and Zapier sit at opposite ends: Zapier is the easiest way to start and the priciest to scale; n8n is more work to set up and dramatically cheaper and more flexible at volume. For an agency running automations across many clients, that gap decides it. Here is the honest n8n vs Zapier comparison.
Answer a few and get a recommendation for your situation.
| n8n | Zapier | Make | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Flat or self-hosted | Per task, climbs fast | Per operation |
| Cost at scale | Lowest by far | Highest | Middle |
| Flexibility and code | Full control, any API, JS and Python | Rigid, prebuilt | Some |
| Self-host and own data | Yes | No | No |
| White-label for clients | Yes | No | Limited |
| Ease of starting | Steeper | Easiest | Moderate |
| Native connectors | 400+ plus any API | 7000+ | 1500+ |
Zapier is fine for a few simple internal zaps. But for an agency automating client work at volume, n8n wins decisively on cost, flexibility, and data ownership, and it can be self-hosted and white-labeled. Most agencies that outgrow Zapier move to n8n. AOC does exactly that migration and maintains the result.
Rough estimate. Real pricing depends on your plan and steps per run. n8n assumes self-hosting at a flat cost.
AOC builds and runs n8n automations for agencies, and migrates you off Zapier or Make. Describe it and get a scope back in seconds.
Scope a project →