Charges per operation (each action = 1 operation) n8n: Charges per execution (entire workflow = 1 execution)

For complex workflows, n8n is significantly cheaper.

Winner: n8n for complex workflows, Make for simple ones

Integrations

Make: 2,500+ integrations n8n: 400+ native nodes + unlimited via HTTP/webhooks

Winner: Make for out-of-box integrations

Other n8n Alternatives Worth Considering

Activepieces

According to Voiceflow's analysis, Activepieces is an emerging open-source alternative with:

• MIT license (more permissive than n8n's fair-code)
• Modern UI
• Growing integration library
• Self-hosting support

Best for: Teams wanting fully open-source with modern design

Latenode

A newer platform focusing on:

• Visual programming approach
• AI-assisted workflow building
• Developer-friendly features

Best for: Developers wanting visual + code hybrid

Pipedream

Developer-focused platform offering:

• Free tier with 10,000 invocations/day
• Built-in code execution (Node.js, Python)
• Event-driven architecture

Best for: Developers building event-driven automations

Power Automate

Microsoft's automation tool with:

• Deep Microsoft 365 integration
• Enterprise security features
• RPA capabilities

Best for: Microsoft-heavy organizations

Node-RED

An open-source, flow-based development tool originally from IBM:

• Completely free and open source (Apache 2.0 license)
• Built on Node.js with a browser-based editor
• Strong IoT and hardware integration
• Large community with 4,000+ contributed nodes

Best for: IoT projects, hardware integration, technical developers

Gumloop

An AI-first automation platform:

• Purpose-built for AI agent workflows
• Visual builder optimized for LLM integrations
• Pre-built AI templates for common tasks
• Cloud-hosted with no self-hosting option

Best for: Teams building AI-powered automations and agents

Security & Compliance Comparison

For enterprise teams, security certifications matter:

Platform	SOC 2	GDPR	Self-Hosted	Data Residency	SSO
n8n	✅ (Enterprise)	✅	✅	✅ (self-host)	✅ (Enterprise)
Zapier	✅	✅	❌	US only	✅ (Enterprise)
Make	✅	✅	❌	EU/US	✅ (Enterprise)
Activepieces	❌	✅	✅	✅ (self-host)	✅
Power Automate	✅	✅	❌	Multiple regions	✅
Pipedream	✅	✅	❌	US	✅

Key consideration: If data privacy regulations require you to keep data within specific geographic boundaries, self-hosted options (n8n, Activepieces) provide the most control.

Choosing the Right n8n Alternative

Choose n8n If You Need:

• Self-hosting capability
• Maximum cost efficiency
• Code customization (JavaScript/Python)
• AI workflow building
• Enterprise security with data control

Choose Zapier If You Need:

• Fastest setup time
• Maximum integrations (8,000+)
• Non-technical team usage
• Minimal learning curve
• Premium support

Choose Make If You Need:

• Visual workflow design
• European data hosting (GDPR)
• Balance of power and usability
• Mid-range pricing
• Complex branching logic

LinkedIn Automation: A Special Consideration

For LinkedIn-specific workflows, the automation platform matters less than the LinkedIn tool you connect.

ConnectSafely integrates with:

• n8n: Via community nodes
• Zapier: Via Zapier integration
• Make: Via HTTP/webhook connections

What makes the difference is platform-compliant automation that keeps your LinkedIn account safe. Whether you use n8n, Zapier, or Make, ConnectSafely ensures your LinkedIn engagement stays within guidelines.

Example: LinkedIn Lead Gen Across Platforms

Using n8n + ConnectSafely:

HubSpot Trigger → Filter → ConnectSafely (Send Connection) → Wait → ConnectSafely (Send Message) → HubSpot Update

Using Zapier + ConnectSafely:

HubSpot Trigger → ConnectSafely (Send Connection) → Delay → ConnectSafely (Send Message) → HubSpot Update

Both achieve the same result—your platform choice depends on pricing expectations and technical comfort.

Migration Considerations

Moving from Zapier to n8n

According to n8n's migration guide:

1. Export Zapier workflows as documentation
2. Rebuild in n8n using equivalent nodes
3. Test thoroughly before switching
4. Run parallel for a transition period

Challenges: No direct import—workflows must be rebuilt manually.

Moving from n8n to Zapier

Generally not recommended due to:

• Loss of self-hosting
• Increased costs for complex workflows
• Feature limitations

Most migrations go the other direction (Zapier → n8n).

Pricing Deep Dive: Real-World Scenarios

Scenario 1: Small Team (1,000 automations/month)

Platform	Monthly Cost
n8n Self-hosted	$0 (+ hosting ~$5-20)
n8n Cloud Starter	$24
Make Free	$0
Zapier Free	Not enough (limit: 100)
Zapier Starter	$29.99

Best value: n8n self-hosted or Make free tier

Scenario 2: Growing Agency (10,000 automations/month)

Platform	Monthly Cost
n8n Cloud Pro	$50
Make Pro	~$50-100
Zapier Professional	~$250+

Best value: n8n Cloud Pro

Scenario 3: Enterprise (100,000+ automations/month)

Platform	Monthly Cost
n8n Self-hosted	Hosting costs only
n8n Enterprise	Custom pricing
Make Enterprise	Custom pricing
Zapier Enterprise	$1,500+/month

Best value: n8n self-hosted (if you have DevOps)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best alternative to n8n?

The best n8n alternative depends on your needs. Zapier is best for non-technical users needing 8,000+ integrations. Make is best for visual workflow builders. For self-hosting, Activepieces offers a fully open-source alternative. See our full comparison guide.

Is Zapier better than n8n?

Zapier is better for beginners and teams needing maximum integrations with minimal setup. n8n is better for technical teams, complex workflows, and cost-conscious scaling. According to Zapier's own comparison, n8n offers more flexibility while Zapier prioritizes ease of use.

Why choose n8n over Zapier?

Choose n8n over Zapier for: 1) Self-hosting and data control, 2) Lower costs at scale (per execution vs per task), 3) Code customization with JavaScript/Python, 4) Native AI workflow capabilities. According to Contabo, n8n is ideal for "technically proficient teams."

Is n8n completely free?

The self-hosted Community Edition is completely free with unlimited executions. You only pay for hosting infrastructure (~$5-50/month depending on scale). Cloud plans start at $24/month. See n8n's pricing page for current plans.

Can n8n replace Zapier for LinkedIn automation?

Yes. With ConnectSafely's n8n integration, you get all LinkedIn automation capabilities available in Zapier, often at lower cost. Our nodes support connection requests, messaging, profile engagement, and CRM syncing—all with platform-compliant safety.

What is the easiest workflow automation tool?

Zapier is the easiest for complete beginners with its straightforward trigger-action model and 8,000+ one-click integrations. Make is slightly more complex but still accessible. n8n requires more technical knowledge but offers the most flexibility once learned.

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Whichever platform you choose, ConnectSafely provides safe LinkedIn automation. Explore our n8n integration or connect via Zapier and Make.