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

说明与用途

作者在一周内将 Zapier 迁移到自托管 n8n，年费用从 ₹15,000 降至 ₹3,000。获得无限工作流、步骤、完整代码支持、可自托管和数据隐私优势。

问题

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

结果

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.

工作流

• 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

证据

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.

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

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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.

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