n8n vs Make
n8n wins on self-hosting, custom code, and predictable cost; Make wins on ease of use and prebuilt integrations.
Both are powerful visual automation platforms, but they aim at different users. Here's how n8n and Make compare on hosting, extensibility, integrations, pricing, and who each is really for.
you want to self-host for data control, write custom code inside workflows, and keep costs predictable as you scale.
Try n8n Freeyou want the friendliest no-code builder and the largest library of prebuilt app integrations out of the box.
Try Make Freen8n vs Make: Side by Side
| n8n | Make | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free self-host (Cloud from ~$20/mo) | Free (paid from ~$10/mo) |
| Best for | Developers & self-hosting | No-code visual builders |
| Hosting | ✓Self-host or cloud | Cloud only |
| Integrations | 400+ (plus HTTP & code) | ✓2,000+ |
| Ease of use | Steeper, dev-oriented | ✓Friendly visual canvas |
| Custom code | ✓First-class (JS/Python nodes) | Limited |
| Data control | ✓Full (source-available) | Vendor-hosted |
| Free plan | ✓Free self-host | Yes (limited) |
Head to Head
Hosting & data control
Winner: n8nn8n is source-available and can be self-hosted, so sensitive data never leaves your infrastructure. Make is cloud-only — simpler to start, but you don't control where data runs.
Integrations
Winner: MakeMake ships more prebuilt app connectors — around 2,000 vs n8n's 400+. n8n closes some of the gap with generic HTTP and code nodes, but Make wins for plug-and-play coverage.
Ease of use
Winner: MakeMake's polished visual canvas is friendlier for non-developers. n8n's builder is capable but assumes more technical comfort, especially once you add code.
Extensibility & code
Winner: n8nn8n treats custom code as first-class — JavaScript and Python nodes let you do almost anything. Make's scripting is far more limited, so complex custom logic favors n8n.
Pricing & value
Winner: n8nSelf-hosted n8n is free aside from your own server, and its cloud pricing is execution-based and predictable. Make's per-operation pricing can climb as workflows grow.
AI features
Winner: TieBoth offer AI nodes and agent-style workflows. n8n leans more AI-native for developers, while Make packages AI steps more simply — neither has a decisive edge.
The Verdict
For developers who want data control, custom code, and predictable cost, n8n is the stronger platform — see our n8n review. For non-technical teams who value the easiest builder and the widest integration library, Make wins — see our Make review. Compare the rest of the field in the best AI automation tools roundup.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is n8n or Make better?
- n8n is better for developers who want to self-host, write custom code, and keep costs predictable. Make is better for non-technical users who want the easiest visual builder and the most prebuilt integrations.
- Is n8n cheaper than Make?
- Often, yes. Self-hosted n8n is free apart from your server costs, and its cloud plans are execution-based. Make's per-operation pricing can be more expensive as your automation volume grows.
- Can n8n be self-hosted?
- Yes — n8n is source-available and can run on your own server, which is its biggest advantage over cloud-only Make for teams with data-privacy requirements.
- Which has more integrations?
- Make has more prebuilt connectors (around 2,000 vs n8n's 400+). n8n narrows the gap with flexible HTTP and code nodes, but Make leads for out-of-the-box coverage.
n8n or Make? Try Them Free
Both offer a free way to start — the best way to decide is to test the one that fits your workflow.
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