The n8n vs Make.com comparison is increasingly relevant as businesses look for more control over their automation workflows without paying Zapier’s premium pricing. Both tools handle complex multi-step automations, but they serve different needs.
What Is n8n?
n8n is an open-source workflow automation tool that you can self-host on your own server. It has a visual node-based editor similar to Make.com, supports over 400 integrations, and allows custom code in JavaScript or Python within workflows. Because it is open-source and self-hosted, there are no per-operation costs — you pay only for hosting.
What Is Make.com?
Make.com (formerly Integromat) is a cloud-based automation platform with a visual flowchart interface. It handles complex workflows, supports branching logic and error handling, and starts at $9 per month for 10,000 operations. Unlike n8n, everything runs on Make.com’s servers with no infrastructure to manage.
n8n vs Make.com: Key Differences
Hosting
n8n can run on your own VPS for as little as $5–$10 per month with unlimited workflows and executions. Make.com is cloud-hosted with no infrastructure overhead. n8n also offers a cloud version, but self-hosting is the main value proposition.
Pricing
Self-hosted n8n is essentially free (you pay only for server costs). Make.com’s free tier allows 1,000 operations per month; paid plans start at $9/month. For high-volume automations, n8n is dramatically cheaper.
Technical Complexity
n8n requires comfort with Linux servers, Docker, and basic DevOps for self-hosting. Make.com is entirely managed — set it up in minutes with no server knowledge.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose n8n if: you handle high operation volumes, want full data sovereignty, or have a technical team comfortable with server management. Choose Make.com if: you need fast setup, prefer not to manage infrastructure, and your volumes fit within their pricing tiers.
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N8n vs Make: frequently asked questions
Is n8n cheaper than Make?
Self-hosted n8n can be cheaper at high volume. In the n8n vs Make comparison, Make is easier for non-technical teams and needs no server.
Which is better for AI workflows, n8n vs Make?
Both connect to AI models. n8n offers more code control, while Make has a simpler visual builder.
Further reading
Read the n8n documentation.
