Make
Visual automation platform with powerful scenarios for complex workflow automati...
n8n (Self-hosted)
Open-source workflow automation platform that combines visual no-code editing wi...
Make vs n8n (Self-hosted): Which Is Better in 2026?
Comprehensive comparison of Make and n8n (Self-hosted) covering features, pricing, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you make the right choice for your business.
Make vs n8n (Self-hosted): Overview
Choosing between Make and n8n (Self-hosted) is a common dilemma for automation users. Both tools offer robust solutions, but they cater to different needs and budgets.
Make offers a free tier and starts at $0/monthly, while n8n (Self-hosted) also has a free option and begins at $0/monthly. But pricing is just one factor—let's dive into features, use cases, and which tool fits your specific needs.
Make is best known for more affordable, whereas n8n (Self-hosted) stands out for completely free self-hosted version with unlimited usage. In this detailed comparison, we'll analyze both tools across pricing, features, ease of use, and ideal use cases.
Quick Overview
Make
- Best for: Complex automations, Developers
- Starting price: Free
- Category: automation
- Founded: 2012
n8n (Self-hosted)
- Best for: Technical teams and developers needing custom automations, Startups and small businesses prioritizing cost-effectiveness
- Starting price: Free
- Category: automation
- Founded: 2019
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side feature comparison to help you understand the key differences between Make and n8n (Self-hosted).
| Feature | M Make | n8 n8n (Self-hosted) |
|---|---|---|
| App Integrations | ||
| Multi-step Workflows | ||
| Conditional Logic | ||
| Scheduling | ||
| Webhooks | ||
| Data Formatting | ||
| API Access | ||
| Team Features | ||
| Visual Workflow Editor | Drag-and-drop node-based interface | |
| Code Flexibility | JavaScript/Python code nodes with npm libraries | |
| 400+ Integrations | Pre-built nodes for popular apps and services | |
| AI & LangChain Integration | Native AI agents and local model hosting | |
| Self-hosting | Docker/Kubernetes deployment with full control | |
| Git Version Control | Workflow versioning and collaboration | |
| Advanced Debugging | Step-by-step execution and data inspection | |
| Queue Mode Scaling | Up to 220 executions per second per instance | |
| Enterprise Security | SSO, RBAC, encrypted secrets, audit logs | |
| Template Library | 1700+ pre-built workflow templates |
Features Deep Dive
Both Make and n8n (Self-hosted) offer core automation functionality, but their feature sets differ in key areas.
Shared features: Core functionality.
Make unique strengths: App Integrations, Multi-step Workflows, Conditional Logic. This makes it ideal for complex automations.
n8n (Self-hosted) unique strengths: Visual Workflow Editor, Code Flexibility, 400+ Integrations. This makes it better suited for technical teams and developers needing custom automations.
Make offers 8 core features with 1 integrations, while n8n (Self-hosted) provides 10 features and 14 integrations.
Our Verdict
After extensive testing and analysis, Make edges out as the winner in this comparison. While both tools excel in their respective areas, Make offers better overall user satisfaction. n8n (Self-hosted) remains a strong alternative, especially for users who prioritize technical teams and developers needing custom automations.
n8n (Self-hosted)
Best for Technical teams and developers needing custom automations and Startups and small businesses prioritizing cost-effectiveness. Completely free self-hosted version with unlimited usage.
Try n8n (Self-hosted)Pros & Cons
Make Pros & Cons
Pros
- More affordable
- Visual scenario builder
- Complex logic support
- Better data handling
- Error handling
Cons
- Steeper learning curve
- Fewer integrations
- UI can be confusing
- Less documentation
n8n (Self-hosted) Pros & Cons
Pros
- Completely free self-hosted version with unlimited usage
- Hybrid visual/code approach suits both developers and non-coders
- Extensive integration library with 400+ pre-built connectors
- Strong AI capabilities with LangChain and custom model support
- Full data sovereignty with on-premises deployment options
Cons
- Steeper learning curve compared to pure no-code tools
- Requires technical knowledge for self-hosting and maintenance
- Cloud pricing can become expensive for high-volume usage
- Less hand-holding for beginners than traditional automation tools
Pricing Comparison
Compare the pricing plans and see which tool offers better value for your budget.
Make
freemium- 1000 ops/month
- 2 active scenarios
- 15-min interval
- 10K ops/month
- Unlimited scenarios
- 5-min interval
- 10K ops/month
- Custom variables
- 1-min interval
- 10K ops/month
- Team collaboration
- SSO
- Custom ops
- Dedicated support
- On-premise option
n8n (Self-hosted)
freemium- Unlimited workflows
- Unlimited executions
- Unlimited users
- Limited executions
- Cloud hosting
- Basic support
- SSO/SAML authentication
- Advanced RBAC
- Audit logs
Pricing Comparison Analysis
Make Pricing: Free tier available. Paid plans start at $0/monthly. 5 plans available: Free, Core, Pro, Teams, Enterprise.
n8n (Self-hosted) Pricing: Free tier available. Paid plans start at $0/monthly. 3 plans available: Self-hosted, Cloud Community, Cloud Enterprise.
Verdict: Make is more affordable at the entry level and offers a free tier. However, n8n (Self-hosted) may offer better value at scale with Extensive integration library with 400+ pre-built connectors.
For budget-conscious teams, Make is the clear winner. For teams prioritizing technical teams and developers needing custom automations, n8n (Self-hosted)'s pricing may be justified.
Which Tool Is Best For You?
Choose Make if you need:
- Complex automations
- Developers
- Data-heavy workflows
- Budget-conscious teams
- More affordable
- Visual scenario builder
Choose n8n (Self-hosted) if you need:
- Technical teams and developers needing custom automations
- Startups and small businesses prioritizing cost-effectiveness
- Organizations requiring data sovereignty and on-premises hosting
- Teams building AI-powered workflows and complex integrations
- Completely free self-hosted version with unlimited usage
- Hybrid visual/code approach suits both developers and non-coders
Final Verdict
Choose Make if: You need complex automations or developers. It excels at more affordable and visual scenario builder.
Choose n8n (Self-hosted) if: You prioritize technical teams and developers needing custom automations or startups and small businesses prioritizing cost-effectiveness. It's particularly strong for completely free self-hosted version with unlimited usage and hybrid visual/code approach suits both developers and non-coders.
Overall: Make has a slight edge with a 4.6/5 rating from our analysis.
Both tools are solid choices in the automation space. Your decision should ultimately depend on your specific requirements, team size, and budget.
Related to Make vs n8n (Self-hosted)
Make vs n8n (Self-hosted) FAQ
What are the main differences between Make and n8n (Self-hosted)?
Make focuses on complex automations with more affordable, while n8n (Self-hosted) excels at technical teams and developers needing custom automations with completely free self-hosted version with unlimited usage. Key differences include pricing structure, feature depth, and target user base.
Is Make or n8n (Self-hosted) better for small businesses?
Make offers a free tier which is great for small businesses starting out. For small businesses with limited budgets, consider starting with the tool that offers Make's lower starting price of $0/month.
What is the pricing difference between Make and n8n (Self-hosted)?
Make starts at $0/month with a free tier available, while n8n (Self-hosted) starts at $0/month with a free tier available. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.
Can Make integrate with n8n (Self-hosted)?
While direct integration may vary, both Make and n8n (Self-hosted) support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. Make integrates with 1000+ apps including Google, Microsoft, Slack, Shopify, while n8n (Self-hosted) works with Salesforce, Slack, Gmail.
Which tool is easier to use, Make or n8n (Self-hosted)?
Based on user reviews, Make generally receives higher marks for ease of use with a 4.6 rating. However, ease of use can depend on your specific needs and technical background. Make is known for visual scenario builder.
Does Make or n8n (Self-hosted) offer better customer support?
Both Make and n8n (Self-hosted) provide customer support, with options varying by plan tier. Make offers support through standard support channels. Check each tool's specific plan for support details.
What are the pros of Make compared to n8n (Self-hosted)?
Make's main advantages include: More affordable, Visual scenario builder, Complex logic support. Compared to n8n (Self-hosted), it's particularly strong for complex automations.
What are the cons of Make compared to n8n (Self-hosted)?
Make's potential drawbacks include: Steeper learning curve, Fewer integrations. n8n (Self-hosted) may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.
Should I switch from Make to n8n (Self-hosted) or vice versa?
Consider switching if your current tool doesn't meet your needs. Key factors include: current pain points, migration complexity, team training, and total cost of ownership. Use our ROI calculator to estimate the potential impact of switching.
Which tool is best for automation in 2026?
In 2026, Make leads in this comparison with a 4.6 rating. However, the best choice depends on your specific requirements. Make excels for complex automations, while n8n (Self-hosted) is ideal for technical teams and developers needing custom automations.