Same test lead in Zapier vs Make vs n8n: what actually differs (2026 prices)

Description and use

Choosing an automation platform for processing 1,000 leads per month: Zapier is cheaper for low volume, Make offers visual routing and robust error handling, while self‑hosted n8n provides zero marginal cost and full control.

Problem

Choosing an automation stack for processing 1,000 monthly test leads while balancing cost, maintenance, and feature needs.

Outcome

Zapier is cheapest for <500 leads/month if the team already uses it; Make offers visual routing and robust error handling for technical teams; n8n self‑hosted provides zero marginal cost and full control for teams willing to manage infrastructure.

Workflow

• Receive webhook
• Validate lead data
• Deduplicate by email
• Create CRM record
• Score lead
• Send Slack alert
• Log outcome

Evidence

~1 hour to build the 6-node flow (workflow file).

Source

Each successful action step = 1 task; triggers, polling, and built-ins = 0. This flow ≈ 4–5 tasks per lead.

Source

Billing unit is credits; most actions = 1 credit. This flow ≈ 5–6 credits/lead.

Source

HubSpot private apps: 100 req/10s burst (Free/Starter), 190 (Pro/Enterprise); daily 250k–1M.

Source