Quick verdict: n8n is better for technical teams wanting self-hosting, code integration, and developer-friendly workflows. Make is the choice for visual builders who want more app integrations and a polished UI without managing infrastructure. Here’s the comparison.
| n8n | Make | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Developers, self-hosting | Visual builders, non-technical |
| Deployment | Self-hosted or cloud | Cloud only |
| AI integration | OpenAI, custom code | OpenAI, Claude, native |
| Starting price | Free (self-hosted) | Free (cloud) |
| Key strength | Self-hosting, code nodes | Visual builder, integrations |
| Main weakness | Fewer native integrations | Cloud-only |
n8n vs Make: Overview
n8n is an open-source workflow automation platform offering both self-hosted and cloud options. It’s developer-friendly with code nodes (JavaScript/Python) and appeals to technical teams wanting control.
Make (formerly Integromat) is a visual automation platform known for its intuitive interface and extensive app integrations. It’s cloud-only but polished and user-friendly.
The main difference: n8n offers self-hosting and code flexibility. Make offers simplicity and more native integrations.
AI Capabilities Comparison
| AI Feature | n8n | Make |
|---|---|---|
| OpenAI integration | Yes | Yes |
| Claude integration | Custom code | Yes |
| Custom code | JavaScript, Python | Limited |
| AI-assisted building | Basic | Limited |
| Custom AI APIs | Easy via HTTP/code | HTTP module |
AI capabilities winner: n8n for flexibility. Code nodes let you integrate any AI service. Make requires working within its module system.
Pricing Comparison
| Option | n8n | Make |
|---|---|---|
| Self-hosted | Free (your infra) | N/A |
| Cloud free | Limited | 1,000 ops/month |
| Cloud starter | ~$20/month | $9/month |
| High volume | Scales with execution | Usage-based |
Pricing winner: n8n if self-hosting. Make is cheaper at low volumes on cloud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for complex AI workflows?
n8n for workflows requiring custom code or complex logic. Make for visual workflows with standard integrations. Both handle typical AI automations well.
Should I self-host n8n?
Self-host if: you have DevOps capability, need data privacy, or want to avoid cloud costs at scale. Use cloud if: you want simplicity and don’t have infrastructure expertise.
How do error handling capabilities compare?
Both have good error handling. n8n offers more programmatic control via code. Make’s visual error handling is more intuitive for non-developers.
Can I migrate automations between them?
No direct migration path. You’ll rebuild automations. Document your workflows well regardless of platform.
Which has better community support?
n8n has an active open-source community with community nodes. Make has a larger commercial ecosystem and professional support.
Key Takeaways
- n8n offers self-hosting and code flexibility
- Make offers visual simplicity and more integrations
- n8n is free when self-hosted
- Choose based on team skills: developers vs. visual builders
SFAI Labs builds AI automations on both platforms. We recommend n8n for technical teams and Make for business users building without code.
SFAI Labs