Compare / Automation
n8n vs Make: which should you pick?
Honest verdict, real prices from our database, setup steps. Rankings are not for sale.
The verdict
Both automate workflows between apps with AI steps. n8n wins for agent builders and technical users: you can self-host it and add code anywhere. Make wins for beginners who want a very visual builder and a low-cost entry plan without running a server.
| n8n | Make | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Workflow automation | Workflow automation |
| Best for | AI workflows · integrations · self-hosting | Multi-step automations |
| Starting price | €24/month (Cloud Starter, billed monthly; €20/mo billed annually) | $9/month (Core, as shown with annual discount) |
| Free tier | Yes — Community Edition self-hosted free; Cloud free trial (no card) | Yes |
| Skill level | intermediate | beginner |
| Last verified | 2026-10-15 | 2026-10-15 |
Pick n8n if…
- You want to self-host or keep data on your own server
- You're comfortable with some JavaScript
- You're building AI agents with tool calls and memory
Set up n8n
- Start n8n Cloud or self-host the Community Edition.
- Create a workflow and add a trigger.
- Add an AI Agent node with your model and tools.
- Test with sample data, then activate.
Pick Make if…
- You're a beginner who wants a visual drag-and-drop builder
- You don't want to manage hosting
- You need lots of ready-made app integrations quickly
Set up Make
- Sign up for Make's free plan.
- Create a scenario and add a trigger module.
- Add modules for each app and an AI step.
- Run once to test, then schedule it.
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