# Compare Zapier, n8n and Activepieces

> Compare hosting and licence terms before choosing where your automation credentials and workflows will live.

Source: https://fullbytedeveloper.com/blog/choose-self-hosted-workflow-automation
Keyword: SELFFLOW
Published: 2026-11-05

Zapier provides hosted automation plans. n8n and Activepieces also document self-hosting, where you operate the server and store the connected-app credentials. Compare that responsibility before comparing plan prices. [1][4][5]

## Read the licence for your use

n8n's Sustainable Use License limits use to your own internal business purposes, non-commercial use or personal use, with separate terms for enterprise code. Read the full licence before building a service for clients. [2]

Activepieces' licence applies MIT terms outside its listed enterprise directories. Those directories have separate terms. Check the specific features you intend to deploy. [3]

## Choose an n8n deployment path

The current n8n Docker Compose guide includes configuration for its assistant sandbox. Follow its service and networking instructions together; a single start command is not the full deployment. [4]

Before starting, verify your Compose installation with its documented check. [4]

```bash
docker compose version
```

You should see Docker Compose v2. [4]

## Inspect Activepieces setup

Activepieces requires Docker Compose v2 and documents at least 2 vCPU and 4 GB RAM. Its guide provides this command to print the installer for review. [5]

```bash
curl -fsSL https://get.activepieces.com
```

After reviewing the script, follow the linked installation guide in a dedicated directory. It generates secrets and starts the services. [5]

Check the current pricing pages and the connections your workflow needs before migrating it. Keep an export of the working workflow and a backup of its self-hosted data.

## Sources

1. [Zapier pricing](https://zapier.com/pricing)
2. [n8n licence](https://github.com/n8n-io/n8n/blob/master/LICENSE.md)
3. [Activepieces licence](https://github.com/activepieces/activepieces/blob/main/LICENSE)
4. [n8n Docker Compose guide](https://docs.n8n.io/deploy/host-n8n/install-options/install-using-docker-compose)
5. [Activepieces Docker Compose guide](https://www.activepieces.com/docs/install/options/docker-compose)

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