Make.com vs n8n: Which Automation Platform Is Right for You?

When businesses outgrow simple Zapier-style automations, two platforms consistently rise to the top of the conversation: Make.com (formerly Integromat) and n8n. Both offer visual workflow builders, advanced logic capabilities, and deep integration ecosystems. But they take fundamentally different approaches to hosting, pricing, and target audience. This guide breaks down exactly where each platform excels so you can make the right choice for your operations.

Platform Overview

Make.com is a fully managed, cloud-hosted iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) with a visual scenario builder that uses a distinctive node-and-connection interface. It offers over 1,800 pre-built integrations and charges based on operations consumed per month.

n8n, on the other hand, is a "fair-code" automation platform that can be self-hosted for free or used as a managed cloud service. Its workflow editor follows a left-to-right node chain, and it offers around 400+ built-in integrations with the ability to create custom nodes using JavaScript or Python. For businesses with technical teams, n8n's self-hosting option is a significant differentiator.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Feature comparison across key evaluation criteria for Make.com and n8n

Pricing Deep Dive

Make.com uses an operation-based pricing model. Every action a scenario performs, whether reading data, transforming it, or sending it to another app, counts as one operation. The free tier includes 1,000 operations per month, while paid plans start at around $9/month for 10,000 operations. High-volume businesses processing thousands of orders can see costs scale quickly, particularly with complex multi-step scenarios.

n8n's self-hosted community edition is completely free with unlimited executions. Their cloud-hosted version starts at roughly $20/month and charges per workflow execution rather than per operation, which often results in lower costs for data-heavy workflows. If you have a DevOps team capable of managing a Docker or Kubernetes deployment, n8n's self-hosted option can eliminate platform fees entirely. For a deeper look at Make.com's costs, see our Make.com pricing breakdown.

Integration Ecosystem

Make.com's 1,800+ native integrations give it a clear edge for businesses that rely on popular SaaS tools. Connecting QuickBooks, ShipStation, Shopify, or HubSpot takes just a few clicks, with pre-built modules that expose nearly every API endpoint. This breadth means less time building custom HTTP requests.

n8n counters with around 400 built-in integrations but offers a powerful HTTP Request node and the ability to write custom nodes in JavaScript. For businesses with proprietary APIs or niche industry tools, n8n's extensibility is a real advantage. The community also contributes open-source nodes, and the library grows rapidly.

Workflow Complexity and Logic

Both platforms handle branching, loops, and conditional logic well, but their approaches differ. Make.com's 2D canvas allows you to visually branch scenarios in any direction, making it easier to follow complex decision trees. Its built-in router module lets you split data into multiple paths with filters on each branch. Error handling is also more intuitive, with dedicated error-handler routes that attach directly to any module.

n8n uses a linear, left-to-right workflow model. While it supports branching via IF and Switch nodes, very complex workflows can become visually harder to follow. However, n8n's code-first approach shines when you need to perform heavy data transformations, call multiple APIs in sequence, or apply custom business logic using JavaScript or Python functions inline.

Data Privacy and Self-Hosting

For businesses in healthcare, finance, or any sector with strict data compliance requirements, n8n's self-hosting capability is a decisive factor. You can deploy n8n on your own infrastructure, meaning sensitive order data, customer PII, and financial records never leave your network. This is particularly relevant for medical supply companies that handle HIPAA-regulated data.

Make.com processes all data through its cloud servers (with EU and US region options). While they maintain SOC 2 compliance and GDPR adherence, some regulated industries require data to remain on-premises, which Make.com simply cannot accommodate.

A simplified decision tree to help choose between Make.com and n8n

Choose Make.com If...

• You want the broadest native integration library without building custom connectors
• Your team prefers a visual, no-code interface with minimal technical setup
• You need robust built-in error handling with visual error routes
• You want a fully managed platform with zero infrastructure maintenance
• Your workflows connect popular SaaS tools like ShipStation, QuickBooks, and Shopify

Choose n8n If...

• Data privacy and on-premises hosting are non-negotiable requirements
• You have developers who can build custom nodes and manage self-hosted infrastructure
• You process high volumes and want to avoid per-operation pricing
• You need to integrate with proprietary or niche APIs using custom code
• You want an open-source platform you can audit and extend yourself

Can You Use Both?

Absolutely. Some businesses use Make.com for customer-facing workflows where reliability and pre-built integrations matter most, while running n8n internally for data-sensitive back-office processes. The key is understanding which workflows justify the managed convenience of Make.com versus the control and cost savings of n8n. If you are still evaluating platforms, check out our broader Zapier vs Power Automate comparison or learn about our Make.com automation services.

The best automation platform is the one your team will actually maintain. A powerful tool that sits idle because nobody understands it is worse than a simpler tool used consistently.