If you’re comparing n8n vs Zapier, you’re usually trying to answer one question: do I want a managed automation product, or do I want something I can fully control?
Zapier is the default choice for “connect two SaaS tools quickly”. n8n is the default choice when you want more control, custom logic, or the option to self-host.
This guide gives you a practical way to choose, then shows a straightforward path to running n8n on your own server (including on Zo Computer).
The quick decision
Choose Zapier if you:
want the simplest “turn it on and forget it” experience
mostly connect mainstream SaaS apps
prefer guardrails over flexibility
Choose n8n if you:
need custom steps (scripts, branching logic, webhooks)
care about running automations close to your data (your DB, your internal tools)
want an exit hatch from per-task pricing by self-hosting
Pricing model: what you’re really paying for
People search “Zapier pricing” and “n8n pricing” because the pricing model changes how you design workflows.
Zapier pricing (conceptually)
Zapier is generally priced around:
how many automations you run
how many times they run (task-based usage)
which premium features/apps you need
This tends to feel great at the start, then gets expensive when you:
run lots of small automations
poll frequently
build multi-step zaps (each step can count as usage)
n8n pricing (conceptually)
n8n gives you two modes:
n8n Cloud: managed hosting with usage-based tiers
self-hosted n8n: you run it on your own server, so your limiting factor is primarily your server capacity and your own operational discipline
If you expect high-volume automations, self-hosting can be a structural cost advantage.
Feature comparison that matters in practice
1) Complexity and control
Zapier is optimised for simple, linear workflows.
n8n handles “real software” patterns more naturally: branching, retries, webhooks, custom code, data transforms.
If your automation feels like it’s turning into an app, you’re already in n8n territory.
2) Running close to your infrastructure
If your workflow needs to touch:
a database on a private network
internal services
files on disk
a local development environment
…then self-hosted n8n is usually the cleanest approach.
3) Reliability and debugging
Zapier is managed: fewer knobs, fewer surprises.
n8n gives more visibility and control, but you also inherit responsibility (monitoring, upgrades, backups).
When self-hosting n8n is worth it
Self-hosting is usually worth it if one of these is true:
your workflows are “always on” (high frequency triggers)
you want predictable costs (server bill instead of usage bill)
you need access to internal services (DBs, private APIs, on-prem tools)
you want portability (avoid lock-in)
If you run just a few low-frequency automations, n8n Cloud or Zapier is often simpler.
A simple way to self-host n8n on Zo Computer
Zo Computer is a personal Linux server you control (files + terminal + hosting) with an AI that can help you set up and maintain services.
If you want a battle-tested walkthrough, use these Zo tutorials:
https://www.zo.computer/tutorials/how-to-self-host-n8n-with-docker-compose
https://www.zo.computer/tutorials/how-to-self-host-n8n
A pragmatic path:
Use the Docker Compose tutorial to get a reproducible install.
Make sure your n8n data is on persistent storage.
Decide how you’ll secure access (at minimum: strong credentials; ideally: restrict access + put it behind a stable hostname).
Add monitoring and backups once the workflow becomes business-critical.
Migration notes (Zapier → n8n)
If you’re switching because of cost or limitations, migrate in this order:
Identify the top 1–3 zaps by task volume (these are where pricing pressure shows up)
Rebuild them in n8n with the same inputs/outputs
Run both in parallel for a week
Switch off the Zapier version once you’re confident
Summary
Choose Zapier for speed and simplicity.
Choose n8n for control and complex workflows.
If usage-based pricing is your pain point, self-hosted n8n is usually the long-term answer.
If you want a low-friction way to run n8n without building a full DevOps stack, start with Zo’s n8n tutorials linked above.