n8n vs Make
n8n and Make (formerly Integromat) are both powerful automation platforms. This comparison covers self-hosting, pricing, AI capability and enterprise fit.
Quick answer: n8n wins on data sovereignty, LLM integration and cost at scale. Make wins on visual scenario building and a broader base of pre-built app connectors.
What is the difference?
n8n is open-source and self-hostable with native LLM integration and no per-operation pricing on self-hosted instances. Make is a cloud-based visual automation platform with strong scenario building and a wide connector library, priced per operation.
Feature-by-feature comparison
n8n vs Make across the dimensions that matter most.
| Feature | n8n | Make |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Self-hosted: infrastructure only. Cloud: flat monthly fee. | Per-operation pricing — costs scale with automation usage. |
| Self-hosting | Yes — Docker, VPS, cloud or on-premise. | No — cloud only. |
| Data residency | Full control on self-hosted instances. | Data processed on Make servers (EU region available). |
| LLM / AI integration | Native OpenAI and Claude nodes. | OpenAI integration available — no native LLM nodes. |
| Visual workflow builder | Node-based canvas — clear and functional. | Scenario builder — widely regarded as intuitive. |
| Error handling | Built-in error workflows, retries and alerts. | Error handlers available but more limited. |
| App integrations | 400+ native plus any REST API. | 1,000+ native app connectors. |
| Open source | Yes — Apache 2.0 licence. | No — proprietary SaaS. |
| Code execution | JavaScript and Python execution nodes built in. | Limited code modules. |
When to choose each
Choose n8n when:
- You need self-hosting for data sovereignty or GDPR compliance.
- You want to embed LLMs natively in automation workflows.
- Automation volume is high and per-operation pricing would be costly.
- Your team wants to write code logic inside workflows.
- You need full ownership of workflow code and configuration.
Choose Make when:
- Your team prefers Make's visual scenario builder.
- You need one of Make's 1,000 pre-built app connectors.
- You do not need self-hosting and want fast cloud-based setup.
- Your automations are moderate-volume and scenario-based.
Cost comparison
n8n
Self-hosted n8n is free (infrastructure costs only). n8n Cloud plans start at approximately $20/month with no per-execution fees.
Make
Make Free: 1,000 operations/month. Paid plans start at approximately $9/month for 10,000 operations. High-volume scenarios can scale to hundreds per month.
Both platforms handle standard business automation reliably. Self-hosted n8n can be tuned for performance-sensitive, high-frequency workflows. Make's cloud infrastructure is managed but subject to shared resource constraints on lower plans.
n8n self-hosted keeps all data, credentials and logic on your own infrastructure. Make offers an EU data region which helps GDPR compliance, but data still passes through Make's servers.
Common use cases
Common questions
Frequently asked questions about n8n vs Make.
Related services
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Every business has different requirements
Integration, security and scalability constraints vary by organisation. The right choice depends on your existing stack, team size, compliance requirements and the specific workflow you are trying to automate or build.
Talk to our engineering team. We will assess your situation and recommend the approach that fits — not the one that sounds most impressive.
Reviewed by the Ascii-Core Engineering Team — specialists in AI engineering, workflow automation, product development and enterprise software architecture. Content reviewed regularly to reflect current technologies and implementation practices. · Updated June 2026