Make vs n8n

Make vs n8n: which automates more? Compare workflow capabilities, integrations and pricing in 2026.

	Make Best for: Complex automations, app integrations	n8n Best for: AI workflow automation, self-hosted, node editor, human-in-the-loop
Overview	Visual automation platform connecting 1,000+ apps. More flexible than Zapier, cheaper than most alternatives.	n8n v2.0 introduces Task Runners for isolated workflow execution, Save vs. Publish separation, visual version diffs, and 30–80% faster loading. Chat node Actions enable human-in-the-loop approvals.
Pricing	Freemium	Freemium
Users	Free / from $9/mo	Free / from $20/mo
Advantages	✅Visual canvas makes complex automations easy to debug ✅Credit model from Aug 2025 aligns cost with actual usage ✅Native AI modules for OpenAI, Claude, Anthropic built-in ✅Unlimited scenarios on paid plans starting at $9/month	✅Self-hosted option is free with full feature access — no vendor lock-in ✅Task Runners: isolated execution per workflow task for stability in complex pipelines ✅Save vs. Publish separation prevents accidental changes from reaching production ✅Visual version diff with change count badges for safe workflow review before publish ✅Chat node Actions: pause workflows for human-in-the-loop approvals mid-execution
Disadvantages	❌Credit model less predictable than old operations model ❌Steeper learning curve than Zapier for beginners ❌Free tier limited to 2 active scenarios only ❌High-volume scenarios require Teams plan or higher	❌Requires self-hosting setup and infrastructure maintenance for the free tier ❌Steeper learning curve than no-code tools like Zapier or Make for non-technical users ❌Cloud plan starts at $20/mo — adds cost for teams that prefer managed hosting ❌Large workflow libraries still require careful organization — no built-in folder hierarchy
Rating	…	…
Website	make.com	n8n.io
	Visit →Full review	Visit →Full review

Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Choose Make if…

✅ You want the most visual, beginner-friendly automation platform with a drag-and-drop interface
✅ You need 1,500+ pre-built app connectors without writing code
✅ You're a marketer or operations person building automations without developer help
✅ You want reliable cloud hosting with built-in error handling and monitoring

Choose n8n if…

✅ You want full control — n8n is open-source and can be self-hosted for free
✅ You're a developer comfortable with JavaScript who wants to write custom node logic
✅ You need to keep data on your own infrastructure for privacy or compliance reasons
✅ You're building complex AI workflows with LLM nodes and vector databases

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Make and n8n?

Make is a cloud-based visual automation platform designed for non-technical users with 1,500+ connectors. n8n is an open-source automation tool that can be self-hosted, offering more technical flexibility and code control. Make is easier; n8n is more powerful for developers.

Is n8n free?

n8n is free to self-host on your own server. The cloud version (n8n.cloud) starts at $24/month. Self-hosting requires technical knowledge to set up and maintain.

Is Make better than Zapier?

Make (formerly Integromat) generally offers more complex automation workflows at a lower price than Zapier. Make's visual scenario builder handles multi-step, conditional logic better. Zapier is simpler and has broader app support. For power users, Make wins on value.

Can Make handle AI automations?

Yes. Make has built-in OpenAI, Anthropic, and other AI modules. You can build automations that call AI models, process responses, and trigger actions. It's widely used for AI-powered content generation and classification workflows.