Make vs n8n 2026:
No-Code Simplicity vs Developer Power
Make (formerly Integromat) gives you 1,800+ integrations and a visual builder anyone can use. n8n gives you self-hosting, full code access, and advanced AI nodes — but requires more technical knowledge. Here's how to pick.
Quick Verdict
Make — Best for Non-technical teams and ecommerce operators
Make wins for most business users — better integrations, easier setup, and a gentler learning curve. n8n wins for technical teams that need self-hosting for data privacy, want to write custom JavaScript/Python logic, or are building complex AI workflows with LangChain. If you're not a developer, start with Make.
Try Make FreeSide-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free Plan Limit | 1,000 ops/mo | 5,000 executions/mo (cloud) |
| Self-Hosting Option | ✗ | ✓ |
| Pricing Model | Per operation | Per workflow execution |
| Starting Paid Price | $9/mo | $20/mo (cloud) |
| No-Code Builder | ✓ | Partial (some code needed) |
| Code / Custom Logic | Limited | Full JavaScript/Python |
| Native Integrations | 1,800+ | 400+ |
| AI / LLM Nodes | Basic | Advanced (LangChain, OpenAI, etc.) |
| Error Handling | Basic | Advanced |
| Shopify Integration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Data Privacy (self-host) | ✗ | ✓ |
| Learning Curve | Low | Medium-High |
Quick Context: Why This Matters
Both Make and n8n are challengers to Zapier. Make is ~70% cheaper than Zapier for the same volume. n8n is even cheaper (or free if self-hosted), but requires technical setup. This comparison assumes you've already decided Zapier is too expensive — now the question is whether to go Make or n8n.
Where They Differ
Ease of Use
MakeVisual canvas with drag-and-drop modules. Non-technical users can build complex multi-step workflows without writing code. 1,800+ native app connections.
Node-based editor similar to Make but more technical. Many real-world use cases require writing JavaScript expressions or code nodes. Steeper initial learning curve.
Self-Hosting & Data Privacy
n8nCloud-only. Your data flows through Make's servers. GDPR-compliant but not self-hostable.
Can be self-hosted on your own server (Docker, Railway, etc.) for full data sovereignty. Critical for healthcare, finance, or any business with strict data requirements.
AI & LLM Integrations
n8nOpenAI and Claude modules available. Good for basic AI tasks like text generation and classification within workflows.
Advanced AI nodes including LangChain integration, vector stores, AI agents, and custom model routing. Best option for building production AI workflows.
Native App Integrations
Make1,800+ apps including Shopify, Klaviyo, Gorgias, HubSpot, Salesforce. Best coverage in the automation space.
400+ native integrations, plus HTTP/webhook modules for custom connections. Smaller native library but extensible with code.
Pricing at Scale
n8n (at scale)$9/mo (10k ops), $16/mo (40k ops), $29/mo (150k ops). Scales affordably for most SMBs.
$20/mo cloud (2,500 executions), or self-host free on your own server — only pay for compute. For high-volume teams, self-hosting is dramatically cheaper.
Real Use Cases: Which Tool Fits Better
| Use Case | Make | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Sync Shopify orders to Google Sheets | ✓ Easy | ✓ Possible |
| Auto-tag Klaviyo customers by order value | ✓ Easy | ✓ Possible |
| Send Slack alerts on new Gorgias tickets | ✓ Easy | ✓ Easy |
| Build an AI customer support triage bot | ◑ Basic | ✓ Advanced |
| Self-host for HIPAA compliance | ✗ Not possible | ✓ Yes |
| Custom API calls with complex logic | ◑ Limited | ✓ Full code access |
| Connect 50+ apps in one workflow | ✓ Native | ◑ Partial native + HTTP |
Which Should You Choose?
→ Choose Make if:
- ✓ You're not a developer
- ✓ You need a wide range of native app integrations
- ✓ You want fast setup with no server management
- ✓ You're connecting Shopify, Klaviyo, Gorgias, and similar tools
- ✓ You want the most visual automation builder available
→ Choose n8n if:
- ✓ You're a developer or have technical team members
- ✓ You need self-hosting for data privacy/compliance
- ✓ You're building AI-powered workflows with LangChain
- ✓ You have high automation volume (self-host saves $$$)
- ✓ You need custom code logic in your workflows
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