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.
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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.
Choose Make for hosted convenience and n8n for control. Both handle complex, branching workflows well.
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, Open Source, 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.