Research Question
The user sought explanations of billing differences (tasks vs. operations vs. executions) between Zapier, Make, and n8n for a 5-step workflow (Typeform trigger, filter, lookup, branch, Slack notify, HubSpot create) processing 10,000 submissions monthly across four similar Zaps, plus the cheapest option including self-hosting n8n and migration effort from Zapier.
Key Findings
- Zapier bills on tasks (4-5 per workflow; trigger free): 50k tasks/mo = $434/mo (Professional tier); current 9,500 tasks caused $150 bill jump from $30.
- Make bills on operations (5 per workflow): 50k ops/mo = $97/mo (Core tier, 80k included); scales to $161/mo (Pro, 80k ops).
- n8n bills on executions (1 per full workflow): Cloud Pro $60/mo (10k included); self-hosted Community $0 software + $20/mo DigitalOcean droplet + 1-3 hrs/mo maintenance ($70-300 at $70-100/hr).
- All platforms support native Typeform, HubSpot (Make: 12 triggers/86 actions; Zapier: 27/44), Slack integrations; 1:1 mappings for filters (Filter module), paths/branching (Router/Paths), HTTP lookups.
- Migration from Zapier to Make low-effort: ~1 hr per Zap (beginner difficulty, 0.25 hr setup); visual drag-drop similar, superior data mapping in Make.
- Consolidation to 3 steps (router for filter/branch + HubSpot/Slack) reduces Make/Zapier to ~30k units/mo (Make Core $51/mo).
- Four workflows (40k total execs): Make Core still $97/mo vs. Zapier $434/mo.
- Prices verified Apr 20, 2026: Zapier pricing, Make pricing, n8n pricing.
Recommendation
Migrate to self-hosted n8n (Community tier on $20/mo DigitalOcean) for lowest cost ($90-320/mo total including 1-3 hrs maintenance) if DevOps capacity exists; breaks even vs. Make Pro at ≤2 hrs/mo maintenance. Otherwise, use Make Core ($97/mo) for no-maintenance migration from Zapier, saving 78% with 1:1 rebuilds and unlimited scenarios. Test one workflow in free tiers first; consolidate steps to router for further savings.
Details
Billing per 5-Step Workflow (10k Executions/Mo)
| Step | n8n (Exec) | Make (Op) | Zapier (Task) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typeform trigger | Included in 1 | 1 | 0 (free) |
| Filter | Included | 1 | 1 |
| Lookup | Included | 1 | 1 |
| Branch | Included | 1 | 1 |
| Slack notify | Included | 1 | 1 |
| HubSpot create | Included | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 1 | 5 | 4-5 |
Self-Hosted n8n vs. Make Pro Cost Breakdown (10k Executions/Mo)
| Option | Software | Infra | Est. Maint (hrs/mo @ $70-100/hr) | Total Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| n8n self-hosted | $0 | $20 | 1-3 ($70-300) | $90-320 |
| Make Pro | $161 | $0 | 0 | $161 |
Zapier-to-Make Feature Mappings
| Zapier Element | Make Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Filter | Filter module | 1:1 |
| Paths | Router module | 1:1+ (multi-branching) |
| HTTP/Webhooks | HTTP module | 1:1 (methods/headers/auth) |
| Triggers/Actions | Native modules | All supported, no premiums |
Assumptions: 1 data bundle per submission, cloud unless specified, 1 user/team, beginner difficulty (0.25-0.5 hr setup per workflow). Annual manual cost: $8,000.