Comparison
Make vs n8n
Two visual builders for people who outgrew Zapier's pricing. n8n adds self-hosting and code steps.
By Maali K · Software Engineer & AI Tools Reviewer
Last reviewed September 7, 2026 · How we review
Freemium
Make (formerly Integromat) is more powerful than Zapier for complex, branched workflows. Steeper learning curve, but significantly better at multi-step logic and data transformations — and cheaper at scale. For anything beyond basic 'when X, do Y,' Make is usually the better pick.
Freemium
n8n is the automation tool for engineers and privacy-conscious teams. Open-source, self-hostable, and unlimited when self-run. The learning curve is real, but for anyone with basic infrastructure skills, n8n is the best free automation platform available.
Make vs n8n, side by side
| Attribute | Make Freemium | n8n Freemium |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Make (formerly Integromat) is more powerful than Zapier for complex, branched workflows. Steeper learning curve, but significantly better at multi-step logic and data transformations — and cheaper at scale. For anything beyond basic 'when X, do Y,' Make is usually the better pick. | n8n is the automation tool for engineers and privacy-conscious teams. Open-source, self-hostable, and unlimited when self-run. The learning curve is real, but for anyone with basic infrastructure skills, n8n is the best free automation platform available. |
| Best for |
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| Pricing | Freemium — Powerful for advanced flows; has a learning curve compared to simpler tools. | Freemium — Self-hosting gives control; hosted plans simplify maintenance but cost more. |
| Strengths |
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| Limitations |
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| Use-cases | PlanningProductivity | PlanningProductivityCoding help |
| Built for roles | FounderOperationsMarketer | EngineerFounderOperations |
| Platforms | Web | Web |
| Last reviewed | January 29, 2026 | January 29, 2026 |
Choose Make if…
- • You build complex workflows with branching, loops, or data transformations.
- • You've outgrown Zapier's simple linear model.
- • You run high-volume automations and want better per-operation pricing.
Still unsure? Read the full Make review or compare it against n8n.
Choose n8n if…
- • You care about data privacy and want automations running on your own infrastructure.
- • You need unlimited workflow runs without per-operation pricing.
- • You have basic DevOps skills and want maximum control.
Still unsure? Read the full n8n review or compare it against Make.
Both tools are used for
Make vs n8n: common questions
What is the main difference between Make and n8n?
Two visual builders for people who outgrew Zapier's pricing. n8n adds self-hosting and code steps.
Is Make or n8n better value?
Both sit on similar pricing tiers, so value comes down to fit rather than cost. Run the same real task through each free tier for a week before committing.
Can I use Make and n8n together?
Usually yes, and often that is the better answer. They overlap only partially, so many people keep both and route each task to whichever handles it better.
How was this comparison put together?
Both tools were assessed against the same public methodology, and each entry shows its own last-reviewed date. We may earn affiliate commissions on some tools, but that never affects inclusion or ranking.