Comparison
n8n vs Make
Quick Answer
Make is the faster starting point for teams that want a fully managed, visual automation builder with no infrastructure to manage. n8n is the better fit if you want the option to self-host, need custom code steps alongside the visual builder, or expect high automation volume where self-hosted costs beat per-task pricing.
| n8n | Make | |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Cloud or self-hosted | Cloud only |
| Visual builder | Yes, node-based canvas | Yes, node-based canvas |
| Custom code steps | Yes — JavaScript/Python nodes built in | Limited — custom functions in select modules |
| Technical requirement | Moderate to advanced | Moderate |
| Best for AI/agent workflows | Strong — popular choice for custom AI agent pipelines | Good — native AI app integrations |
| Cost model | Self-hosted: infrastructure cost. Cloud: usage-based | Usage-based (operations) |
| Maintenance | Self-hosted requires you to manage uptime/updates | Fully managed |
What is n8n?
n8n is an open-source workflow automation tool that can be self-hosted on your own infrastructure or used via n8n's cloud offering. It supports visual, node-based workflow building, and — unlike most no-code platforms — lets you drop into JavaScript or Python code nodes for logic the visual builder can't express, which makes it a common choice for more technical teams and custom AI agent workflows.
What is Make?
Make (formerly Integromat) is a fully managed, cloud-only visual automation platform. It uses a node-based canvas that supports branching, routing, and iteration in more complex patterns than simpler linear automation tools, while staying entirely no-code.
Key differences
Ease of use
n8n
Steeper learning curve, especially if you use code nodes — but the visual builder alone is approachable.
Make
Generally easier to pick up; the visual canvas is designed for non-developers from the start.
Flexibility
n8n
Highest of the two — visual builder plus full code access when the visual tools hit a limit.
Make
High — branching and complex routing are well supported, but there's no code escape hatch.
Integrations
n8n
Strong library plus generic HTTP/API nodes for anything not natively supported.
Make
Large integration library, particularly strong for complex API-based workflows.
Scalability
n8n
Self-hosting can be more economical at high volume, but you own the infrastructure.
Make
Scales well but cost grows with usage on a fully managed, usage-based model.
Technical requirements
n8n
Self-hosting requires someone to manage deployment, updates, and uptime.
Make
None — Make handles all infrastructure.
Security considerations
n8n
Self-hosting gives you full control over data residency and access — useful for stricter compliance needs.
Make
Data resides on Make's infrastructure under their security and compliance terms.
Best For — n8n
Teams with some technical capability (in-house or via a partner) who want control over hosting and cost at scale, or who need custom code logic and complex AI-agent-style workflows.
Limitations
- Self-hosting means you're responsible for uptime, security patches, and updates
- Steeper learning curve for teams without any technical background
Best For — Make
Teams that want a powerful visual builder without managing any infrastructure, and are comfortable with a usage-based pricing model as automation volume grows.
Limitations
- No code-node escape hatch for logic the visual builder can't express
- Cloud-only — no option to self-host for data residency or cost control at scale
How to choose
- If you have (or can access) technical capability and want control over hosting and cost, lean n8n
- If you want zero infrastructure to manage and a gentler learning curve, lean Make
- If you're planning complex AI agent workflows with custom logic, n8n's code nodes are a real advantage
- If your priority is getting something running quickly with minimal setup, Make is usually faster to a working first version
Common Questions
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