vs
n8n vs Make: Which Automation Platform Fits You?
n8n and Make both build multi-step automations with AI agent steps. n8n can be self-hosted or used in the cloud, is priced by workflow executions and supports code nodes. Make is a cloud visual builder connecting 3,500+ apps, priced in credits, with a free plan and a low entry price.
The short answer
Pick n8n if you want to self-host or need custom code in your workflows. Pick Make if you want a visual no-code builder with a free cloud plan and a lower entry price, and your scenarios are not too credit-heavy.
Side by siden8n vs Make
| n8n | Make | |
|---|---|---|
| Company | n8n GmbH | Make (Celonis) |
| Pricing | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starts at | 20€/mo, billed annually (Starter) | $9/mo (Core, annual billing) |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web, api | web, api |
| Models used | — | — |
| Best for | Technical teams that want flexible automation and AI agent workflows with the option to self-host. | Teams that want to build multi-step automations visually, including AI agent steps. |
Facts in this table come from the verified profile of each product.
Key differences
20€/mo billed annually (Starter, 2.5K executions).
$9/mo (Core, annual billing); monthly price not captured.
Self-hosted Community Edition on GitHub.
1,000 credits/month, 3,500+ apps, 15-minute minimum interval between runs.
By workflow executions, not steps.
By credits; complex scenarios use many credits per run.
Workflow editor with code nodes for custom logic.
Visual scenario builder with routers and filters; Maia conversational builder.
Hosted cloud or self-hosted.
Cloud service.
AI agent building blocks inside workflows.
Make AI Agents (beta) on all plans and an MCP server.
Choose n8n if…
- You want to self-host on your own infrastructure.
- You need code nodes for custom logic.
- You run long workflows and prefer per-execution pricing.
- Your team is technical.
Choose Make if…
- You want a free cloud plan to start.
- You prefer building automations visually without code.
- You want the lowest paid entry price.
- You want AI agent steps available on every plan.
Frequently asked questions
Is n8n or Make cheaper?
Make Core starts at $9/mo on annual billing, with Pro at $16/mo. n8n cloud starts at 20€/mo billed annually for Starter. n8n's self-hosted Community Edition avoids cloud fees but needs your own infrastructure.
Does Make have a free plan?
Yes. Make's free plan includes 1,000 credits per month, the no-code visual builder and 3,500+ apps, with a 15-minute minimum interval between runs.
Can I self-host Make or n8n?
n8n can be self-hosted using its Community Edition on GitHub, or used as a hosted cloud service. Make is listed as a cloud service in our record.
More comparisons
All comparisons
vs
ChatGPT vs Claude
ChatGPT from OpenAI and Claude from Anthropic are general-purpose AI assistants, each with a free plan and paid tiers. ChatGPT covers a…
vs
ChatGPT vs Google Gemini
ChatGPT from OpenAI and Google Gemini are general-purpose AI assistants with free plans and several paid tiers. The main difference is ecosystem:…
vsClaude vs Google Gemini
Claude from Anthropic and Google Gemini are AI assistants with free and paid plans. Claude focuses on writing, document analysis and coding…
vs
ChatGPT vs Perplexity
ChatGPT is OpenAI's general-purpose assistant for chat, writing, coding, images and research. Perplexity is an answer engine that responds with inline source…
vs
Cursor vs GitHub Copilot
Cursor is an AI-first code editor and coding agent from Anysphere, now part of SpaceX. GitHub Copilot adds suggestions, chat, an agent…
vs
Claude Code vs OpenAI Codex
Claude Code and OpenAI Codex are agentic coding tools that read a codebase, edit files and run tasks. Claude Code comes with…