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Tool Comparison

n8n vs Zapier

Privacy & Ethics Comparison

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n8n

Agentic Workflows

Self-hostable open-source workflow automation with 400+ integrations and AI nodes.

Open SourceFreemiumPaid

From $20 / mo

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Zapier

Agentic Workflows

No-code automation that connects thousands of apps and runs AI-powered multi-step workflows.

FreemiumPaidEnterprise

From $20 / mo

NGO discountVisit Website

4-P Sovereignty Matrix

n8nDimensionZapier
High
Privacy
Low
High
Parity
Medium
High
Purpose
High
High
Provenance
Low
HighMediumLow = higher score

Lumen Trust Notes

n8n

n8n's self-hosted option means organisations can run the entire platform on their own infrastructure with zero data leaving their environment, earning a rare High privacy score. Its fair-code open-source model, transparent codebase, and free self-hosted tier make it the most sovereignty-respecting automation platform in this directory. Strongly recommended for data-sensitive organisations, regulated industries, and any team that needs full control over automation data flows.

Zapier

Zapier is cloud-hosted; workflow data flows through Zapier's infrastructure with no self-hosted option on standard plans, so Privacy is Low. A free tier and nonprofit pricing support Medium parity, while the product's clear automation mission earns High purpose. Underlying AI and app integrations are closed/third-party, keeping Provenance Low. Ideal for connecting SaaS tools quickly; review which fields pass through Zaps when handling personal or regulated data.

Pricing

n8n

Open SourceFreemiumPaid

From $20 / month

Zapier

FreemiumPaidEnterprise

From $20 / month

Non-profit discount available

Disclaimer

Scores are based on publicly available information and Lumen's auditing criteria at the time of assessment. They may not reflect recent changes.

This comparison is not a legal or security audit. Read our full disclaimer.