Tool Comparison

Make vs n8n: Which is Better for AI Automation?

Make and n8n are both powerful visual automation platforms that go beyond simple trigger and action workflows. Make is a cloud hosted platform with a polished visual builder. n8n is an open source alternative that can be self hosted for complete control over your data and infrastructure.

Quick Verdict

Choose Make if you want a polished cloud platform with no setup required, or choose n8n if you want open source flexibility and the option to self host.

Full Comparison

Pricing

MakeFree tier + starts at $9/mo
n8nFree self hosted + cloud from $20/mo

Ease of Use

MakeVisual builder, moderate learning curve
n8nVisual builder, slightly more technical

Integrations

Make1,500+ app connections
n8n400+ built in nodes plus custom code

Best For

MakeTeams wanting cloud simplicity
n8nTechnical teams wanting full control

Learning Curve

MakeModerate, powerful once learned
n8nModerate to high, developer friendly

Free Plan

MakeYes, 1,000 operations per month
n8nYes, unlimited on self hosted

Automation Capability

MakeVisual scenarios with branching and filters
n8nVisual workflows with custom code nodes

Support

MakeHelp center, community forum
n8nCommunity forum, enterprise support

Unique Strength

MakePolished cloud platform with robust error handling
n8nOpen source with unlimited self hosted executions

Make Overview

Make (formerly Integromat) is a cloud hosted visual automation platform with a drag and drop scenario builder. It supports complex branching logic, data transformation, error handling, and scheduling natively. Make offers over 1,500 app integrations and is significantly cheaper than Zapier at scale. The visual approach makes it easy to understand and debug complex workflows.

n8n Overview

n8n is an open source workflow automation platform that can be self hosted or used as a cloud service. It gives you complete control over your data and infrastructure. n8n supports custom JavaScript and Python code nodes alongside visual building, making it popular with developers and technical teams. The self hosted option means unlimited executions at no additional cost.

When to Choose Make

  • You prefer a fully managed cloud platform with no setup
  • You want a large library of pre built app integrations
  • Your team prefers visual building over writing code

When to Choose n8n

  • You want to self host for data privacy or cost control
  • Your team is comfortable with code and wants custom nodes
  • You need unlimited executions without per operation pricing
  • You value open source and community driven development

The Third Option: Let AI Decide for You

Not sure which tool fits your workflow? Take the Flowstate quiz and get a personalized automation plan that tells you exactly which tools to use and how to connect them. No guesswork required.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Make vs n8n

Is n8n really free to use?

The self hosted version of n8n is free and open source with no limits on executions. You pay only for your own server hosting costs. The n8n cloud plan starts at $20 per month for teams that prefer managed hosting.

Which is better for non technical users?

Make is generally easier for non technical users with its polished interface and larger app library. n8n is more developer oriented, especially when using custom code nodes. However, both platforms have visual builders that non developers can learn.

Can I migrate from Make to n8n or vice versa?

There is no direct migration tool between the platforms. You would need to rebuild your workflows manually. However, both use visual builders, so recreating workflows is straightforward once you understand the target platform.

Stop Comparing. Start Automating.

Take the free Flowstate quiz and discover exactly which tools and automations are right for your workflow. It takes less than 2 minutes.

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Last updated: April 2026