Make vs n8n: Workflow Automation Comparison
Compare Make and n8n side by side. Both are tools in the Workflow Automation category.
Updated March 9, 2026
The short answer
Choose Make if powerful visual builder with superior handling of complex multi-step workflows and branching logic.
Choose n8n if free self-hosted option with unlimited workflows provides exceptional value.
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Quick Comparison
| Category | Workflow Automation | Workflow Automation |
| Pricing | Freemium | Open Source |
| Best For | Teams who need more complex automation logic than simple trigger-action tools provide | Technical teams who want a self-hostable, open-source automation platform with native AI capabilities |
| Website | make.com | n8n.io |
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Pros & Cons: Make vs n8n
- +Powerful visual builder with superior handling of complex multi-step workflows and branching logic
- +3,000+ app integrations with advanced data transformation and HTTP/webhook capabilities
- +Cost-effective pricing, significantly cheaper than Zapier for complex automations
- +Built-in code environment for JavaScript and Python for advanced customization
- +Backed by $13B Celonis with enterprise-grade reliability and continuous innovation
- −Steeper learning curve than Zapier due to more complex interface and field mapping
- −Credit-based pricing system can be confusing to estimate costs accurately
- −Less suitable for complete beginners or non-technical users
- −Smaller community and fewer pre-built templates compared to Zapier
- +Free self-hosted option with unlimited workflows provides exceptional value
- +Execution-based pricing is more predictable than per-step or per-user models
- +Developer-friendly with JavaScript and Python support for custom logic
- +Strong data control and security with on-premises deployment options
- −Steep learning curve, especially for non-technical users
- −Self-hosting requires infrastructure management and maintenance
- −Documentation quality can be inconsistent, making troubleshooting difficult
- −Complex workflows may require understanding JSON structures and API concepts
Pricing: Make vs n8n
- · Self-hosted
- · Unlimited workflows
- · Unlimited executions
- · Unlimited users
- · Cloud-hosted
- · Execution-based pricing
- · Unlimited workflows
- · Email support
- · Advanced integrations
- · Priority support
- · Higher execution limits
- · Growing teams
- · SMB features
- · Advanced support
- · Qualifying startups
- · Business plan features
- · Startup discount
- · Unlimited executions
- · Advanced compliance
- · Dedicated support
- · Self-hosted options
When to Choose Make vs n8n
- Complex multi-step automations
- Marketing and sales workflow automation
- Data transformation pipelines
- AI-enhanced data pipelines
- Internal tool automation
- Data synchronization between apps
How to Choose a Workflow Automation Tool
Key criteria to evaluate when comparing Workflow Automation solutions:
About Make
Make (formerly Integromat) is a visual automation and integration platform that enables users to design, build, and run workflows across more than 3,000 cloud applications and APIs without writing code using a scenario-based, drag-and-drop builder. Acquired by Celonis in 2020 for over $100M and rebranded from Integromat to Make in 2022, the platform provides a powerful visual way to build multi-step workflows with advanced flow control, rich data transformation, HTTP and webhook modules, and an embedded code environment for JavaScript and Python. Make now serves over 350,000 organizations in 200+ countries, from solopreneurs to global enterprises. The platform has evolved to include cutting-edge capabilities such as Make AI Agents, Maia (an AI-powered workflow builder), and Make Grid, a real-time visualization layer for an organization's entire automation landscape. Make is particularly valued for its combination of flexibility, depth of features, and cost-effective pricing for complex automations, making it ideal for operations, IT, and marketing teams comfortable with mapping fields and handling conditions.
About n8n
n8n is an open-source workflow automation platform that enables users to connect apps and automate tasks without writing code. Founded as a low-code automation tool, n8n uses a trigger-and-action model where triggers start workflows followed by linked action sequences. Unlike competitors that charge per step or user, n8n charges based on monthly workflow executions—a single run from start to finish, regardless of complexity or data processed. The platform offers unlimited users, workflows, and integrations across all plans, with the limit on active workflows removed in recent updates. n8n provides six tiers including a completely free Community Edition for self-hosting, paid cloud plans starting at €20/month, and custom Enterprise pricing. The platform's biggest advantage is its licensing model allowing free self-hosted deployment with unlimited workflows and executions, making it ideal for security-conscious teams that need data control. With support for JavaScript and Python code within workflows, n8n is particularly developer-friendly, though it has a steeper learning curve compared to no-code alternatives.
What is Workflow Automation?
Platforms for building multi-step AI-powered automations that connect apps, APIs, and agents into repeatable business workflows.
Browse all Workflow Automationtools →Frequently Asked Questions
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