n8n vs Make.com

Both are powerful automation platforms. The right choice depends on your volume, technical comfort, and whether you want to self-host.

The Quick Answer

Choose n8n if: You have high volume (pricing based on workflows, not operations), want to self-host, need maximum flexibility, or have technical resources.

Choose Make.com if: You want easier setup, prefer cloud-hosted, have moderate volume, or need something your team can maintain without a developer.

Pricing Comparison

n8n

Self-hosted: Free (you pay for hosting, ~$10-50/month on a VPS)

Cloud: Starts at $20/month for 2,500 executions

At scale: Self-hosted becomes dramatically cheaper. Unlimited executions for just hosting costs.

Make.com

Free: 1,000 operations/month

Core: $9/month for 10,000 operations

Pro: $16/month for 10,000 operations + more features

At scale: Can get expensive. High-volume users often hit $100-500+/month.

Feature Comparison

  • Ease of use: Make has a gentler learning curve. n8n is more powerful but requires more technical comfort.
  • Integrations: Make has more pre-built integrations. n8n can connect to anything with HTTP/API nodes.
  • Custom code: n8n excels here. JavaScript nodes, custom functions, full control.
  • Self-hosting: n8n is built for it. Make is cloud-only.
  • Error handling: Both good. n8n gives more control. Make is more visual.

My Recommendation

I use n8n for most client projects. The pricing model makes sense for high-volume automation, and self-hosting gives full control. But I've built plenty of Make.com workflows too - it's genuinely good for teams who want to maintain automations themselves.

The real answer: the platform matters less than the implementation. A well-built Make.com workflow beats a poorly-built n8n workflow every time.

Need Help Choosing?

I'll assess your needs and recommend the right platform - no bias.