Make vs n8n
· By AI Compare
Both are visual canvases. Pricing, code and hosting are where they really differ.
Comparison
Quick verdict
Make and n8n look similar (both are visual canvases), but they suit different teams. Make is the better choice for non-developers who want powerful visual automation in the cloud. n8n is better for technical teams who want code, self-hosting, flat per-run pricing and AI agents.
Comparison table
| Make | n8n | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor | Visual, circular modules, very polished | Visual nodes, plus code |
| Apps | 2,000+ | 1,000+ nodes + any API via HTTP |
| Billing | Credits per module run | Executions per workflow run; free self-hosted |
| Entry price | About $10–12/mo for 10,000 credits | From €20/mo for 2,500 executions |
| Self-hosting | No | Yes |
| Code | Limited (custom functions on Enterprise) | JavaScript/Python Code node |
| Error handling | Excellent error handler routes | Retry, error workflows, continue on fail |
| AI | AI modules and agents | AI Agent node, memory, vector stores |
| Data stores | Data stores | Data tables, any database |
Pricing: where the models diverge
Make counts every module run, including each item inside a loop. n8n counts a whole run once.
Example: a daily workflow that pulls 200 orders and processes each through 5 modules.
- Make: about 200 × 5 = 1,000 credits per day, about 30,000 credits a month.
- n8n Cloud: 1 execution per day, about 30 a month.
For workflows that process lists, n8n's model is dramatically cheaper. For simple one-record-at-a-time scenarios, Make's entry plans are cheaper than n8n Cloud.
Where Make is better
- Usability for non-developers; the mapping panel and Run once debugging are excellent.
- App depth in marketing and e-commerce tools.
- Error handling routes such as Resume, Rollback and Break are easy to configure.
- No infrastructure to manage.
Where n8n is better
- Code and APIs: anything you can call over HTTP or write in JavaScript.
- Self-hosting and data control.
- Cost for loops, batch jobs and long workflows.
- AI agents that use tools and your own data.
- Sub-workflows with the Execute Workflow node for reusable building blocks.
Who should switch from Make to n8n
- Your credit usage spikes because scenarios iterate over large lists.
- You keep hitting the limits of built-in functions and want code.
- Compliance requires self-hosting.
See the Make to n8n migration guide.
Who should stay on Make
- The team is non-technical and productive in Make today.
- Volume is moderate and costs are fine.
- You rely on Make-only app integrations.
