n8n vs Make
Compare n8n and Make on pricing, self-hosting, complexity handling, AI capability and operations cost.
These two are closer competitors than n8n and Zapier. Both handle complex logic well, both are visual, and both are considerably cheaper than Zapier at volume.
The deciding factors are usually self-hosting and how your operations cost scales.
How they compare
| Criterion | n8n | Make |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Server cost, unlimited executions | Per operation, each module counts |
| Self-hosting | Yes | No |
| Visual clarity | Good; node-based canvas | Excellent; arguably the best canvas available |
| Loops and arrays | Native, no per-item cost | Iterators — each item is a billable operation |
| App coverage | ~1,100 nodes plus HTTP | ~2,000 apps plus HTTP |
| AI capability | Native LangChain, agents, vector stores | AI modules, less depth |
| Code flexibility | Full JavaScript and Python nodes | Limited inline functions |
| Best for | Technical teams, high volume, data control | Visual thinkers, moderate volume, no ops overhead |
What we'd tell you on a call
Choose Make when
You want a superb visual canvas, don't want to manage infrastructure, and your scenarios don't loop over large arrays. The interface is genuinely excellent for mapping complex flows.
Choose n8n when
You process large batches, need self-hosting, or want serious AI capability. Iterator-heavy Make scenarios are exactly where operation costs escalate fastest.
Frequently asked questions
Why is our Make bill so high?
Almost certainly iterators. Each item processed in a loop is a billable operation, so a nightly job over 500 rows costs 15,000 operations a month. Aggregating and calling the destination in bulk usually fixes it.
Other comparisons
n8n vs Zapier
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Zapier vs Make
Compare Zapier and Make on cost, ease of use, app coverage and how each handles complex multi-step logic.
n8n vs Zapier vs Make
Side-by-side comparison of the three major automation platforms — pricing, capability, hosting, AI support and which fits your situation.
Still not sure which to pick?
Book the free audit. We'll look at your actual volumes and complexity and tell you which platform fits — including when the answer is to change nothing.
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