Comparison
Make vs n8n
Make and n8n both use a visual canvas to build multi-step automations. Make is a hosted service with a large catalogue of ready-made app modules, while n8n can be self-hosted and lets you drop into code whenever you need to.
vs
Short answer
Choose Make for hosted convenience and n8n for control. Both handle complex, branching workflows well.
Updated
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Quick verdict
Pick Make if…
you want a hosted visual builder with many pre-built app connectors and no servers to manage.
Pick n8n if…
you want to self-host, keep data on your own infrastructure or mix code with visual steps.
Key differences
Checked on each maker's own site on 14 October 2026. Plans and limits change, so confirm before you sign up.
| Difference | Make | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Where it runs | In the cloud, run by Make. | Paid n8n cloud plans, or a free self-hosted version on your own server. |
| What counts toward your plan | Credits: most actions a scenario performs use 1 credit. | Executions: one full run of a workflow, however many steps it has. |
| Source code | Closed source. | Published under n8n's fair-code licence, so you can read and self-host it. |
| Free option | 1,000 credits a month on the Free plan. | The self-hosted version is free to run. |
Make vs n8n at a glance
| Feature | Make | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Type | No-Code Tool | Automation Tool |
| Pricing | Freemium | Freemium |
| Our rating | 4.5 | 4.6 |
| Platforms | Web | Web, Linux, macOS, Windows, Cross-Platform |
| Best for | Freelancers, Small Businesses, Marketers, Developers | Developers, Entrepreneurs, Small Businesses, Teams, Marketers |
| Key features | Automation, Integrations, API, Analytics | Automation, API, Integrations, AI, Privacy Focused, Team Features |
| Works offline | No | Yes |
| Learning curve | Intermediate | Advanced |
Pros and cons
Make
- Powerful branching logic
- Good value per operation
- Steeper learning curve
- Canvas gets busy fast
n8n
- Self-hosting keeps data private
- Handles complex branching logic
- Strong AI workflow support
- Steeper learning curve than Zapier
- Self-hosting needs maintenance
Who it suits: Technical builders who want automation without per-task pricing.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Make free?
- Make has a free plan, with paid plans that unlock more features or usage.
- Is n8n free?
- n8n has a free plan, with paid plans that unlock more features or usage.
- Which is easier to learn, Make or n8n?
- Make is rated intermediate, while n8n is rated advanced, so Make is usually quicker to pick up.
- Do Make and n8n work on the same platforms?
- Both are available on Web. Make lists Web; n8n lists Web, Linux, macOS, Windows, Cross-Platform.
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