Head-to-head
Make vs n8n
Make if you want it hosted for you; n8n if you want control and self-hosting. Updated for 2026 — verified 6 days ago.
Make
Make · Free · Core $9/mo · Pro $16/mo
n8n
n8n · Self-host free · Cloud from €24/mo
The verdict
Make if you want it hosted for you; n8n if you want control and self-hosting.
Both are visual automation builders for workflows too complex for simple triggers. Make is fully hosted with a polished canvas and a low entry price. n8n can be self-hosted for free, handles custom code steps comfortably and is the better fit when data has to stay on your own infrastructure. Choose on hosting and control, not on features — they overlap heavily.
Who wins each category?
Our verdict on the things people actually choose between, not benchmark numbers.
Self-hosting and data control
Run it on your own server at no licence cost.
n8nSetup effort
Nothing to install or maintain.
MakeCustom code steps
Drop into JavaScript or Python inside a workflow.
n8nApp library polish
More ready-made modules with less configuration.
MakeCost at high volume
Self-hosting removes per-operation billing entirely.
n8nLearning curve
Friendlier for non-developers.
Make
Choose Make if…
you want powerful automation without running any infrastructure.
- Great value per operation
- Handles complex logic
Watch out: Steeper than Zapier.
Choose n8n if…
you have technical help and want control, custom code or self-hosting.
- Unlimited when self-hosted
- Best for AI agents
Watch out: Requires technical skill.
Make vs n8n: full comparison table
| Metric | Make | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Entry price | Free · Core $9/mo · Pro $16/mo | Self-host free · Cloud from €24/mo |
| Free version | Yes | Yes |
| Accuracy score | 89% | 91% |
| Ease of use | 4.1/5 | 3.7/5 |
| Value for money | 4.8/5 | 4.9/5 |
| Performance | 4.5/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Learning curve | Moderate | Steep |
| API access | Available | Available |
| Mobile app | No | No |
| Platforms | Web | Web, Self-hosted, Docker |
| Launched | 2012 | 2019 |
Highlighted values win that row. Verified 6 days ago.
Feature matrix
| Feature | Make | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Visual scenarios | ||
| Data mapping | ||
| Error handlers | ||
| AI modules | ||
| Self-hosting | ||
| AI agent nodes | ||
| Code steps | ||
| Vector store nodes |
What each one really costs
Make per year
$108
Free tier available
n8n per year
$288
Free tier available
Both together
$396
Save $108 a year by keeping the other on its free tier.
Make vs n8n: frequently asked questions
- Is n8n really free?
- Self-hosting n8n has no licence fee — you pay only for the server you run it on. Its managed cloud plans start from around €24/month.
- Which should a non-technical team pick?
- Make. It needs no servers, no updates and no command line, and its canvas is easier to learn.
Want to add a third tool to this matchup?
Open in the comparison engine