This article breaks down how n8n and Make stack up across ten core areas. Both platforms automate workflows by connecting various apps—cutting the need for heavy coding. But they serve different users and needs for n8n vs make vs zapier.
What Are n8n and Make?
At their core, n8n and Make help you glue together apps and services, automating tasks like syncing data, sending emails, or managing business processes—without needing a coding bootcamp. Same goal, very different paths.
- n8n: Open-source, flexible, node-based. Best for users who want power, customization, and don’t mind some code.
- Make: No-code, colorful drag-and-drop builder. Fast setup, broad integrations, beginner-friendly.
How Do They Compare on AI Capabilities?
n8n AI agents and RAG systems
Why AI Matters Here
AI in automation isn’t just fancy; it lets workflows handle messy data, make decisions, or understand human language. But AI complexity can add unpredictability.
n8n’s Edge
- AI Agents that act like mini-experts, handling inquiries and adapting on the fly.
- Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) pulls real-time data from documents or databases to boost automation smarts.
These techs power workflows that think almost like a person—great for nuanced tasks beyond simple if-this-then-that rules.
Make’s AI Tools
Make covers basics: text classification, language detection, data extraction, summarization, and translation. Helpful, but lacks autonomous AI brains.
The Bottom Line
Want AI to handle complexity? n8n leads with deep tools. Need reliable, simpler AI? Make’s your minimal viable option. Remember: AI ups power and cost, but also error risk.
What Are the Pricing Differences?
n8n Pay per Workflow Execution pricing
n8n Pricing Model
- Pricing on workflow executions—each full run counts as one unit, regardless of internal steps.
- Free self-hosted Community Edition with unlimited executions if you’ve got infrastructure or dev chops.
- Paid cloud plans scale with usage but start competitively.
Best for high-volume, complex workflows where paying per full automation run trims costs.
Make Pay per Operation pricing
- Based on operations—each action like triggers or steps counts separately.
- Free tier for light use.
- Paid tiers boost operation allowances and add team features.
Great if your workflows are smaller, less complex, or you want managed hosting.
Takeaway
n8n’s free self-hosted plan can save you serious cash if you have the tech resources. Make fits lighter workloads and teams valuing ready-to-go simplicity.
Which Platform Is Easier to Use?
Make no-code drag-and-drop interface
Make’s No-Code Accessibility
- Drag, drop, and color-code your way to automation.
- Simple data mapping. No coding required.
- Guided tutorials and tooltips help you cruise through setup.
Great for anyone new to automation or non-technical.
n8n’s Technical Flexibility
- Node-based visual builder but expect to deal with JavaScript options.
- Expressions and scripting add complexity but also power.
You’ll pay with time to learn—developers and tech-savvy users get richer control.
Tip: Beginners, go Make for quick wins. Developers, lean on n8n for customization freedom.
How Extensive Are Integrations?
Make 2,000+ native integrations
- Over 2,000 native integrations — Google Drive, Shopify, Salesforce — all mostly plug-and-play. Setup’s often just sign in and authenticate.
n8n 1,000+ native integrations
- More than 1,000 native integrations, continuously expanding thanks to its open-source community. Requires more manual setup but boosts flexibility with custom connectors.
API Access
Both platforms allow custom API calls, perfect if the native library misses your app. This demands technical know-how but unlocks total flexibility.
What Are the Differences in Workflow Triggers?
- n8n multiple triggers per workflow lets you fire off a workflow from multiple triggers simultaneously—think email receipt plus button press launching the same automation.
- Make single trigger per workflow sticks to a single trigger per workflow, which means more workflows or complex workarounds but simpler trigger options.
Bottom line: n8n fits complex start scenarios better, Make keeps triggers clean and straightforward.
How Are Testing and Debugging Handled?
n8n advanced testing and debugging tools
- Pin data or mock inputs to test specific parts repeatedly.
- Global error triggers catch and manage faults in one place.
- Deep logs with stack traces for serious troubleshooting.
Ideal for complex workflows where bugs mean setbacks.
Make manual testing and error handling
- Manual triggers and JSON parsing often used for testing.
- Error handling needs to be built per module.
- Limited debug details, can slow down fixing issues.
If you want faster, automated debugging, n8n pulls ahead.
What About Functionality and Customization?
Make’s No-Code Focus
- Ready functions for dates, strings, logic gates, all visual.
- No custom code embed—limits heavy custom logic.
n8n’s Developer Playground
- Code editor inside workflows, plus AI tools.
- Dynamic expressions for smart logic without full scripts.
If your workflow demands unique logic or AI smarts, n8n gives you room to breathe.
How Do They Handle Data?
Make Tackles Data Aggregation
Excels at bundling info from multiple sources into neat outputs. Perfect for daily summaries or batch reports.
n8n Masters Document Extraction
Built-in tools pull data from PDFs or complex documents—all native, no extra plugins. Key for legal, finance, or ops workflows.
What This Means
Make is your go-to for text-heavy, combined data. n8n rules documents and tricky extraction.
How Is Workflow Management Structured?
Make routers for multi-path workflows
Split one workflow into multiple conditional paths—great for handling different order types or customer routes in one place.
n8n merges, loops, and extended wait steps
- Merge nodes bring paths back together.
- Loops repeat actions until conditions are met.
- Extended waits handle long-term delays, follow-ups, or monitoring.
n8n wins when your process needs timing control or looping power.
What Organizational Features Are Available?
- Make unlimited folders for workflow organization lets you create unlimited folders at every pricing level. Organize by project, client, or theme without extra cost.
- n8n limited folders in lower tiers limits folder use on free and low tiers, which can be a pain if you juggle many workflows.
Activating workflows is simpler in n8n with a toggle right on the workflow page. Make requires navigation away to enable or disable workflows, which might slow teams down.
FAQ
What types of users are best suited for n8n and Make?
n8n is best for users comfortable with technical customization and scripting, while Make is ideal for beginners or those preferring no-code drag-and-drop interfaces.
How do AI capabilities differ between n8n and Make?
n8n offers advanced AI agents and RAG systems for complex automation, whereas Make covers basic AI tasks like text classification and translation without autonomous AI.
What are the main pricing differences between n8n and Make?
n8n charges per full workflow execution with a free self-hosted option; Make pricing is based on per operation counts with free and paid tiers.
How do workflow triggers vary on both platforms?
n8n allows multiple triggers per workflow for more complex start scenarios, while Make restricts to a single trigger per workflow, simplifying management but requiring workarounds for multiple triggers.
Decision Guide: Choosing the Right Platform
- Pick Make if you want instant, no-code automations, extensive integrations, simple triggers, and don’t mind paying per step.
- Choose n8n if you’re comfortable with tech layers, need AI-backed features, flexible triggers, document extraction, or plan complex scaling.
- Already using one? Stick if it fits. Switching only makes sense for distinct functionality gaps.
Sexy-smart stat: n8n’s free self-hosted option can save up to 75% on automation costs for high-volume users. Trying both free tiers is the smartest move to find your fit, especially for n8n vs make vs zapier.
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