n8n vs Zapier: Why I Switched and Saved ₹12K/Year

Description and use

The author migrated from Zapier to self‑hosted n8n in a weekend, cutting annual costs from ₹15K to ₹3K. Benefits include unlimited workflows, steps, custom code, self‑hosting, and data privacy.

Problem

High recurring cost and task limits on Zapier for complex automations.

Outcome

Switched from Zapier to n8n in a weekend, reducing annual cost from ₹15K to ₹3K, gaining unlimited tasks, custom code, self‑hosting, and better data privacy.

Workflow

• Inventory all active zaps
• Export zap list and categorize by complexity
• Set up n8n via Docker on VPS with SSL
• Migrate simple zaps first, then medium, then complex
• Redesign complex zaps using loops, custom code, unlimited branching
• Run n8n and Zapier in parallel for 2 weeks
• Verify outputs, resolve discrepancies
• Cancel Zapier subscription
• Set up error notifications and webhook updates

Evidence

I switched from Zapier (₹15K/year) to self‑hosted n8n (₹3K/year) and got unlimited workflows, unlimited steps, and full custom code support. The migration took a weekend.

Source

The ₹12,000 annual savings is significant, but the real value is in the unlimited tasks.

Source

I ran both Zapier and n8n side‑by‑side for two weeks. Same triggers, same outputs. This caught edge cases and gave me confidence that n8n handled everything correctly.

Source