Why more Swiss SMEs choose n8n over Zapier or Make. Complete guide: Installation, first workflows, Swiss hosting and cost comparison.
What is n8n and Why Should Swiss SMEs Care?
n8n (pronounced "n-eight-n") is an open-source workflow automation platform that you can either self-host or use as a cloud service. For Swiss SMEs, n8n offers a decisive advantage: Full data control on Swiss servers.
While Zapier and Make route your data through US servers (Cloud Act risk), you can run n8n on Infomaniak, Exoscale, or any other Swiss provider. Your customer data never leaves Switzerland.
n8n vs. Zapier vs. Make: The Honest Comparison
| Criterion | n8n | Zapier | Make |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (10,000 Runs/Month) | CHF 0-50* | ~CHF 200 | ~CHF 60 |
| Swiss Hosting Possible | ✅ Yes (Self-Host) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Open-Source | ✅ Yes (Fair-Code) | ❌ No | ❌ No |
*Self-Hosting: only server costs (~CHF 20-50/month on Infomaniak)
When is n8n the Right Choice?
✅ n8n is ideal for:
- Privacy-sensitive industries (fiduciaries, doctors, lawyers, financial services)
- High workflow volume (>5,000 executions/month)
- Complex automations with loops, conditions, sub-workflows
- AI workflows with multiple LLM calls (ChatGPT, Claude, etc.)
Cost Calculation: n8n vs. Zapier at 20,000 Runs/Month
| Item | n8n (Self-Host) | Zapier Team |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | ~CHF 40 (Server) | ~CHF 400 |
| Annual Cost | ~CHF 480 | ~CHF 4,800 |
| Savings with n8n | CHF 4,320/Year (90%) | |
Conclusion: Is n8n Right for Your SME?
Yes, if:
- Data protection and Swiss hosting are important
- You expect more than 5,000 automations/month
- You want to build complex workflows with AI
- You have technical understanding or a partner
No, if:
- You only need simple workflows (Zapier is enough)
- You have no IT resources for self-hosting
- Speed matters more than cost savings
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