Zapier vs Make vs n8n: How Their Pricing Models Differ
Zapier, Make and n8n charge for different things: tasks, credits or whole workflow runs. Learn how each model works and which suits a small business.
Zapier, Make and n8n do broadly the same job: connect your apps and run workflows automatically. What differs, and what changes your bill, is what each one counts. This article compares those models using each vendor's pricing page as checked on 20 September 2026. It doesn't quote prices, because they change often, and it isn't based on hands-on testing of the products.
This article is part of our guide to AI and automation for small business.
What each one counts
| Zapier | Make | n8n | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit | Task | Credit | Workflow execution |
| What uses it | Each successful action step; triggers, data polling and built-in tools like Formatter don't consume tasks; some actions cost more than one task | Most module actions use 1 credit; some advanced features may use more | One complete run of a workflow, however many steps it has |
| Free option | Free plan with 100 tasks a month and two-step Zaps (one trigger, one action) | Free plan with up to 1,000 credits a month | Community Edition: free and self-hosted |
| Paid plans | Plan level sets the features, a separate task tier sets usage | Tiered plans by features, with credit allowances | Cloud plans with an execution allowance, all with unlimited workflows and users |
On limits: Zapier's page says you can enable pay-per-task billing so automations keep running beyond your allowance, or let them pause until the next billing cycle. Check what each of the others does before you rely on a plan.
Why the model matters
Take an illustrative workflow with five steps that runs 1,000 times a month. These are round numbers to show the effect, not a quote:
- On a per-step model, the usage grows with the number of steps that run. Zapier counts successful action steps, and Make counts most module actions as one credit each.
- On n8n's per-execution model, it's 1,000 executions, however many steps the workflow contains.
So a workflow with many steps is where the difference shows up. A workflow with one or two steps behaves similarly under all three. The exact numbers depend on which steps count on each platform, so read the vendor's definition for your case.
Other differences to weigh
- Hosting. Zapier and Make run in the vendor's cloud. n8n offers Cloud, or you can self-host. n8n's docs say Cloud means n8n handles hosting, updates and scaling, and that self-hosting is your responsibility. See n8n Cloud vs self-hosting.
- Team size. Zapier's pricing page lists a Team plan for collaboration. n8n's Cloud plans include unlimited users. Check whether you'll pay per seat.
- Growth. A free plan is a good place to test, but check what happens to your workflows when you hit its limits.
How to choose
- Write down your first three workflows and count their steps and how often each runs.
- Check each vendor's unit against that list.
- Build the simplest workflow in two of them on the free options and see which you find clearer.
- Work out the payback with our automation ROI calculator before you commit to a paid plan.
If you're new to the idea, start with what is workflow automation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheapest?
It depends on the shape of your workflows. A per-step model costs more as a workflow gains steps, while a per-run model doesn't. Prices and limits change often, so check each vendor's page and work out your own numbers.
Which is easiest to start with?
We haven't tested the three side by side, so we can't rank them on ease of use. All three offer a free way to try, so build the same small workflow in each and see which one you understand fastest.
Can I move from one to another later?
Expect to rebuild them. We haven't tested importing workflows between these tools, so don't assume it works. That is a reason to start with a small workflow and keep notes on what it does.
Sources
- Zapier — Pricing — checked Sep 20, 2026
- Make — Pricing — checked Sep 20, 2026
- n8n — Pricing — checked Sep 20, 2026
- n8n Docs — Choose how to use n8n — checked Sep 20, 2026
Related reading
- ArticleAI & Automation
What Is Workflow Automation? A Plain-English Guide
What workflow automation is, how triggers and actions work, real small business examples, and the terms Zapier, Make and n8n use for the same ideas.
· 2 min read
- ArticleAI & Automation
n8n Cloud vs Self-Hosting: Which Is Right for a Small Business?
n8n can run as a managed cloud service or on your own server. Compare the options, what the free Community Edition includes, and who looks after the upkeep.
· 2 min read
Related free tools
- ToolAI & Automation
Automation ROI Calculator: Is a Workflow Worth Building?
Free automation ROI calculator. Enter how often a task happens and how long it takes to see hours saved, payback time and the break-even volume.
Use the free tool →
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