Feature comparison
| Feature | n8n | Make | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| License | Excellent Fair-code, source available | Fair Proprietary SaaS | n8n |
| Self-hosting | Excellent Docker/K8s | Poor Cloud only | n8n |
| Integrations | Good 400+ | Excellent 1,700+ | Make |
| Visual builder | Good Node-based | Excellent Best in class | Make |
| Code nodes | Excellent JS + Python | Good JS only via tools | n8n |
| Pricing (cloud) | Good $20+/mo | Excellent $9+/mo | Make |
| Pricing (self-host) | Excellent Free | Poor N/A | n8n |
| Templates | Good 800+ | Excellent 7,000+ | Make |
| Branching | Excellent IF/Switch nodes | Excellent Routers + aggregators | Tie |
| Community | Excellent Active forum, GitHub | Good Make Academy | n8n |
Choose n8n if…
- ✓You want self-hosted automation
- ✓You need code-level customization
- ✓You prefer open source
- ✓You want the cheapest at scale
- ✓You write Python in workflows
Choose Make if…
- ✓You want zero infrastructure
- ✓You need the prettiest visual UX
- ✓You need 1,000+ integrations
- ✓You build complex scenarios fast
- ✓You want the cheapest cloud tier
Our recommendation
Pick n8n if you need self-hosting or write code in your workflows. Pick Make if you want the smoothest visual builder and do not want to manage infrastructure.
How to choose the right platform
Choosing between automation platforms isn't just about features — it's about matching the tool to your team's technical capability, budget constraints, and specific use cases. The "best" platform is the one your team will actually use consistently.
Decision framework
Ask these questions before committing to a platform:
- Who will build the automations? Non-technical users need visual builders (Zapier, Make). Developers prefer code-first tools (n8n, custom).
- How complex are your workflows? Simple A→B integrations work on any platform. Multi-step, branching workflows need Make or n8n.
- Do you need AI/LLM capabilities? Only n8n has native LangChain integration for AI agent workflows.
- What's your data sensitivity? If data must stay on your servers, only self-hosted options (n8n) qualify.
Migration considerations
Switching platforms after building 100+ workflows is painful. Factor in migration cost when choosing — it's worth paying slightly more upfront for the right platform than saving money now and facing a 6-month migration later.
Sources: G2 Grid Reports, "Automation Platform Comparison" (2025). TrustRadius, "Buyer's Guide to Workflow Automation" (2025). Product-led benchmarks sourced from vendor documentation and community forums.
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