n8n Execution Pricing Explained
A 10-step workflow costs $0 in n8n (1 execution). The same workflow costs Zapier users 10 times more (10 tasks). Learn why n8n's model is fundamentally fairer, and how Opsily simplifies hosting.
What is an execution?
In n8n, one execution equals one complete workflow run. If your workflow has 3 steps, 10 steps, or 100 steps, it counts as 1 execution. You're charged once per run.
This is wildly different from how Zapier charges. Zapier counts every single step. A 3-step workflow = 3 tasks. A 10-step workflow = 10 tasks. This exponential cost model punishes complex workflows.
The math: execution vs task pricing
Let's say you run an automation 1,000 times per month:
- n8n execution model: 1,000 runs = 1,000 executions = one invoice
- Zapier task model: 1,000 runs x 10 steps = 10,000 tasks = exponentially higher bill
For teams with multi-step workflows, n8n costs 50-80% less than Zapier at the same scale.
When does n8n charge you?
Every time your workflow runs--whether triggered manually, by webhook, or on a schedule--that's 1 execution, period. Failed executions also count (though failed runs on free plans don't cost anything). Each execution is atomic: start to finish is one line item.
n8n vs Zapier vs Make: Pricing models compared
How workflow complexity drives costs across the three platforms.
Costs based on Zapier (USD), n8n cloud pricing (pay-as-you-go). Make offers operation-based pricing (similar cost structure to Zapier).
How n8n's execution pricing works
Three core principles that make n8n cost-transparent and predictable.
Choose Your App
Select an app to get started.
Design your workflow
Connect n8n to 400+ apps: Slack, Airtable, Salesforce, webhooks, APIs, whatever. No step counts.
Every workflow run = 1 execution
Whether your workflow has 5 steps or 50, it costs the same. Complexity doesn't multiply your bill.
Pay only for runs that happen
Manual triggers, scheduled runs, webhooks: every trigger counts as 1 execution. You're never charged for idle workflows.
Scale without cost shock
Add more steps or more apps without worrying about exponential costs. Scaling stays linear and predictable.
Cost difference on a typical 10-step workflow
Running 1,000 times per month. n8n: ~$20. Zapier: ~$200. (Actual costs vary by plan and tier.)
Why Opsily's n8n Execution Pricing Works
n8n is powerful. Managing it yourself isn't.
Zero infrastructure burden
We handle server management, backups, SSL, and scaling. You focus on workflow design. Deploy n8n in 3 minutes on EU servers with GDPR compliance built in. No Docker, no databases to manage, no infrastructure headaches.
Execution-based pricing remains yours
Opsily is a flat monthly fee ($20-$100) for hosting, backups, and 24/7 support. Your n8n executions stay cheap and predictable. No SaaS lock-in: export your workflows and self-host anytime.
EU data residency + security
German servers, encrypted backups, daily snapshots, and automatic security updates. Your workflow data never leaves the EU. GDPR, ISO 27001, and SOC 2 compliance built in.
Built for teams who need reliability
Common execution scenarios
Let's walk through real workflows and how they're charged:
Scenario 1: Daily Slack notification from Airtable
- Workflow: Check Airtable table post to Slack channel
- Execution cost: 1 per run
- Frequency: Every morning at 9 AM = 30 executions/month
- Impact: Predictable, minimal cost
Scenario 2: CRM sync with email follow-up
- Workflow: New lead in CRM sync to email list send welcome email log action
- Steps: 5
- Execution cost: Still 1 per workflow run (not 5)
- Frequency: 500 new leads/month = 500 executions
- Zapier equivalent: 500 runs x 5 steps = 2,500 tasks (expensive)
- n8n equivalent: 500 executions (affordable)
Scenario 3: Multi-step reporting pipeline
- Workflow: Pull data from API calculate metrics generate PDF upload to Drive email stakeholders
- Steps: 10+
- Execution cost: 1 per run
- Frequency: Weekly (4 runs/month)
- Zapier cost: 4 x 10 = 40 tasks
- n8n cost: 4 executions
What doesn't count as an execution?
Failed executions don't count against your quota on free and trial plans. Once you're on a paid plan, failed runs do consume credits (but at a reduced rate in some pricing models). Each platform's fine print differs, so check your plan details.
Opsily hosting plans
One flat monthly fee covers hosting, backups, support, and all the infrastructure. Your n8n execution costs stay separate and cheap.
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Trust & compliance
Enterprise-grade infrastructure for teams that care about data security and regulatory compliance.
GDPR compliant
German data centers with automated backups and zero data transfer outside the EU.
Encrypted backups
Daily encrypted backups to ensure your workflows and data are always recoverable.
99.9% uptime SLA
Redundant infrastructure and 24/7 monitoring to keep your workflows running.
SSL & TLS encryption
All data in transit is encrypted. All your sensitive integrations stay secure.
Automatic security updates
We patch and update n8n automatically so vulnerabilities don't expose your workflows.
Frequently asked questions
One execution is one complete workflow run, from start to finish. It doesn't matter if your workflow has 2 steps or 20 steps. Whether triggered manually, via webhook, on a schedule, or by an event, each run is counted as 1 execution and billed once. Failed executions are handled differently depending on your plan: free and trial plans don't charge for failures, but paid plans do consume credits at a reduced rate.
Ready to simplify workflow automation?
Stop guessing what your monthly bill will be. n8n's execution-based pricing is transparent. Opsily's flat hosting fee is predictable. Together, they cost a fraction of Zapier.