Zapier has long been the default choice for no-code automation, but developers are starting to push back. Rising costs and limited workflow logic make it less attractive in 2025. That’s why many startups are turning to n8n Cloud, an open-source alternative that offers more flexibility and better value.
India Snapshot
| Tool | Starter Price (USD/mo) |
Approx INR |
Key Strength |
Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zapier | $19.99 (~₹1,700) |
~₹20,400/yr | Easy app integrations |
Non-technical founders |
| n8n Cloud | $20 (~₹1,700) |
~₹20,400/yr | Developer flexibility |
Startups, engineers, SaaS |
Try n8n Cloud for powerful, developer-friendly automation.
Why Developers Are Switching
- Pricing Transparency
- Zapier charges per “task” (every step). Costs escalate quickly.
- n8n offers far higher limits at the same or lower price.
- Open-Source Flexibility
- n8n can run self-hosted, giving startups full data control.
- Developers can customize JSON payloads, add logic, and handle complex APIs.
- Complex Workflows
- Zapier is linear (step 1 → 2 → 3).
- n8n supports branching, loops, conditions—ideal for SaaS or fintech.
- Data Privacy & Compliance
- n8n’s self-hosting helps Indian fintechs and health startups keep data in-region.
- Zapier’s servers remain U.S.-centric.
Pricing Breakdown (2025)
- Zapier
- Free → 100 tasks/month
- Starter → $19.99/mo (~₹1,700)
- Professional → $49/mo (~₹4,100)
- Team → $69/mo (~₹5,800)
- n8n Cloud
- Starter → $20/mo (~₹1,700)
- Professional → $50/mo (~₹4,200)
- Enterprise → Custom
- Self-hosting → Free (just infra costs)
Pros & Cons
Zapier
Easier for beginners
6,000+ app integrations
Expensive at scale
Limited workflow logic
n8n
Open-source + self-hosting
Advanced logic & API handling
Cheaper per task
Steeper learning curve
Smaller integration library
In 2025, developers are moving from Zapier to n8n Cloud because it offers flexibility, scale, and cost efficiency. Zapier remains great for plug-and-play users, but for startups with developers onboard, n8n Cloud is the smarter long-term choice.
Start with n8n Cloud and build automation your way.
