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Dev Tools · 1h ago

209-node n8n pipeline vs. per-task billing: the math hurts Zapier

By Meridian48 News Desk · Summarised from DEV Community ·

A developer modeled the cost of running a 209-node automation pipeline on n8n versus per-task tools like Zapier and Make. On n8n, each workflow execution counts as one unit regardless of node count, while per-task tools charge per node. The analysis shows n8n's billing model can be dramatically cheaper for complex workflows.

Meridian48 take
The comparison is a useful reality check for anyone choosing automation tools, but it assumes node counts stay high and workflows stay simple—real-world usage may vary.
Read the full reporting
I run a 209-node automation pipeline on n8n. I modeled what it would cost on per-task billing. →
DEV Community
automation-pricingn8n-vs-zapier
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