Make vs n8n
Make (formerly Integromat) and n8n are both powerful automation platforms, but they serve different use cases. Make excels at visual no-code workflows. n8n wins on cost, data control, and customization for technical teams.
Make
Formerly Integromat
Visual automation platform with 1,000+ integrations and a powerful data transformation engine. Best for non-technical teams that need sophisticated automation without writing code.
n8n
The Open-Source Alternative
Fair-code workflow automation with self-hosting, JavaScript code nodes, and no per-operation pricing. Ideal for technical teams that need full data control and cost-effective scaling.
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of Make vs n8n key capabilities.
| Feature | Make | n8n | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Excellent | Good | Make |
| Self-Hosting | Not Available | Available | n8n |
| Native Integrations | 1,000+ | 400+ | Make |
| Custom Code | Limited | Full JavaScript | n8n |
| Pricing Model | Per Operation | Flat Rate / Free | n8n |
| Data Control | Cloud Only | Full Control | n8n |
| Free Tier | 1,000 ops/mo | Unlimited (self-hosted) | n8n |
| Scalability Cost | Expensive | Cost-Effective | n8n |
Make
Pros
- Visual, drag-and-drop scenario builder
- 1,000+ app integrations available
- Advanced data transformation with built-in functions
- Generous free tier (1,000 operations/month)
- No technical expertise required
- Real-time monitoring and error handling
- Affordable entry-level pricing
Cons
- Operation-based pricing gets expensive at scale
- No self-hosting option — data on Make servers
- Complex scenarios can hit operation limits fast
- Vendor lock-in — scenarios tied to the platform
- Limited custom code support
- GDPR compliance depends on Make infrastructure
n8n
Pros
- Self-hosting option for complete data control
- No per-operation pricing — unlimited executions
- Full JavaScript code nodes for custom logic
- Open-source with active community
- Fair-code license ensures long-term viability
- Full GDPR and compliance control
- Dramatically lower cost at scale
Cons
- Steeper learning curve than Make
- Self-hosted version requires infrastructure management
- Fewer native integrations than Make
- Community support only (unless on Enterprise)
- Must manage your own backups and updates
Pricing Comparison
Make charges per operation. n8n charges per execution or nothing (self-hosted).
| Plan | Make | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 1,000 ops/month | Unlimited (self-hosted) |
| Core (~$9/mo) | 10,000 ops | N/A |
| Pro (~$16/mo) | 10,000 ops + AI tools | N/A |
| Teams (~$29/mo) | 10,000 ops + collab | N/A |
| n8n Starter (~$20/mo) | N/A | 2,500 executions |
| n8n Pro (~$50/mo) | N/A | Unlimited + support |
Decision Framework
Which platform fits your situation?
Non-technical team needing quick automations
Superior visual builder and intuitive interface
High-volume operations (100K+ ops/month)
No per-operation pricing saves thousands monthly
Enterprise with data compliance requirements
Self-hosting provides full data sovereignty
Complex data transformation pipelines
Built-in functions and data mapping tools excel here
Developer-led automation team
Code nodes enable unlimited custom logic
Budget-constrained startup
Free self-hosted tier with no operation limits
Choose Make If...
- Your team has no developers
- You need fast setup without technical friction
- You rely on niche app integrations
- Your volume stays under 50K ops/month
- You want sophisticated data transformations visually
Choose n8n If...
- Data privacy and GDPR compliance matter
- You run high-volume automations
- You have a developer on the team
- You want to avoid vendor lock-in
- Cost predictability at scale is critical
Need Help Choosing?
We'll evaluate your workflows, volume, and compliance requirements and implement the right platform end-to-end.