Make vs n8n
Updated March 9, 2026
Overview
Make (formerly Integromat) is a visual workflow automation platform with powerful data transformation and AI capabilities. It offers more complex routing, filtering, and data manipulation than simpler tools, making it popular with technical users. Make's AI modules support LLM calls, image generation, and document processing within multi-step automation scenarios.
n8n is an open-source workflow automation platform with deep AI capabilities. Its visual editor connects 400+ app integrations with AI nodes for LLM calls, vector search, document processing, and agent workflows. n8n supports self-hosting for full data control and is popular with technical teams building AI-enhanced business automations that combine traditional integrations with LLM-powered steps.
Key features
Core capabilities each platform advertises.
- Visual scenario builder
- 1500+ app integrations
- Advanced logic and branching
- Real-time execution monitoring
- Data transformation tools
- Open-source workflow automation
- 400+ integrations
- Self-hosted option
- Built-in AI capabilities
- Code and no-code modes
Strengths and tradeoffs
What each tool does well, and the limitations to keep in mind.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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
Make or n8n — which should you choose?
Choose Make if you wantChoose if you want
- Complex multi-step automations
- Marketing and sales workflow automation
- Data transformation pipelines
- E-commerce process automation
- Custom API integrations
Choose n8n if you wantChoose if you want
- AI-enhanced data pipelines
- Internal tool automation
- Data synchronization between apps
- Self-hosted workflow automation
- Complex multi-step business processes
Compare Make and n8n on your own traffic
Respan lets you trace LLM and agent calls across any model or framework, A/B test prompts on production traffic, and route requests across 500+ models through one gateway.