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

Описание и применение

Автор перешёл с Zapier на самоустанавливаемый n8n, сократив годовые расходы с 15 000 ₹ до 3 000 ₹ за неделю. Получены неограниченные потоки, шаги и код, а также контроль над данными в Индии.

Задача

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

Результат

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.

Рабочий процесс

• 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

Доказательства

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.

Источник

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

Источник

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.

Источник