Make vs n8n (2026): visual workflows or open workflow power?
Make is a visual automation platform where you build workflows by connecting apps in a drag-and-drop canvas, with no code needed. n8n is the open-source workflow automation tool, popular with technical teams who want to self-host, write code inside workflows, and avoid per-task pricing.
| Make | n8n | |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | Free plan with limited monthly operations | Free self-hosted open-source option; cloud plans have a trial |
| Paid tier | Check official pricing; plans scale by operations | Check official pricing; cloud plans scale by executions |
| Best for | Non-technical teams automating between popular apps | Technical teams automating at volume or with custom logic |
| Standout strength | A visual builder that makes complex multi-step flows easy to follow | Open source, self-hosting, and code nodes for anything the visual builder cannot do |
| Watch out for | Operation-based pricing gets expensive when workflows run often | Self-hosting needs upkeep, and the learning curve is steeper |
Make wins on clarity and speed: the visual canvas shows exactly what a workflow does, and a first automation takes minutes, even for someone who has never automated anything. n8n wins on power and cost at scale: self-hosting removes the per-operation bill, and code nodes handle the edge cases a visual builder cannot.
For a business that needs a few reliable automations between popular apps, Make is the safer, faster pick. For a technical team automating hundreds of runs a day, or one that wants to own its automation stack, n8n deserves a real trial on your actual workflows — just budget time for setup and maintenance.
Sources: official pricing pages and 2026 comparison coverage. Make listing · n8n listing
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