Make vs n8n
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and ratings
At a glance
| Dimension | Make | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Small businesses, marketers, non-technical users who need to connect 2000+ apps visually without code. | Developers, IT Ops, security teams, and technical users who need AI agents, self-hosting, and custom code (JS/Python). |
| Pricing | Free tier: 1,000 ops/mo, 2 scenarios. Paid from $9/mo (10,000 ops). Pro at $16/mo with custom functions. | Free self-hosted (Community). Cloud Starter at $20/mo (5 workflows). Pro at $50/mo (unlimited workflows). |
| Setup complexity | Low – visual builder, templates, minimal coding required. Good for non-technical users. | Moderate to high – simple cloud sign-up but advanced features need technical skills; self-hosting requires Docker/infra. |
| Strongest differentiator | 2000+ integrations and a rich visual canvas designed for non-developers to build complex logic. | Open-source, self-hostable, native AI agents (LLM, RAG), code nodes, and execution-based pricing. |
Make vs n8n: Choose Make if you're a non-technical user or small business needing to connect a wide range of apps with minimal setup and a friendly visual builder. Choose n8n if you're a developer or technical team that requires AI agent capabilities, self-hosting for data compliance, or custom code in workflows – n8n offers more control and lower cost at scale. For most technical users building complex automations in 2026, n8n is the stronger choice due to its open-source flexibility and native AI features.
Feature-by-feature
Core Capabilities: Make vs n8n
Make provides a drag-and-drop visual workflow builder with over 2000 app integrations, making it easy to connect tools without code. It includes AI modules, data transformation tools, scheduling, triggers, error handling, and webhooks. n8n also offers a visual builder but with instant feedback, plus code nodes (JavaScript, Python) with npm packages and an HTTP Request node for custom API connections. n8n's key advantage is its native AI agent capabilities: LLM nodes (OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini), RAG support, and multi-agent setups. While Make is more accessible for non-technical users, n8n wins for technical users who need AI and custom code inside workflows. n8n wins here for depth; Make wins for simplicity and breadth of integrations.
AI/Model Approach: Make vs n8n
Make includes AI modules that can be integrated into workflows, such as OpenAI connectors and data enrichment. However, n8n takes AI further with dedicated AI agent nodes that allow users to build conversational agents, RAG pipelines, and multi-agent systems. n8n supports multiple LLM providers natively and allows custom models through code. In 2026, n8n's AI-first approach makes it the clear winner for building intelligent automations. n8n wins for native AI agent capabilities.
Integrations & Ecosystem: Make vs n8n
Make boasts over 2000 integrations with apps like Google Workspace, Shopify, HubSpot, Slack, and Salesforce. n8n has 400+ pre-built integrations (nodes) but compensates with an HTTP Request node and code nodes to connect to virtually any API. For users needing pre-built connectors, Make's library is larger. For those comfortable building custom integrations, n8n's flexibility is superior. Also, n8n has a community of 35000+ and over 9500 workflow templates. Make wins for breadth out-of-the-box; n8n wins for extensibility.
Performance & Scale: Make vs n8n
Make's pricing is based on operations per month: free tier is 1,000 ops/mo, then scales to paid plans. n8n's cloud pricing is based on workflow executions (workflow runs), not steps or users, which can be more cost-effective at higher volumes. n8n can be self-hosted, giving unlimited executions and full control over scaling. For high-volume automation, n8n's self-hosted option is more scalable and cost-efficient. n8n wins for scale and cost control.
Developer Experience & Workflow: Make vs n8n
Make offers a polished visual builder with templates and real-time execution logs, ideal for non-developers. n8n provides a visual builder with instant feedback, expression language (Tournament), and the ability to add custom code (JS/Python). n8n also supports Git version control (self-hosted) and multiple environments (dev/prod) on cloud, which developers appreciate. Make has a simpler learning curve, but n8n gives developers more power. n8n wins for developer features; Make wins for ease of use.
Pricing compared
Make pricing (2026)
Make offers a freemium model. The Free plan costs $0 and includes 1,000 operations per month and 2 scenarios. The Core plan is $9/month and increases to 10,000 operations per month with unlimited scenarios. The Pro plan at $16/month adds custom functions and priority support. There are no hidden overage fees mentioned; users can upgrade or purchase add-ons if needed. Make's pricing is based on operations (ops), which include steps in workflows.
n8n pricing (2026)
n8n also uses freemium pricing. The Community plan is free and self-hosted, with unlimited workflows. The Starter cloud plan costs $20/month and includes 5 workflows. The Pro plan is $50/month and offers unlimited workflows with sharing capabilities. n8n's pricing is based on workflow executions (runs), not steps or users, which can be more predictable for high-step workflows. Self-hosting removes all execution limits but requires infrastructure.
Value-per-dollar: Make vs n8n
For non-technical users with simple needs and low volume, Make's free tier (1,000 ops) is generous. For growing teams, Make's Core ($9/mo) is cheaper than n8n's Starter ($20/mo) but n8n's unlimited workflows on Pro ($50/mo) may offer better value for teams with many active workflows. For technical teams handling large volumes, n8n's self-hosted option provides unlimited usage at zero subscription cost (only infrastructure). Make wins for low-volume, non-technical users; n8n wins for high-volume or self-hosted scenarios.
Who should pick which
- Small business owner automating lead capturePick: Make
Make offers 2000+ integrations and a visual builder that doesn't require coding, ideal for connecting Facebook Ads to CRM and email sequences.
- Developer building AI chatbots with RAGPick: n8n
n8n provides native AI agent nodes (LLM, RAG) and code nodes (JS/Python), making it perfect for custom AI workflows.
- IT Ops team automating employee onboardingPick: n8n
n8n's self-hosting capability ensures data compliance, and its 400+ integrations cover common IT tools like Okta, Slack, and Google Workspace.
- Freelancer connecting a few apps on a budgetPick: Make
Make's free tier offers 1,000 ops per month, sufficient for low-volume automations, and the Core plan starts at $9/mo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tool has more integrations, Make or n8n?
Make offers over 2000 pre-built integrations, while n8n has 400+. However, n8n can connect to any API via HTTP Request node and custom code, so developers can integrate virtually any service.
Can I self-host n8n or Make?
n8n is open-source and can be self-hosted using Docker or directly from source. Make is a cloud-only platform and does not offer self-hosting.
Which is better for AI agent workflows?
n8n is the stronger choice with native AI agent nodes for LLM, RAG, and multi-agent setups. Make has AI modules but not dedicated agent capabilities.
What are the free tier limits for Make and n8n?
Make's free tier gives 1,000 operations per month and 2 scenarios. n8n's Community plan is free and self-hosted with unlimited workflows and executions.
Is there a learning curve for non-technical users?
Make is designed for non-technical users with a visual builder and templates, so the learning curve is low. n8n is more powerful but has a steeper learning curve, especially when using code nodes or self-hosting.
Can I build custom API integrations in both tools?
Yes. Make has API connections and webhooks for custom integrations. n8n has an HTTP Request node and code nodes (JS/Python) that allow any API integration.
Which tool is more cost-effective for high-volume automation?
n8n's self-hosted option provides unlimited executions at no subscription cost (only your own infrastructure). Make's pricing scales with operations, which can become expensive at high volumes.
Do both tools support team collaboration?
Make offers team collaboration features. n8n's Pro plan ($50/mo) includes sharing, and self-hosted instances can be configured for team access.
Can I switch from Make to n8n?
Yes, but you may need to rebuild workflows manually as neither tool provides automatic migration. n8n's visual builder and templates can help recreate logic.
Do Make and n8n support enterprise SSO?
Make does not offer SSO on its listed plans; it may be available on custom enterprise tiers (not specified). n8n does not advertise SSO on its starter/pro plans but can be integrated via self-hosted identity providers.
Last reviewed: May 12, 2026