Make vs n8n
Both are strong picks for automation, but they make different trade-offs. Here is the honest breakdown for 2026.
| At a glance | Make | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $9/mo | $24/mo |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | No | Yes |
| Best for | Complex multi-step automations | Self-hosted automation |
| Platforms | Web, API | Self-hosted, Cloud, API |
| Launched | 2012 | 2019 |
Make
Automation
Visual automation canvas with powerful branching and data tools at a fraction of Zapier's cost per operation.
Strengths
- + Visual branching and error handling
- + Much cheaper per operation than Zapier
- + Generous free tier
Weaknesses
- − Learning curve for non-technical users
- − Fewer app integrations than Zapier
Pick Make over n8n if: you mainly need complex multi-step automations.
n8n
Automation
Source-available workflow automation you can self-host: unlimited executions, code when you need it, AI-native.
Strengths
- + Free unlimited executions when self-hosted
- + Code nodes handle anything connectors miss
- + Best-in-class AI workflow support
Weaknesses
- − Steepest learning curve of the big three
- − Self-hosting is your responsibility
- − Fewer polished app connectors
Pick n8n over Make if: you mainly need self-hosted automation.
Bottom line
Make is the sweet spot for marketers comfortable thinking in flowcharts: most of n8n's power with none of the hosting. If you have a VPS and any comfort with code, n8n is the best automation value in existence. If budget is the deciding factor, start with whichever free tier or trial fits your workflow, then upgrade once you hit its limits.