Make vs n8n
Which should you use? A side-by-side look at what each one does, who it suits, what it costs, how hard it is to set up, and where each falls short.
AI tool · Freemium
A visual automation platform for building multi-step workflows between apps, including AI steps.
AI tool · Freemium
A workflow automation tool with strong AI and agent nodes, available as a cloud service or self-hosted.
Our verdict
Make and n8n both build multi-step automations between apps, including AI steps, so they overlap a lot. Make is a hosted visual builder aimed at people who want complex workflows without managing infrastructure, and it is listed as cost-conscious. n8n is strongest for technical teams that want to self-host, write code steps in JavaScript or Python, or build AI agents, though its source-available licence means checking the terms before commercial use.
Pick Make if you want a hosted visual builder for complex, branching workflows and prefer not to run your own server.
Pick n8n if you want to self-host your automations, add code steps, or build AI agents and your team is comfortable with technical tools.
| Key difference | Make | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Best at | Visual scenario builder with routers, branching, and error handling. | Node-based editor with AI agent nodes and self-hosting options. |
| Hosting | Web-based only, hosted by Make. | Cloud service or self-hosted on your own infrastructure. |
| Custom code | Built-in modules; code steps not listed as a strength. | Code steps in JavaScript or Python are a listed strength. |
| Licence | Standard hosted service; no licence caveat noted. | Source-available (fair-code), not OSI open source; read terms for commercial use. |
| Learning curve | Visual builder has a learning curve, but is approachable for non-coders. | Powerful and flexible, geared toward technical teams. |
Written with AI from both products' catalogue entries · updated 2026-10-29
Who each one is for
Choose Make if you need…
- Complex visual workflows
- Cost-conscious automation
Choose n8n if you need…
- Self-hosted automation
- Technical teams building AI agents and workflows
Side-by-side
| Make | n8n | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | No-code & automation · Workflow automation | No-code & automation · Workflow automation |
| Price | Freemium | Freemium |
| Platforms | Web | Web, Self-hosted |
| Works with | Google Workspace, Slack, Shopify, Notion | Slack, Google Workspace, Notion |
| Hands-on tested by us | Not yet | Not yet |
| Last checked | 2026-10-29 | 2026-10-29 |
What each one is
Make
A visual automation platform for building multi-step workflows between apps, including AI steps. More flexible than simple trigger-action tools for branching logic. The visual builder has a learning curve.
n8n
A workflow automation tool with strong AI and agent nodes, available as a cloud service or self-hosted. Powerful and flexible, especially self-hosted. Its licence is source-available (fair-code) rather than OSI open source, so read the terms for commercial use.
Best for
Make
- Complex visual workflows
- Cost-conscious automation
n8n
- Self-hosted automation
- Technical teams building AI agents and workflows
Strengths
Make
- Visual scenario builder
- Routers and branching
- AI modules
- Error handling and scheduling
n8n
- Node-based workflow editor
- AI agent nodes
- Code steps in JavaScript or Python
- Self-hosting
Frequently asked questions
Should I use Make or n8n?
Make and n8n both build multi-step automations between apps, including AI steps, so they overlap a lot. Make is a hosted visual builder aimed at people who want complex workflows without managing infrastructure, and it is listed as cost-conscious. n8n is strongest for technical teams that want to self-host, write code steps in JavaScript or Python, or build AI agents, though its source-available licence means checking the terms before commercial use. Pick Make if you want a hosted visual builder for complex, branching workflows and prefer not to run your own server. Pick n8n if you want to self-host your automations, add code steps, or build AI agents and your team is comfortable with technical tools.
What is the difference between Make and n8n?
Make: A visual automation platform for building multi-step workflows between apps, including AI steps. n8n: A workflow automation tool with strong AI and agent nodes, available as a cloud service or self-hosted. Make suits complex visual workflows, while n8n suits self-hosted automation.
Are Make and n8n free?
Make: Freemium. n8n: Freemium.
What are other alternatives to Make and n8n?
Other options people compare them with include Zapier, Pipedream, IFTTT, Microsoft Power Automate, Airtable.
Keep comparing
Built from our catalogue entries for both products: open-source details come from each project's README (AI-assisted, refreshed weekly) and GitHub data; AI-tool details are editorial. Spotted something wrong? Let us know from either product's page.