KilnZapier is the catalog. n8n is the tool you run when the catalog’s task meter starts to look like rent. Self-hosting n8n is the closest thing in this portfolio to a healthy VPS use: your workflows, your machine, still not scraping LinkedIn.
Head-to-Head Comparison
n8n vs Zapier: which to pick
| Dimension | n8n | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | Builders who will debug JSON | Anyone who can fill a form |
| Hosting | Self-host or n8n Cloud | Zapier Cloud |
| Cost shape | Executions or your VPS bill | Tasks, premium apps |
| App coverage | Good, plus HTTP | Best-in-class consumer catalog |
| AI agents | Nodes you can inspect | Central/agents as a layer |
When to pick n8n
Pick n8n if you can host or you want code nodes and execution pricing.
When to pick Zapier
Pick Zapier if a non-developer must ship today and the app is in the Zapier directory.
Full Dedicated Reviews
Option Afreemium
n8n
by n8n
Developers who want Zapier-like workflows with less vendor lock and more code
Option Bfreemium
Zapier
by Zapier
Non-developers connecting popular SaaS tools this afternoon
Other Head-to-Head Comparisons
View all comparisons (8) →Questions people ask
Should I choose n8n or Zapier?
Pick n8n if you can host or you want code nodes and execution pricing. Pick Zapier if a non-developer must ship today and the app is in the Zapier directory.
Does Kiln rank a winner?
No single winner. The table is jobs, not IQ scores. Open both profiles if you still cannot pick from the two pick-lines.