n8n vs Make: Which Automation Tool to Choose

n8n and Make: what they are

Make (formerly Integromat) is a visual cloud automation service: you build a scenario from ready blocks without code. n8n is a more flexible open-source platform you can deploy on your own server (self-hosting) and extend with code.

Both solve the same task — connect your services and automate routine. But they suit different businesses.

The key difference between n8n and Make

• Hosting: Make is cloud-only; n8n is cloud or your own server
• Pricing: Make charges per operation; self-hosted n8n is a fixed server cost
• Flexibility: n8n allows custom code and complex logic; Make is simpler but more limited
• Entry barrier: Make is faster to start without a technical team

When to choose Make

• You need an integration fast without developers
• Ready-made modules for popular services are enough
• Small operation volumes
• You do not want to administer a server

When to choose n8n

• Data control and self-hosting matter
• You need custom functions, code, complex logic
• High volumes where cloud pricing gets expensive
• You want to avoid vendor lock-in

Cost comparison: operations vs server

Make charges by number of operations. Cheap at first, but as automations multiply the bill grows fast and unpredictably. Self-hosted n8n has a fixed cost regardless of operations — so at scale it is far cheaper.

Security and data control

If you handle sensitive client data, self-hosted n8n keeps everything on your server — data does not go to a third-party cloud provider. For privacy-sensitive businesses this is often the deciding argument.

What to choose for your scenario

• First pilot, simple scenarios → Make: faster and simpler
• Many automations, data control → n8n
• Scaling up → start with Make, migrate to n8n when volume makes the cloud expensive

Often the optimal setup combines both: Make for quick integrations, n8n for complex logic and sensitive data.

FAQ

Is n8n free?

n8n itself is open-source and free, but self-hosting needs a server and setup. There is also a paid cloud version.

Is Make or n8n easier for a beginner?

Make. It has a lower entry barrier and more out-of-the-box modules.

Can you move scenarios from Make to n8n?

There is no direct import, but the logic is easy to recreate. Migration is usually done in stages.