Which is cheaper, Make or n8n?

At low usage there's not much in it. At volume n8n usually works out cheaper, especially if you self-host: then you only pay for the server. Make charges per operation, which adds up with busy workflows.

Which is easier for a beginner?

Make has a slightly friendlier start and a clear editor. n8n is a bit more technical, but gives you more room later. Anyone who wants to get further than simple connections is better served by n8n in the long run.

Switching is possible, but you don't simply rebuild workflows one-to-one. So choose deliberately up front, especially if you expect to grow in volume or complexity.

Guide · 1 min read

Make vs n8n: which automation tool do you choose?

Make or n8n? An honest comparison on price, learning curve, self-hosting, AI and data control, so you choose based on your situation, not on the hype.

Make (formerly Integromat) and n8n are both strong no-code tools for connecting systems. They look alike, but the choice makes a difference in the long run. Here's the honest comparison, without picking a camp, because the right answer depends on your situation.

In one table

Point	Make	n8n
Learning curve	Friendly, visual	A bit more technical
Pricing model	Per operation	Per execution, or free self-hosted
Self-hosting	No	Yes
Data under your control	Limited	Full (self-hosted)
AI capabilities	Present	Extensive, incl. agents
Flexibility for tricky steps	Good	Very good (custom code possible)

When Make

Choose Make if you're just starting out, mainly want to make simple connections and like a clean visual editor. It's pleasant tooling for seeing results quickly without a technical barrier. For many smaller automations it's more than enough.

When n8n

Choose n8n if one of these things matters to you:

Your data has to stay within your own environment → self-hosting is then decisive
You expect a lot of volume and don't want to pay per operation
You want to get seriously to work with AI in your workflows
You often run into "this almost works but not quite" moments and want room to keep building

In practice we often advise SMEs to go with n8n, precisely because you won't quickly outgrow it. But if your needs stay simple, Make is a fine choice that gets you going faster.

Don't feel like choosing?

We get it. The tool choice matters less than a workflow that genuinely works and keeps working. We'll take a look at your situation, advise honestly which tool fits, and build it for you if you want. Want to try it yourself first? Start with the n8n tutorial.