Cheapest Automation Per Task: Cost at 100, 1K, 5K, and 10K Tasks
Automation pricing is confusing because each tool counts differently. Zapier counts "tasks" (each step = 1 task in multi-step Zaps). Make counts "operations." n8n counts "executions." Here's the normalized cost-per-task comparison at every volume.
Critical: How Task Counting Differs
Zapier: A 5-step Zap that runs once = 5 tasks. 100 runs = 500 tasks.
Make: A 5-step scenario that runs once = 5 operations. Similar to Zapier.
n8n: A workflow that runs once = 1 execution, regardless of steps. Much more generous.
Pricing at Each Volume
| Volume | Zapier | Make | n8n Cloud | n8n Self-Hosted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100/mo | $0 (Free: 100 tasks) | $0 (Free: 1,000 ops) | $20/mo (Starter: 2,500 exec) | $0 + hosting |
| 1,000/mo | $29.99 (Pro: 750 tasks) | $0 (Free: 1,000 ops) | $20/mo (Starter: 2,500 exec) | $0 + hosting |
| 5,000/mo | $103.50 (Team: 2,000 tasks) | $10.59 (Core: 10,000 ops) | $50/mo (Pro: 10,000 exec) | $0 + hosting (~$10–20/mo) |
| 10,000/mo | $103.50+ (Team, may need more) | $10.59 (Core: 10,000 ops) | $50/mo (Pro: 10,000 exec) | $0 + hosting (~$10–20/mo) |
Cost Per Task Breakdown
| Tool | Plan | Monthly Cost | Included Volume | Cost per Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| n8n | Community (self-hosted) | $0 + hosting | Unlimited | $0.000 |
| Make | Core | $10.59/mo | 10,000 ops | $0.001 |
| n8n | Starter (cloud) | $20/mo | 2,500 exec | $0.008 |
| Zapier | Professional | $29.99/mo | 750 tasks | $0.040 |
| Zapier | Team | $103.50/mo | 2,000 tasks | $0.052 |
The Verdict
Make Core at $10.59/mo is the best value for cloud-hosted automation. At $0.001/operation, it's 40x cheaper than Zapier Professional per unit. n8n self-hosted is the cheapest if you have the technical skills to manage infrastructure. Zapier is the most expensive per task at every volume— you pay for simplicity and integration breadth.
The Multi-Step Trap
Zapier's biggest hidden cost: multi-step Zaps multiply your task consumption. A 5-step Zap that runs 100 times burns 500 tasks. On the Professional plan (750 tasks/mo), that single workflow uses 67% of your monthly allowance. Make has the same per-operation counting, but at $10.59/mo for 10,000 ops, you have 20x the headroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I self-host n8n to save money?
If you're technical and run 5,000+ automations/month, self-hosting n8n on a $10–$20/mo VPS gives you unlimited executions. The trade-off: you manage uptime, updates, and debugging yourself. For most non-technical teams, Make Core at $10.59/mo is the better value-for-effort choice.
Why is Zapier still so popular if it's the most expensive?
Integration breadth (7,000+ apps), ease of use, and templates. For low-volume users (under 100 tasks/mo), Zapier Free works fine. The cost problem only hits at scale. If you use fewer than 750 tasks/mo and value simplicity, Zapier Professional at $29.99/mo may still be your best option.
Can I switch from Zapier to Make mid-workflow?
Workflows don't transfer automatically. You'll rebuild each Zap as a Make scenario. Make has 1,800+ integrations vs Zapier's 7,000+, so verify your specific apps are supported before switching. The rebuild typically takes 1–2 hours per complex workflow.
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