n8n vs Make
You are choosing between the two most popular Zapier alternatives. n8n is open-source-ish and dev-friendly; Make is cloud-only and visually slicker.
n8n
Open-source workflow automation with 400+ integrations and native AI agent nodes — self-host or cloud, no lock-in.
Read review →
Make
Visual workflow builder with 1,800+ apps and deep branching logic — enterprise automation made approachable.
Read review →Our take
Make wins on UX polish and visual branching. n8n wins on portability, AI native nodes, and the option to self-host. If you live in AI workflows, n8n. If you live in business operations and never want to see a Dockerfile, Make.
- n8n wins 5
- Make wins 1
- Ties: 0
Side-by-side
| n8n | Make | |
|---|---|---|
| Visual editor | Functional | Best-in-class |
| Self-host | Yes | No |
| AI / agent support | Native, deep | Add-on, shallower |
| Pricing predictability | Per execution + free self-host | Per ops, can sting at scale |
| Code escape | JS + Python | Limited (custom apps) |
| Lock-in | Medium | High (cloud-only, proprietary) |
FAQ
- Which is better, n8n or Make?
- Make wins on UX polish and visual branching. n8n wins on portability, AI native nodes, and the option to self-host. If you live in AI workflows, n8n. If you live in business operations and never want to see a Dockerfile, Make.
- What are the main differences?
- Visual editor: n8n — Functional; Make — Best-in-class. Self-host: n8n — Yes; Make — No. AI / agent support: n8n — Native, deep; Make — Add-on, shallower. Pricing predictability: n8n — Per execution + free self-host; Make — Per ops, can sting at scale. Code escape: n8n — JS + Python; Make — Limited (custom apps). Lock-in: n8n — Medium; Make — High (cloud-only, proprietary).
- Is n8n cheaper than Make?
- n8n: Per execution + free self-host. Make: Per ops, can sting at scale.