⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: Make has a free plan and paid plans from $9/month. n8n Cloud starts at $20/month.
- Best for: Make suits non technical users and small businesses. n8n suits developers and technical teams.
- Key difference: n8n lets you self host and write code. Make keeps everything visual in the cloud.
- Our pick: Make for most people. It is cheaper to start and easier to learn.
n8n and Make both promise to automate tasks you hate doing by hand.
They look alike at first glance.
Both use a visual canvas where you link apps together.
But they are built for very different people.
Make is a no code automation tool for everyday business users.
n8n is a workflow automation platform for people who get their hands dirty with code.
Overview
This n8n vs Make comparison covers pricing, key features, ease of use, and data control.
We reviewed documentation, pricing pages, and G2 reviews for both tools.
Our writers also spent hands-on time with each one.
Those notes appear in the “What Our Team Noticed” sections below.
Want to dig deeper? Each section below covers one area.
By the end, you will know which tool fits your automation journey.
What is n8n?
n8n is an open, node-based workflow automation tool.
Each node in an n8n workflow does one job, like sending an email.
You chain nodes together to connect apps and move data between different platforms.
It works as a no code builder, but you can drop in custom code anytime.
That mix makes it popular with developers and technical teams.
Here is a quick video walkthrough of the platform.
n8n
Build automations with code when you need it. Self-host to keep your own data private.
n8n Pricing
Here is what n8n Cloud costs in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $20 per month | Solo builders testing cloud workflows |
| Pro | $50 per month | Teams running more complex projects |
| Enterprise | Custom Pricing | Large enterprises needing SSO and air gapped deployments |
Pricing verified October 2026.
Free trial: n8n Cloud offers a free trial on the starter plan. The Community Edition is free if you self host.
Money-back guarantee: n8n does not advertise a set refund window. Check terms before you upgrade.
📌 Note: n8n charges per workflow run, not per step. A 3-node workflow and a 30-node workflow cost the same. Cloud plans never charge for workflow complexity.
⚠️ Warning: Self-hosting is free, but servers are not. Your real cost depends on your hosting and the time spent maintaining your instance.
Key Benefits of n8n
Here is what makes n8n worth a look:
- Full Control of Data: Self-host with Docker or Kubernetes. Sensitive data stays behind your own firewall.
- Compliance Ready: Self-hosting helps with GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2 rules. You decide where data lives.
- Real Code When Needed: Write JavaScript or Python code inside any workflow. Self-hosted setups can even add npm packages.
- AI Agent Nodes: Built-in nodes for LangChain, vector databases, and OpenAI. You can build context-aware agent workflows.
- Fair Pricing Model: You pay for successful executions, not individual steps. Big workflows stay cheap.
- Source Code You Can See: The fair code license keeps the source visible. You can inspect and modify it.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for n8n Cloud and built a few automations for content research. Here is what stood out:
n8n Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Self-host for free with the Community Edition
- Run JavaScript and Python inside workflows
- Pricing per execution, not per step
- Strong AI agent and LangChain nodes
❌ Cons
- No free cloud plan
- Fewer native integrations than Make
- Needs technical know how for advanced setups
What is Make?
Make is a powerful automation platform that runs in the cloud.
You build “scenarios” by dragging app modules onto a canvas.
It connects over 2,000 apps without writing code.
Filters, routers, and conditional logic let scenarios branch and loop.
Freelancers, small businesses, and large enterprises all use it.
This short video shows the Make app in action.
Make
Build visual automations without code. Start free and scale as you grow.
Make Pricing
Make has five pricing plans, including a forever-free tier.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 per month | Learning and simple workflows |
| Core | $9 per month | Freelancers with steady automations |
| Pro | $16 per month | Power users needing advanced features |
| Teams | $29 per month | Teams sharing scenarios |
| Enterprise | Custom Pricing | Large organizations |
Pricing verified October 2026.
Free trial: There is no separate trial. The free plan works as a permanent trial.
Money-back guarantee: Make has no default refund policy. It reviews refunds case by case.
📌 Note: Paid prices above are billed annually. Monthly billing costs $10.59 for Core, $18.82 for Pro, and $34.12 for Teams.
⚠️ Warning: Make’s pricing model counts every operation. Each module step uses one, so heavy scenarios hit your monthly limit fast.
Key Benefits of Make
Here is why Make wins over so many beginners:
- Visual Approach: A clean drag and drop interface shows exactly how data flows. You can see every path at a glance.
- Extensive Integration Capabilities: More than 2,000 apps connect out of the box. The HTTP module covers the rest.
- Advanced Logic Without Code: Iterators, aggregators, filters, and error handling come built in. You build complex logic visually.
- Budget Friendly: Most paid plans run $9 to $29. G2 reviews often call it cost effective next to Zapier.
- Huge Learning Library: Docs, tutorials, and an active community help when you get stuck.
- Unlimited Apps Per Scenario: One scenario can link as many apps as you need.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer used Make to automate social posts and lead capture for a client site. Here is what stood out:
Make Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Free plan available forever
- Over 2,000 app integrations
- Clear visual workflow builder
- Paid plans start at $9 per month
❌ Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced workflows
- Operations-based billing can add up
- No self-hosting option
Feature Comparison
Both tools help you automate workflows across various applications. The real gap shows up in how much control you want. Here are ten areas where they differ.
| Feature | n8n | Make |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $20 per month | $0 (free plan) |
| Free Plan | ❌ (free self-host) | ✅ |
| Self-Hosting | ✅ | ❌ |
| Custom Code (JS/Python) | ✅ | ❌ (HTTP and built-in functions only) |
| Native Integrations | 400+ | 2,000+ |
| AI Agents | ✅ | ✅ |
| Error Handling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Templates | ✅ | ✅ |
| Best For | Developers and technical teams | Non-technical users and small teams |
1. Visual Workflow Builder
n8n: n8n uses a node-based canvas. Every workflow starts with a trigger node, then flows through action nodes. It supports loops and branching paths, though the interface feels more technical.
Make: Make’s visual builder is the cleaner of the two. Modules sit in circles, and routers split data into multi step workflows. Beginners find it easier to follow at a glance. Most people build workflows here within minutes.
2. AI Agents and Agentic Workflows
n8n: In 2026, n8n links with LLMs to build agents that reason, summarize, and act across systems. Dedicated nodes cover LangChain, vector stores, and OpenAI. It is a strong pick for building agentic systems with memory.
Make: Make AI Agents let you add AI capabilities inside a normal scenario. You describe a goal, and the agent picks which tools to run. It is simpler to set up but offers less low-level control.
Make also supports agentic automation across your existing scenarios.
3. Integrations and API Access
n8n: n8n offers over 400 integrations, including Notion, LinkedIn, and Google Sheets. You must set up credentials for each service. For anything missing, the HTTP Request node handles http requests to any API.
Make: Make connects more than 2,000 apps, so your favorite apps are likely already there. Its HTTP app supports custom API calls for third party services without a native module. Syncing data between tools takes a few clicks.
4. Custom Code and Developer Control
n8n: This is where n8n pulls ahead. You can write JavaScript or Python code in a Code node. Self-hosted users can add npm packages for extra functionality. It even works for SaaS backend prototyping.
Make: Make avoids writing code by design. You get built-in functions for text, dates, and math. That is enough for most business workflows, but developers may feel boxed in.
5. Error Handling and Debugging
n8n: n8n lets you build full error-handling subflows. You can replay a failed execution with the same data. Clear error messages show which node broke and why. That matters for complex automation running on real time data.
Make: Make has built-in error handlers like Resume, Ignore, and Rollback. You attach them to any module. It is powerful, but setting it up takes some practice.
⚠️ Warning: Neither tool fixes bad logic for you. Test each automation workflow with sample data before it touches live customers.
6. Business Use Cases
n8n: Here are a few examples of what n8n handles well: web scraping, automated reports, and data syncs. It can also send notifications when a trigger fires. Workflows run manually or on a schedule.
Make: Make shines at marketing, sales, and finance tasks. Think social posting, inventory updates, and e commerce order flows. It also handles customer interactions and invoices.
Finance teams can push invoices through approval without manual entry.
7. Templates
n8n: n8n’s library lists 5103 automation templates. Many come from its active community, so quality varies. They are great for learning how nodes fit together.
Make: Make’s Templates Gallery is polished and easy to browse. You pick a template, connect accounts, and go. It is a fast way to start creating automations.
8. Self-Hosting and Data Control
n8n: You can self host n8n on your own servers with Docker Compose or Kubernetes. Setup can take under a minute with Docker. The n8n AI Starter Kit also runs as a Docker container. You also gain the ability to tune server speed yourself.
Make: Make is cloud-only. You cannot run it on your own hardware. That is fine for most small teams, but strict industries may need more.
9. Security and Compliance
n8n: Self-hosting keeps data inside your firewall, which helps with GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2. Enterprise adds SSO and advanced permissions, enabling tighter access rules. You get full control over every deployment.
Make: Make handles security on its own cloud. Enterprise plans add stronger admin controls for large teams. It also automates sensitive document flows like contracts.
10. Pricing & Cost
| Plan | n8n | Make |
|---|---|---|
| Free | ❌ (Community Edition self-host) | Free: $0 per month |
| Entry | Starter: $20 per month | Core: $9 per month |
| Mid | Pro: $50 per month | Pro: $16 per month |
| Team | — | Teams: $29 per month |
| Enterprise | Custom Pricing | Custom Pricing |
n8n: n8n bills per execution, so complex workflows cost the same as simple tasks. That makes it cost effective at scale. The Pro plan suits growing teams, and self-hosting is free apart from server costs.
Make: Make is cheaper to start and has a real free plan. But every operation counts, so busy scenarios can push you to a higher paid plan. There are no hidden fees beyond that.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tight budget | Make | Free plan, paid from $9/month |
| Self-hosting | n8n | Run it on your own servers |
| Custom code | n8n | JavaScript and Python nodes |
| Most integrations | Make | 2,000+ apps |
| Strict compliance | n8n | Data stays in your firewall |
| Beginner friendly setup | Make | Cleaner visual builder |
💰 Your Budget
Make costs less to start and offers a free plan. n8n gets cheaper for heavy, multi-node workflows.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Make covers more apps natively. n8n fills gaps with code and API integrations.
⚙️ Your Workflow Style
Pick Make for simple workflows built visually. Pick n8n for more complex workflows with real code.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Make needs no coding expertise for basic features. n8n rewards people who are comfortable with code.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Make’s free plan lets you test real scenarios. With n8n, try the cloud trial or self-host the free edition.
🛟 Support Options
Make offers documentation, tutorials, and customer support by plan. n8n leans on its community forum and paid enterprise support.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here is what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from n8n to Make?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- A free cloud plan with no servers to manage
- Over 2,000 native integrations
- An easier builder for non-coders on your team
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Self-hosting and full data control
- JavaScript and Python Code nodes
- Flat pricing per execution
📋 How to switch:
- Export and document your n8n workflows
- Create a free Make account
- Rebuild each workflow as a Make scenario
🔄 Switching from Make to n8n?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Freedom to self host and keep data private
- Custom code inside any workflow
- No charge for workflow complexity
❌ What you’ll lose:
- The forever-free cloud plan
- Some native app modules
- Make’s simpler visual builder
📋 How to switch:
- List your Make scenarios and connected apps
- Start an n8n Cloud trial or install with Docker
- Recreate each scenario using nodes
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on solo users and small teams. We did not test Enterprise SSO, air-gapped installs, or high-volume load. Features reflect October 2026 versions and may change. If you manage hundreds of workflows, your needs may differ.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | Make |
| 👶 Ease of Use | Make |
| 🔌 Integrations | Make |
| 🎨 Visual Builder | Make |
| 🛟 Support & Learning | Make |
| 🤖 AI Agents | n8n |
| 💻 Custom Code | n8n |
| 🔒 Self-Hosting & Data Control | n8n |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Make |
🏆 WINNER: MAKE
Make wins 5 out of 8 categories.
Best for: Small businesses, marketers, and non-coders
Make is the better pick for most people. It is cheaper to start, covers more apps, and keeps everything visual. You can run real automations on the free plan.
n8n is the stronger tool for developers. Want to self host, write code, or build AI agents? It gives you more power. Its per-execution pricing also helps at scale.
Either tool can make life easier by cutting manual work. Start with Make if you are new. If you are interested in self-hosting later, move to n8n.
More of n8n Compared
Here is how n8n stacks up against other automation platforms:
n8n vs Zapier
n8n wins on: self-hosting, code nodes, and flat per-execution pricing.
Zapier wins on: a simpler linear setup, a bigger app library, and quicker onboarding.
n8n vs Pabbly
n8n wins on: branching logic, AI agent nodes, and open source code.
Pabbly Connect wins on: lifetime-deal pricing, no server upkeep, and an easier start.
n8n vs Gumloop
n8n wins on: data ownership, deeper integrations, and code freedom.
Gumloop wins on: AI-first templates, a friendlier canvas, and less setup.
More of Make Compared
Here is how Make stacks up against other automation platforms:
Make vs Zapier
Make wins on: branching routers, operations-based pricing, and finer data control.
Zapier wins on: an intuitive UI, a larger app list, and quick task setups.
Make vs Pabbly Connect
Make wins on: more native apps, stronger error handling, and a richer template gallery.
Pabbly Connect wins on: one-time pricing options, simpler menus, and predictable bills.
Make vs MindStudio
Make wins on: general app automation, wider integrations, and a mature builder.
MindStudio wins on: AI agent design, prompt tooling, and AI-only use cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is n8n used for?
n8n connects apps and automates tasks like data syncs, reports, notifications, and web scraping. Developers also use it to build AI agents with custom JavaScript or Python.
Is n8n completely free?
The self-hosted Community Edition is free, but you pay for servers. n8n Cloud starts at $20 per month, with Pro at $50 per month.
How much does Make.com cost?
Make has a free plan. Paid plans cost $9 (Core), $16 (Pro), and $29 (Teams) per month billed annually. Enterprise uses custom pricing.
Is Make.com hard to use?
Simple scenarios are easy to build. Advanced routers, iterators, and error handlers take practice. Expect a learning curve as workflows grow.
Which one is better, Make or n8n?
Make is better for beginners and small budgets. n8n is better for developers who want self-hosting, custom code, and deeper AI agent control.
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