n8n vs Make: Which Automation Platform to Choose
n8n and Make (formerly Integromat) are two leaders in the visual workflow automation niche. Both let you connect services without code, but their philosophy and capabilities differ dramatically.
Key Differences
| Criteria | n8n | Make |
|---|---|---|
| License | Open-source (Sustainable Use License) | Proprietary |
| Deployment | Self-hosted or Cloud | Cloud only |
| Free tier | Unlimited executions (self-hosted) | 1,000 operations/month |
| Integrations | 400+ | 1,900+ |
| Complex workflows | Branching, loops, sub-workflows | Routing, iterators, aggregators |
| Error handling | Built-in, customizable | Limited |
| Community | GitHub 50K+ stars | Closed, forum |
When to Use n8n
n8n is the right choice when:
- Data cannot be sent to the cloud (GDPR, internal policies)
- You need integration with internal services (databases, APIs inside your perimeter)
- Cost matters at large execution volumes
- You need full control over your infrastructure
When to Use Make
Make wins when:
- You need maximum ready-made integrations (1,900+ vs 400+)
- You don’t want to administer a server
- Workflows are simple and few in number
- Visual experience matters (Make’s interface is more polished)
The Cost Factor
At 10,000 executions per month: Make Pro — $18/month. n8n self-hosted — the cost of a VPS (~$5-10/month) plus admin time. At 100,000+ executions, self-hosted n8n becomes significantly cheaper.
Verdict
n8n — for those who want to own the tool. Make — for those who want to solve the problem quickly and forget about it. Both are excellent; the choice depends on your priorities: control or convenience.