n8n vs Make.com (2026) — Honest Comparison
n8n and Make.com are both visual, node-based automation platforms — but they attract very different users. n8n is an open-source tool built for developers who want maximum flexibility, self-hosting control, and the ability to write custom JavaScript or Python inside workflows. Make.com is a fully managed cloud platform that targets teams and businesses who need powerful automation without managing infrastructure.
Both tools have generous free tiers, thousands of app integrations, and visual drag-and-drop workflow builders. This guide breaks down where each one wins, so you can choose the right platform for your stack.
What Is n8n?
n8n (pronounced "nodemation") is a fair-code licensed workflow automation tool. The core engine is open source and can be self-hosted on your own server — you pay nothing for the software itself. n8n's defining feature is its Code node, which lets you drop into JavaScript or Python mid-workflow, enabling transformations, custom API calls, and logic that other automation platforms cannot handle. It integrates with over 400 apps natively, and because it is self-hosted, sensitive data never leaves your infrastructure.
n8n also offers a managed cloud option — n8n Cloud — that removes the need for server management while still giving you access to the full feature set. Pricing starts at $20/month for the Starter plan (2,500 workflow executions per month).
What Is Make.com?
Make.com (formerly Integromat) is a cloud-native visual automation platform that competes directly with Zapier, but with a more powerful workflow model. Instead of simple linear "triggers → actions," Make uses a fully visual canvas where you can create branches, loops, filters, iterators, and complex multi-path scenarios. It connects to over 1,800 apps and services, making it one of the most integration-rich platforms available.
Make's free plan gives you 1,000 operations per month across unlimited scenarios. Paid plans start at $9/month, making it one of the most affordable options for teams looking to automate repetitive business processes without writing code.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | n8n | Make.com |
|---|---|---|
| Open Source / Self-Hosted | Yes — full self-hosting option | Cloud only (no self-hosting) |
| Free Plan | Self-hosted: unlimited; Cloud: 2,500 exec/mo | 1,000 ops/mo, unlimited scenarios |
| Starting Paid Price | $20/mo (n8n Cloud Starter) | $9/mo (Core plan) |
| App Integrations | 400+ native nodes | 1,800+ app integrations |
| Workflow Model | Node-based canvas with code nodes | Visual canvas with branches & loops |
| Custom Code | JavaScript & Python inside nodes | Limited (HTTP + filters only) |
| Data Privacy | Self-host keeps data on your servers | Data processed on Make's servers |
| Ease of Use | Steeper learning curve (developer-first) | Beginner-friendly visual builder |
| AI / LLM Nodes | Native LangChain & AI agent nodes | OpenAI integration via HTTP |
| Error Handling | Granular per-node retry & error routes | Scenario-level error handling |
| Execution Speed | Faster (self-hosted, no queue limits) | Cloud-dependent, queue on free plan |
| Team Collaboration | Available on paid plans | Included from Core plan upwards |
| Templates | Community templates (growing library) | 1,000+ official scenario templates |
| Webhooks | Unlimited on self-hosted | Included, rate-limited by plan |
| Support | Community forum + email (cloud plans) | Priority support on higher plans |
Pricing in Detail
n8n pricing (cloud):
- Community (self-hosted): Free — unlimited executions, all features, you manage the server
- Starter: $20/month — 2,500 executions/mo, 5 active workflows, n8n Cloud managed hosting
- Pro: $50/month — 10,000 executions/mo, unlimited active workflows, custom variables
- Enterprise: Custom pricing — SSO, audit logs, dedicated infrastructure
Make.com pricing:
- Free: 1,000 operations/month, unlimited scenarios, 5-minute scheduling interval
- Core: $9/month — 10,000 ops/mo, 1-minute scheduling, unlimited scenarios
- Pro: $16/month — 10,000 ops/mo + custom variables, full execution history, priority execution
- Teams: $29/month — shared team access, team-wide logs
- Enterprise: Custom — SSO, advanced roles, SLA
For most teams on a budget, Make.com's Core plan at $9/month is dramatically cheaper than n8n Cloud for a comparable workload. If you can self-host n8n, however, the cost advantage flips entirely — you pay only server costs, typically $5–$10/month on a VPS.
When to Use n8n
- Developer-led teams — you need custom JavaScript or Python logic inside automations
- Data-sensitive workflows — GDPR, healthcare, or finance use cases where data must stay on your servers
- AI agent pipelines — n8n has native LangChain nodes and AI agent support for building LLM-powered workflows
- High-volume automation — self-hosting removes per-execution cost limits entirely
- Complex API integrations — calling internal or undocumented APIs with full code control
- Cost control at scale — if you can manage infrastructure, n8n self-hosted is near-free
When to Use Make.com
- Non-technical teams — marketing, operations, and sales teams who need powerful automation without code
- Maximum app coverage — Make's 1,800+ integrations cover more SaaS tools out of the box
- Business process automation — approvals, CRM syncing, lead routing, and multi-step workflows with branches
- Quick setup — launch a working scenario in minutes using Make's template library
- Budget-conscious cloud users — $9/month beats most cloud-based automation competitors
- Reliable managed infrastructure — no DevOps overhead, automatic updates, and uptime monitoring
Verdict
n8n is the right choice if you have developer resources, need custom code in workflows, or must keep data on your own servers. The self-hosted option makes it essentially free at scale, and its native AI/LLM nodes are ahead of the competition for building intelligent automations.
Make.com wins for teams that want powerful, visual automation without managing infrastructure. Its $9/month starting price, 1,800+ integrations, and beginner-friendly canvas make it one of the best-value automation platforms available. If you are migrating from Zapier or need to automate business workflows quickly, Make.com is the stronger starting point.
The honest answer: many developer-led companies use n8n for internal, code-heavy workflows and Make.com for business-team automations — they are complementary, not mutually exclusive.