Choosing n8n vs Make is not about which tool is “better.” That question is lazy.
The real question is which tool matches how you think, how you work, and how complex your automations will become over time.
Both platforms solve the same problem: connecting tools and automating workflows without heavy engineering. But they approach that problem from opposite philosophies. One optimizes for control and depth. The other optimizes for speed and approachability.
This guide breaks the decision down clearly, without hype.
What are n8n and Make?
n8n and Make (formerly Integromat) are workflow automation tools that help connect different apps and automate repetitive tasks. They act like digital glue, allowing users to sync data between platforms, send automated messages, or manage complex workflows without needing much coding. While both tools share the same goal of simplifying automation, they differ in approach, flexibility, and target users.
- n8n is an open-source, highly flexible automation platform that uses a node-based visual workflow builder. It is especially appealing to developers and technical users who want deep customization and control. n8n allows users to add custom logic with JavaScript when needed and can be self-hosted for greater privacy and ownership. For users who prefer convenience, n8n also offers a cloud-hosted version.
- Make, on the other hand, is a no-code automation tool designed with beginners in mind. It features a colorful, drag-and-drop interface that makes building workflows fast and intuitive. Make focuses on ease of use and speed, making it ideal for non-technical users, small teams, or businesses that want to automate tasks without dealing with complex configurations or code.
n8n vs Make: Quick Comparison
| Feature | n8n | Make |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Developers, technical teams, regulated industries | Beginners, marketers, non-technical users |
| Starting Price | $24 per month (2,500 executions) | $10.59 per month (10,000 credits) |
| Learning Curve | Steep, technical | Beginner-friendly |
| AI Capabilities | AI agents, RAG, AI workflow builder | Basic AI tools, limited agents |
| Native Integrations | 1,200+ | 3,000+ |
| Triggers per Workflow | Multiple | Single (workarounds required) |
| Custom Code | Full JavaScript and Python | Not supported |
| Testing Tools | Mock data, pinned data, global errors | Manual testing, per-module errors |
| Data Handling | Built-in PDF extraction | Strong text aggregation |
| Support | Email (cloud), community (self-hosted) | Email, 24/7 on Enterprise |
| Deployment | Self-hosted or cloud | Cloud only |
| Security | SOC 2, GDPR, full self-hosted control | SOC 2, GDPR (cloud-only) |
Now let’s walk through some of the key ways we can compare n8n vs Make.
1. AI Capabilities
AI-powered automation allows workflows to handle judgment, context, and unstructured data instead of relying only on rigid rules.
n8n AI Capabilities
n8n leads the space with advanced AI features:
- AI Agents: Intelligent workflow components that can make decisions, choose next steps, and interact with APIs using large language models.
- Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG): Allows workflows to pull data from internal documents or databases to generate accurate, context-aware responses.
- AI Workflow Builder (Beta): Converts natural-language prompts into complete workflows automatically.
These tools are ideal for advanced automation, customer support bots, document analysis, and intelligent decision-making.
Make AI Capabilities
Make offers useful but simpler AI tools:
- Text categorization and summarization
- Language detection and translation
- Data extraction from documents
In April 2025, Make introduced AI Agents that follow natural-language instructions within workflows. While helpful, they lack RAG support and cannot operate independently outside workflows.
2. Pricing
Pricing is one of the most important things to look at when choosing n8n vs Make, especially if you are watching your budget or expect your automations to grow over time. Both tools price their plans very differently, so understanding how they charge can save you money later.
n8n Pricing Model
n8n charges per workflow execution, regardless of how many steps the workflow contains.
- Free Community Edition: Self-hosted, unlimited executions
- Starter (Cloud): $24/month for 2,500 executions
- Enterprise: Unlimited executions
This model favors complex workflows with many steps.
Make Pricing Model
Make charges per credit, where each module (step) consumes credits.
- Free Plan: 1,000 credits/month
- Core: $10.59/month for 10,000 credits
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
This model favors simple workflows with fewer steps.
3. Ease of Use
Ease of use is where Make and n8n really start to feel different. Make focuses on simplicity, while n8n focuses on flexibility.
Make
Make is built for people who want automation without technical complexity. It uses a clean drag-and-drop interface where workflows are easy to follow. You connect apps in a straight line and move data between steps by selecting values from dropdown menus.
Built-in tools help with text formatting, calculations, and basic logic. Make also offers tutorials and helpful tips, so new users can create automations quickly without feeling lost.
n8n
n8n uses a node-based workflow builder that feels more technical. It works well for people who understand how data flows, but it can feel confusing at first.
The strength of n8n is customization. You can write JavaScript, use expressions, and build advanced logic that is not possible in most no-code tools. This gives you much more control, but it also means a steeper learning curve.
4. Integrations
Integrations allow automation tools to connect with apps like Google Drive, Slack, or your CRM. Both n8n and Make support many integrations, but the experience is different.
Make Integrations
Make offers over 3,000 native integrations. Most connections are quick and easy. You usually just log into your app and start using it without dealing with API keys or complex settings.
Because of this, Make works very well for users who rely on many tools and want to set up automations fast, especially in marketing, ecommerce, and productivity workflows.
n8n Integrations
n8n offers over 1,200 native integrations, and the list continues to grow. Setting up integrations can take more effort. Some apps require manual configuration or API credentials.
The benefit is flexibility. Because n8n is open source, you can customize integrations or build your own if needed. This is helpful for technical users or teams with special requirements.
Both platforms support API connections through HTTP request modules, so you are not limited to built-in integrations. This does require more technical knowledge.
5. Performance and Reliability
When choosing an automation tool, you want it to run smoothly and reliably.
n8n
n8n is stable and can handle heavy workflows very well, especially if you self-host it on a strong server. You control updates, server resources, and how often workflows run, which gives you flexibility. But this also means you are responsible for fixing problems if something breaks.
Make
Make is fully cloud-based, so you don’t need to worry about servers or updates. The platform is reliable, but very complex workflows with many steps can sometimes run slower. Make handles backups and uptime for you, which is convenient if you prefer not to manage servers.
If you like having control and can manage your own server, n8n can handle bigger, more complex workflows. If you want a hands-off, reliable service, Make is easier to manage.
6. Community and Support
Support can make a big difference, especially when you get stuck.
n8n
n8n has a helpful open-source community. You can ask questions on forums or join chat groups. Documentation is good, and because it’s open source, there are lots of user-created tutorials. Paid cloud users also get official support.
Make
Make has professional customer support and extensive tutorials. Because it’s a commercial platform, help is usually faster and more structured. They also have active community forums where you can find guides or ask questions.
If you enjoy learning from the community and solving problems yourself, n8n is great. If you want faster, structured support, Make might be better.
7. Which Tool Has Great Support and Security/Compliance?
When implementing critical business automations, the quality of support and adherence to security standards are essential considerations. n8n and Make take distinctly different approaches, influenced by their deployment models and target audiences.
Support: Community vs. Full-Service
- Make offers structured, tiered support designed for non-technical users: paid plans include email support, priority assistance for Pro and Teams users, and 24/7 dedicated account managers for Enterprise clients. This ensures that troubleshooting is fast and accessible, even for teams without technical expertise.
- n8n, in contrast, relies heavily on its community. Self-hosted users depend on forums and Discord channels, while cloud subscribers receive email support that varies by plan. Enterprise customers benefit from dedicated account managers and SLAs. The platform’s active developer community, along with numerous workflow templates, provides robust support for technical users but may be less accessible for non-developers.
Decision Time: Lets See Which Platform Fits You Best?
If you’re already using Make or n8n, switching might not be worth the effort unless the other platform solves a major problem for your workflow. If you’re starting fresh, your choice depends on your skills, goals, and the type of automations you need.
Go with Make if:
- You’re a beginner or prefer no-code solutions.
- You want a visual, drag-and-drop workflow builder.
- You need real-time triggers to sync apps instantly.
- You value lots of ready-made integrations that are easy to set up.
- You’re okay with paying based on operations and monitoring usage.
Go with n8n if:
- You’re technical or enjoy customizing workflows with code.
- You want a free Community Edition or pricing that scales by workflow runs, not steps.
- You need advanced features like flexible triggers, document extraction, or complex flows.
- You’re fine with a steeper learning curve in exchange for more power and control.
If you’re still unsure, you can experiment risk-free: Make’s free plan and n8n’s Community Edition let you test both platforms. Try building a workflow that mirrors your daily tasks to see which one feels more intuitive and efficient for your style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can you move from Make to n8n?
Yes, but not automatically. There is no direct way to import workflows. You must rebuild them manually in n8n. The good news is that n8n can recreate almost any Make workflow using HTTP requests and scripting.
Q2. Do I need coding knowledge?
For Make, no. Make is built for non-technical users and works fully without code. For n8n, basic technical knowledge helps. You can start without coding, but APIs and scripting unlock its real power.
Q3. Which platform is better for AI automation?
n8n. It supports advanced AI workflows, custom logic, and deeper control. Make is fine for simple AI tasks but limited for complex use cases.
Q4. Can both platforms be used together?
Yes. Some teams use Make for simple automations and n8n for complex backend workflows. This works, but only if you manage the split intentionally.
