Make vs n8n
Make is visual automation platform for building complex workflows with a drag-and-drop builder, while n8n is open-source workflow automation with a visual editor. Self-hostable with code flexibility. The biggest difference up front: n8n is free, while Make starts at $9/mo. Make is built for power users who want complex automations at a lower cost than zapier, whereas n8n targets technical users who want self-hosted automation with code escape hatches.
| Feature | Make | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | — | ✓ |
| Branching Logic | ✓ | — |
| Custom Code | — | ✓ |
| Data Mapping | ✓ | — |
| Error Handling | ✓ | — |
| Open Source | — | ✓ |
| Real-Time Webhooks | ✓ | — |
| Self-Hosted | — | ✓ |
| Visual Builder | ✓ | — |
| Visual Editor | — | ✓ |
| Webhooks | — | ✓ |
Pricing: n8n is completely free, which makes it the obvious pick if budget is the top concern. Make starts at $9/mo, but Free for 1,000 ops/month. That cost buys you a more polished or feature-rich experience, so it comes down to whether the extras justify the spend.
Feature gaps: Make offers Branching Logic, Data Mapping and Error Handling that n8n lacks. n8n brings Custom Code, Open Source and Self-Hosted that Make does not have.
Team fit: Both tools target small teams teams, so the decision hinges on features and workflow fit rather than scale.
Open source: n8n is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. Make is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.
Where each tool shines: Make's biggest strengths are: visual workflow builder is more powerful than zapier. significantly cheaper — more operations per dollar. n8n's biggest strengths are: open source and self-hostable. can write custom code within workflows.
Watch out for: With Make, users commonly note that steeper learning curve than zapier. With n8n, the main complaint is that requires technical setup if self-hosting.
choose Make if
- You need a tool built for power users who want complex automations at a lower cost than zapier
- You specifically need Branching Logic and Data Mapping
- You care about significantly cheaper — more operations per dollar
- The free tier works for you: free for 1,000 ops/month
choose n8n if
- You need a tool built for technical users who want self-hosted automation with code escape hatches
- Budget is a hard constraint — n8n is free, Make is not
- You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- You specifically need Custom Code and Open Source
- You care about can write custom code within workflows
frequently asked
What is the difference between Make and n8n?
Make is visual automation platform for building complex workflows with a drag-and-drop builder, while n8n is open-source workflow automation with a visual editor. Self-hostable with code flexibility. The biggest difference up front: n8n is free, while Make starts at $9/mo. Make is built for power users who want complex automations at a lower cost than zapier, whereas n8n targets technical users who want self-hosted automation with code escape hatches.
Should I use Make or n8n?
n8n is the free option; Make charges $9/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
When should I choose Make over n8n?
Choose Make if You need a tool built for power users who want complex automations at a lower cost than zapier; You specifically need Branching Logic and Data Mapping; You care about significantly cheaper — more operations per dollar; The free tier works for you: free for 1,000 ops/month.
When should I choose n8n over Make?
Choose n8n if You need a tool built for technical users who want self-hosted automation with code escape hatches; Budget is a hard constraint — n8n is free, Make is not; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; You specifically need Custom Code and Open Source; You care about can write custom code within workflows.
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