n8n vs. Make: The Ultimate Comparison to Pick Your Workflow Automation Software

Choosing between n8n and Make can feel like picking your favorite superhero. Both are powerful, but they shine in different ways.

If you’re trying to decide which automation platform is right for you, you’re in the right place. This article will break down the key differences between n8n and Make, helping you figure out which one fits your needs.

What Are n8n and Make?

Both n8n and Make (formerly known as Integromat) are workflow automation tools designed to connect your favorite apps and streamline workflows. Think of them as digital glue. They can help you do things like sync data between Google Sheets and Slack, send automated emails from a CRM, or orchestrate complex business processes. And they do it all without requiring you to write much (or any) code. They share the same goal of simplifying your life through automation. But their approaches, features, and ideal users differ in some key ways.

• n8n is an open-source platform that’s highly flexible and developer-friendly. It uses a node-based interface where you connect apps and services through a visual workflow builder. It’s perfect for those who like to tinker under the hood, customize everything, and aren’t afraid of a little code when needed. n8n also offers a cloud version for non-developers. (Learn more in our n8n Review.)
• Make is a no-code powerhouse with a colorful, drag-and-drop interface that’s designed to be approachable for beginners. It prioritizes ease of use and speed, making it ideal for non-technical users who want to automate tasks with a less steep learning curve than n8n. (Learn more in our Make Review.)

n8n vs. Make: Quick Comparison

Now let's walk through some of the key ways we can compare n8n and Make.

1. AI Capabilities

When it comes to AI capabilities, n8n is currently leading the pack, especially if you’re looking to push the boundaries of what automation can do. But don’t count Make out just yet. It has some handy AI tools, too, even if they’re not as advanced. Let’s break down what each platform offers and why it matters for your automations.

What Are AI Capabilities in Automation?

AI-powered automation is like having a smart assistant who can think, adapt, and even learn from data. It can handle tasks that require judgment, context, or messy, unstructured information, like understanding natural language or making predictions.

In automation platforms, AI capabilities can range from simple tools (like categorizing text) to more advanced features (like autonomous agents that can figure out entire workflows).

n8n’s AI Agents and Advanced Tools

n8n is the clear winner here, thanks to its AI agents and cutting-edge features like Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) systems. They can make decisions, handle complex tasks, and even work with your own data in ways that traditional rule-based systems can’t.

• AI Agents: Smart workflow components that use large language models to make decisions and take actions. They go beyond simple triggers and rules, and can understand context, choose next steps, and interact with apps and APIs. You build them visually inside n8n’s workflow editor. This makes it easier to automate complex, multi-step tasks with minimal manual input.
• Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG): This system can pull in relevant information from your own data (like documents or databases) to generate smarter responses or actions. For example, you could build a customer support bot that doesn’t just give canned answers but actually understands your product docs and gives tailored advice. n8n makes this possible with built-in tools for document loading, text splitting, and vector databases.
• AI Workflow Builder (Beta): Converts natural language prompts into functional automations. Simply describe what you want to build, and n8n generates a complete workflow: nodes, configurations, and logic included. You can then refine it directly in the editor.

These features are a big deal if you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve. They’re perfect for users who want to experiment with AI or build next-level automations that can handle real-world complexity.

Make’s AI Tools

Make isn’t completely left in the dust. It offers some useful AI tools, too. You can categorize text, identify languages, extract information from documents, summarize content, and even translate text. These are great for basic tasks, like sorting customer feedback by sentiment, pulling key details from invoices, or generating scripts.

In April 2025, Make introduced AI Agents, marking a shift from purely visual workflow building. Rather than mapping every decision path, you can provide plain-language instructions and let the agent determine execution. These agents work with Make's existing scenarios. The best part is that the same agent can operate across different automations with varying toolsets, eliminating workflow duplication.

However, Make's agents remain less developed than those of AI-first workflow platforms like Gumloop and still have some catching up to do with n8n. They can't function outside workflows or be embedded elsewhere; they also don't support RAGs yet. Still, for existing Make users, agents offer a practical way to add intelligent decision-making to established automations.

Why It Matters

AI capabilities can take your automations from “handy” to “holy cow, that’s amazing.” If you’re just automating simple tasks, like sending emails or updating spreadsheets, Make’s AI tools and agents might be enough. But if you want to automate complex decision-making, or create workflows that learn and improve over time, n8n’s AI agents and RAG systems are the tools you’ll want in your corner.

But AI agents also have their downsides. Sometimes they hallucinate and make mistakes that are hard to control because the AI will respond differently to each individual request. This can leave you with a higher rate of errors than workflows that don’t rely on AI agents.

A rule of thumb: Whenever you can automate a workflow you should try to NOT use AI where possible to make things more straightforward, reliable, and cost-efficient. After all, each AI request costs you additional money paid to the AI model provider.

2. Pricing

When choosing between n8n and Make for your automation needs, pricing is a pivotal factor. This is especially true if you’re budget-conscious or planning to scale. Both platforms have different pricing strategies, and understanding them can help you decide which aligns best with your wallet and workflow demands.

n8n’s Pricing: Pay per Workflow Execution

• How it works: n8n bases its pricing on workflow executions. A workflow execution is counted each time your automation runs from start to finish, whether triggered manually, on a schedule, or by an external event. It’s a single tally, no matter how many steps are inside the workflow.
• Free Community Edition: n8n also offers a standout feature for budget-conscious users: a free, self-hosted Community Edition. You can download it and run it on your own server or local machine with no caps on executions, core features, or usage. The trade-off? You’ll need technical skills to set it up (e.g., using Docker or a hosting service) and you'll have to handle maintenance yourself.

Paid Plans (Cloud):

• Starter: $24/month - 2,500 workflow executions.
• Pro: Higher tiers scale up execution limits.
• Enterprise: Unlimited executions available.

Cost example: If you run a workflow 50 times per day (1,500/month) with 10 steps each, that's still just 1,500 executions on n8n. This fits within the $24/month Starter plan.

n8n`s pricing aligns best with tech-savvy users who want a free, self-hosted option or businesses running high-volume workflows where per-execution pricing beats per-step costs.

Make’s Pricing: Pay per Credit

• How it works: Make takes a granular approach, charging by credits. A credit is each individual step in your workflow like a trigger, an action, or a data transformation. A single workflow with multiple steps can rack up several credits per run, making complexity a cost factor. Some AI steps can cost more than one credit.
• Free plan: Make provides a free tier with 1,000 credits per month and up to two active workflows. It's perfect for testing or lightweight automations. However, this limit can vanish quickly with frequent or multi-step workflows.

Paid Plans:

• Core: $9/month (annual) or $10.59/month - 10,000 credits.
• Pro: $16/month (annual) or $18.82/month - 10,000 credits/month.
• Teams: $29/month (annual) or $34.12/month - 10,000 credits/month + collaboration features.
• Enterprise: Custom pricing - Unlimited credits (negotiated).

Cost example: That same workflow (50 runs/day with 10 steps) would consume 15,000 credits per month on Make, which fits within the 20,000-credit Core plan for $16/month. This is comparable with n8n’s cloud pricing.

Make’s pricing aligns best with users seeking a fully managed platform and simpler automations with fewer steps.

Why It’s Important to Know

Understanding these pricing models helps you weigh cost against scale and technical comfort:

• Cost vs. Scale: For heavy automation users, Make’s per-credit billing can escalate quickly, especially with complex workflows. n8n’s per-execution model or its free self-hosted option offers better value for high-volume or intricate setups.
• Technical Comfort: n8n’s free tier is unbeatable but demands setup know-how. If you’d rather avoid server management, Make’s plug-and-play cloud plans justify their cost with convenience and a lower entry price.
• Flexibility: n8n encourages optimizing entire workflows (since only executions count), while Make pushes you to streamline individual steps. Your automation style will dictate which feels more freeing or limiting.

Who Wins for Budget-Conscious Users

n8n takes the crown here, thanks to its free Community Edition. If you’re willing to invest time in setup, you get unlimited automations at zero cost for the software. Overall, n8n offers better value for complex or high-volume workflows, while Make is more cost-effective for simple, low-frequency automations.

If you decide to go with the cloud version, things are a bit more nuanced.

Choose n8n pricing if:

• You're running complex workflows with many steps (you're charged once per execution regardless of steps).
• You need predictable costs for high-volume automation.
• Your workflows are triggered frequently, but contain lots of actions.

Choose Make pricing if:

• You're running simple workflows with a few steps (lower credit consumption).
• Your automation needs are light and sporadic.
• You want the lowest entry price point ($9/month vs $24/month).

Hidden Costs to Consider

• n8n self-hosted: VPS hosting ($5-10/month), setup time, maintenance effort.
• Make: Credits can escalate quickly with polling triggers (checking for changes consumes credits even when nothing happens), and AI module usage costs extra credits.
• Both: Third-party service costs (APIs, apps you're connecting to).

3. Ease of Use

When choosing between Make and n8n for automation, one of the biggest factors is ease of use. Make prioritizes a beginner-friendly, no-code experience, while n8n offers technical flexibility that appeals to those with a bit more know-how.

Make: No-Code Simplicity at Its Finest

Make is built for people who want automation without the fuss. Its design screams accessibility:

• Visual Workflow Builder: Imagine dragging and dropping colorful blocks to create a workflow. That’s Make. Triggers, actions, and apps connect in a clean, linear layout that’s easy to follow even if you’re new to automation.
• Simplified Mapping and Functions: Passing data between steps? Just pick from a dropdown, no coding needed. Need to tweak text or crunch numbers? Pre-built functions are right there, neatly packaged and ready to use.
• Guided Experience: Make doesn’t leave you guessing. With onboarding tutorials, tooltips, and a straightforward interface, you can go from zero to automated in minutes.

n8n: Technical Flexibility

n8n takes a different tack, offering power and control at the cost of a steeper learning curve:

• Node-Based Interface: Workflows in n8n are built with interconnected nodes, like a flowchart on steroids. It’s intuitive once you’re used to it, but first-timers might need a minute to adjust.
• Customization and Code-Friendly: This is where n8n shines. You can write custom JavaScript in code nodes, use expressions for dynamic data, or even create your own nodes. It’s a sandbox for those who love to tinker.
• Less Hand-Holding: n8n offers great documentation and a helpful community, but it’s not as beginner-friendly as Make. You’ll need to be comfortable digging in and figuring things out.

Why It’s Important to Know

Your technical background should steer your choice here:

• Non-Coders: Make is your safe haven. Its no-code setup lets you build robust automations without writing a single line of code. Think of it like a plug-and-play app that’s intuitive and approachable.
• Developers: n8n is your playground. Its flexibility lets you script custom logic, integrate niche tools, and fine-tune every detail. It’s like a code editor with a visual twist, powerful yet manageable.

Picking the wrong tool can backfire. Non-coders might drown in n8n’s technical depth, while developers could feel boxed in by Make’s simplicity. Match the platform to your comfort zone, and you’ll save yourself a world of frustration.

4. Integrations

Integrations are the connections that let platforms like n8n and Make talk to your favorite apps - think Google Drive, Slack, or your CRM. This streamlines workflows across your tech stack. The key differences between n8n and Make lie in the number of native integrations and the ease of setup.

Make: More Integrations, Less Hassle

Make leads the pack with more than 3,000 native integrations. It offers a massive library that spans popular tools like Google Drive, Shopify, and Salesforce, plus plenty of niche apps. This breadth is a huge advantage for users juggling multiple services.

• Setup Simplicity: Connecting apps is almost effortless. For instance, linking Google Drive takes just a few clicks: select the app, authenticate with your Google account, and you’re ready to automate. No API keys or tech wizardry required.
• Why It’s a Win: With such a wide range and a user-friendly setup, Make is perfect for anyone who wants to connect their tools fast, especially if you’re automating across marketing, productivity, or ecommerce platforms.

n8n: Growing Library, More Configuration

n8n clocks in with more than 1,200 native integrations, a respectable but smaller collection compared to Make. However, its library is steadily expanding, fueled by an active open-source community that’s adding new options regularly.

• Setup Challenges: Configuration can be trickier. Setting up Google Drive, for example, might involve manually entering OAuth credentials or digging into documentation. It’s doable, but it’s not as plug-and-play as Make.
• The Trade-Off: What n8n lacks in numbers, it makes up for in flexibility. Its open-source nature lets users tweak or build integrations to suit unique needs, which is a boon for tech-savvy users or those with less common apps.

5. Triggers

In the world of automation, triggers are the starting line. They’re what kick off your workflows, whether it’s a new email landing in your inbox, a form being submitted, or a specific time rolling around. When comparing n8n and Make, their approaches to triggers reveal a core difference: flexibility versus speed. n8n offers a playground of trigger options, while Make bets big on instant, streamlined execution. Let’s break it down and see how these differences shape your automation game plan.

n8n: Flexibility with Multiple Triggers

n8n is all about giving you options. It’s built for users who want control over how their workflows start.

• Multiple Triggers in One Workflow: With n8n, you’re not stuck with a single starting point. You can set up a workflow that fires off from, say, a form submission or a manual button click. This means fewer workflows to juggle and a more unified setup for related tasks.
• Built-In Trigger Goodies: n8n throws in some handy built-in triggers, like button clicks for manual testing, chat messages for team communication, and custom forms for quick data grabs. These are perfect for prototyping or running one-off automations without leaning on external apps.

Make: Single Trigger Approach

Make takes a lean approach. It prioritizes simplicity but it comes with a key limitation.

• One Trigger per Workflow: Make keeps it strict: each workflow gets one trigger, no exceptions. Want to start a workflow from multiple events (like different forms)? You’ll need separate workflows or some clever (and potentially messy) workarounds, like HTTP requests.
• Easy Scheduling: Make simplifies scheduled triggers too. You can set them to run every 15 minutes (or whatever interval you pick) without wrestling with cron expressions. This is great for non-techies who just want it to work.

However, technically savvy users can work around this limitation by leveraging webhooks to create multi-trigger scenarios.

6. Testing and Debugging

In automation, testing means verifying that your workflows function as intended before they go live. Debugging is about pinpointing and resolving issues when things break. Both are critical for building reliable automations, but n8n and Make tackle them differently.

n8n streamlines the process with powerful, flexible tools, while Make keeps it simpler but more manual. Here’s how they stack up and why n8n’s approach can save you time and frustration during setup and fixes.

n8n: Streamlined Testing and Centralized Error Handling

n8n is designed to make testing and debugging feel effortless, offering features that let you iterate quickly and manage errors with precision.

• Pinned Data and Mock Data: Testing in n8n is easy thanks to pinned data and mock data. Pinned data lets you lock specific inputs to a module, so you can test that part of your workflow repeatedly without restarting the whole thing. Think of it as bookmarking your favorite page for instant access. Mock data allows you to simulate or tweak inputs on the fly. It's ideal for testing edge cases or scenarios that don’t happen every day.
• Global Error Triggers: Errors don’t stand a chance with n8n’s global error triggers. Set up one error-handling workflow, and it catches issues from all your automations. No need to configure each one separately. It’s like having a single control tower for every flight in your airspace.
• Rich Debugging: When something goes wrong, n8n delivers detailed error logs and stack traces. This depth lets you diagnose problems quickly and accurately. Bonus: You can even paste those logs into tools like ChatGPT for instant fix suggestions.

Who Loves It: n8n’s testing and debugging toolkit shines for users managing complex workflows or multiple automations. If you’re comfortable with technical details, this is your playground.

Make: Simple but Hands-On

Make takes a no-frills approach to testing and debugging. It’s easy to grasp but requires more manual effort and offers less insight when things go awry.

• Manual Testing Workarounds: Testing in Make lacks n8n’s flair. Without pinned or mock data, you’ll often need to manually trigger workflows or cobble together workarounds like parsing JSON to simulate inputs. It gets the job done, but it’s not exactly smooth sailing.
• Per-Module Error Handling: Error handling here is a step-by-step affair. Each module in your workflow needs its own error setup. This is fine for simple automations but turns into a chore for anything intricate.
• Basic Debugging: Make’s debugging is straightforward but light on details. You’ll get a heads-up when something fails, but the error messages can be vague, leaving you to dig deeper on your own. It’s approachable but not always actionable.

Why Testing and Debugging Tools Matter

Efficient testing and debugging are the unsung heroes of automation. They save you from endless trial-and-error loops and keep your workflows humming without constant babysitting.

• Time Savings: n8n’s pinned and mock data cut out repetitive setup, letting you test fast and often. Its global error triggers streamline fixes by centralizing error management. Make’s manual testing and per-module error configs, meanwhile, can bog you down as complexity ramps up.
• Frustration-Free Fixes: n8n’s detailed error logs hand you the “why” behind the “what,” making troubleshooting a breeze. Make’s basic error messages might leave you guessing, turning quick fixes into mini investigations.

n8n makes isolating issues easier with a one-click module deactivation feature, perfect for testing specific sections without breaking your workflow apart. In Make, you’d need to manually unlink modules, which feels clunkier by comparison.

7. Functions and Customization

When it comes to automation, functions and customization are the secret sauce that transform basic app connections into workflows that do exactly what you want. Whether you’re manipulating data, setting up conditional logic, or integrating something totally unique, this is where Make and n8n show their true colors.

Make keeps it simple with beginner-friendly, no-code functions, while n8n hands you the keys to serious coding power and AI-driven flexibility. Let’s dive into how they stack up, why it matters, and which one suits your skill level and customization needs.

Make: Beginner-Friendly Functions, No Code Required

Make is designed to make automation approachable for everyone, especially those who don’t know - or don’t want to know - how to code. Its functions are intuitive, pre-built, and ready to roll.

• Plug-and-Play Functions: Make offers a library of built-in functions for common tasks like formatting dates, doing math, or tweaking text. Want to capitalize a name or parse a timestamp? Just pick a function like "toUpperCase()" or "parseDate()" from a dropdown, add your data, and you’re done - no coding required.
• Visual Workflow Logic: Need to branch your workflow based on specific conditions? Make’s routers let you set up if/then logic visually, no scripts needed. It’s as simple as dragging lines on a canvas.
• The Catch: Simplicity comes at a cost. Make doesn’t support custom code, so you’re limited to its pre-built options. If your idea doesn’t fit the mold, you’re out of luck.

n8n: Coding Power and AI Flexibility Unleashed

n8n takes a different approach, catering to users who crave control and aren’t afraid to get technical. It’s a playground for customization, blending code and AI into a powerful combo.

• Built-In Code Editor: With n8n, you can write JavaScript directly in its code nodes. This opens the door to custom functions, complex data transformations, or even connecting to APIs that aren’t natively supported. For example, you could whip up a script to reverse a string or calculate something unique - all within the platform.
• AI-Powered Automation: n8n goes beyond code with AI functions that tackle messy, real-world tasks. Need to extract a meeting time from an unstructured email? AI can parse it for you, no rigid rules required. It’s like having a smart assistant embedded in your workflow.
• Dynamic Expressions: Even if you’re not ready for full coding, n8n’s expression system lets you add lightweight logic to any field. Think of it as a mini-scripting tool for power users. It's flexible but less intimidating than raw JavaScript.

Why Customization Matters

Choosing between Make and n8n hinges on two big factors: your skill level and your customization needs. Here’s why this section is a game-changer:

• Skill Level Match: Make’s no-code functions are perfect if you’re just starting out or prefer an easy-to-use tool. n8n’s code editor and AI features, on the other hand, shine for those comfortable with programming or eager to experiment with advanced tech.
• Customization Needs: If your automations are straightforward - such as syncing data between apps or sending formatted emails - Make’s pre-built functions are plenty. But for quirky, bespoke workflows (like parsing unique data formats or building custom API calls), n8n’s flexibility is unmatched.
• Scalability: As your skills (or your business) grow, n8n’s depth keeps pace, letting you layer in complexity. Make is fantastic for quick setups but might leave you wanting more as your needs evolve.

8. Data Handling

In automation, data handling is where the magic happens. This is where raw inputs are transformed into actionable outputs. Whether you’re bundling text for reports or extracting key details from documents, how a platform manages data can make or break your workflow.

Make and n8n each bring unique strengths to the table: Make is a pro at text aggregation, while n8n shines with built-in document extraction. Let’s dive into what sets them apart and why it matters for tasks like CRM management or document processing.

Make: Master of Text Aggregation

Make excels at bundling text - think of it as compiling a mixtape of your favorite songs, but for data. Its text aggregator module lets you collect and combine information from multiple sources or events into a single, cohesive output. This is a game-changer for tasks that require summarizing or batching data.

• How It Works: Imagine you’re a sales manager who wants a daily email with all new leads from various forms. Make’s text aggregator can gather each lead’s details - name, email, company - and bundle them into one neatly formatted email. No more sifting through dozens of notifications; it’s all in one place.
• Why It’s Useful: This feature simplifies workflows that involve compiling reports, generating logs, or preparing data for further processing. It’s intuitive, too - just drag the aggregator into your workflow, map the fields you want to include, and let it do the heavy lifting.

n8n: Built-In Document Extraction for the Win

n8n takes the crown for document extraction, especially when it comes to PDFs, a format that’s notoriously tricky in automation. Its built-in tools let you pull specific data from documents without needing third-party plugins or custom code. Make, on the other hand, relies on external integrations for this.

• How It Works: Picture a legal team automating contract reviews. With n8n, they can set up a workflow that extracts key details - like client names, dates, or clauses - directly from uploaded PDFs. It’s like finding a needle in a haystack, but the haystack hands you the needle.
• Why It’s Useful: PDFs are everywhere, from invoices to agreements, and extracting data manually is a time-suck. n8n’s native support means you can automate this process seamlessly, saving hours of grunt work. While Make can handle document extraction with plugins, n8n’s out-of-the-box solution keeps things simpler and more cost-effective.

Why Data Handling Matters

Data handling isn’t just a tech detail - it’s the backbone of automations that feel smart and tailored. Here’s why this contrast is key for your decision:

• Task-Specific Power: Make’s text aggregation is perfect for compiling and summarizing data, like sending batch updates or generating reports. n8n’s document extraction, meanwhile, is a must for workflows that hinge on pulling precise details from files.
• Efficiency Gains: With Make, you avoid the hassle of manually combining data from multiple sources. With n8n, you skip the need for external tools or plugins to handle PDFs, keeping your setup lean.
• Scalability: Make’s aggregator scales effortlessly for growing data volumes, while n8n’s native extraction reduces dependency on third-party services as your document needs expand.

9. Workflow Management

In automation, workflow management is the art of designing, executing, and fine-tuning how your tasks flow from start to finish. For complex workflows - think conditional branching, data merging, or time-sensitive delays - the tools a platform offers can make or break your setup. Make and n8n both bring powerful features to the table, but they excel in different areas: Make’s routers shine for multi-path workflows, while n8n’s merges, looping, and extended wait steps offer unmatched flexibility for intricate automations. Let’s break it down and see how these differences impact your ability to build and manage sophisticated workflows.

Make: Routers for Multi-Path Mastery

Make’s routers are the star of its workflow management toolkit. They let you split a single workflow into multiple paths based on conditions, making it easy to handle different scenarios without creating separate automations.

• How Routers Work: Imagine you’re automating customer orders. With a router, you can set up one path for orders over $100 (e.g., send a premium thank-you email) and another for orders under $100 (e.g., send a standard confirmation). Each path can have its own actions, like updating different databases or triggering unique notifications.
• Why It’s Useful: Routers keep your workflows tidy by consolidating conditional logic into one place. Instead of juggling multiple workflows for similar tasks, you can manage everything in a single, organized setup.
• Who It’s For: Users who need to handle multiple scenarios without the hassle of managing separate automations. If your workflows often branch into distinct paths, Make’s routers are a lifesaver.

n8n: Merges, Looping, and Long Waits for Ultimate Control

n8n takes a different approach, offering tools that excel in merging paths, looping actions, and handling extended delays. It's perfect for workflows that need to adapt, repeat, or pause for long periods.

• Merges: n8n’s merge nodes let you bring multiple paths back together seamlessly. For example, if you’re processing data from different sources (like webhooks and scheduled triggers), you can merge them into a single stream for final actions, like generating a report or sending a summary email.
• Looping: Looping in n8n is robust and flexible. You can set up loops to repeat actions until a condition is met. It's ideal for tasks like retrying failed API calls or processing batches of data. Picture scraping a website: n8n can loop through pages until there’s nothing left to fetch, then move on.
• Extended Wait Steps: While Make caps wait steps at 300 seconds (5 minutes), n8n lets you pause workflows for days, weeks, or even longer. This is clutch for automations that span extended timelines, like sending follow-up emails after a month or checking for updates over time.
• Who It’s For: Users building workflows that need to consolidate data, handle repetitive tasks, or manage long-term processes. If your automations involve merging streams, looping actions, or significant delays, n8n’s toolkit is hard to beat.

Why Workflow Management Matters

The way a platform handles complex workflows isn’t just a technical detail. It’s the difference between a smooth, scalable automation and a tangled mess. Here’s why this contrast is crucial:

• Design Flexibility: Make’s routers let you branch workflows effortlessly, keeping related tasks under one roof. n8n’s merges and loops, meanwhile, give you the power to consolidate and repeat actions with precision.
• Time-Saving Tools: n8n’s extended wait steps eliminate the need for clunky workarounds (like chaining multiple short waits), while Make’s routers save you from duplicating workflows for different conditions.
• Scalability: As your automations grow, n8n’s looping and merging capabilities make it easier to handle increased complexity without losing control. Make’s routers, though powerful, might require more workflows as your needs expand.

10. Organization

When you’re knee-deep in automation, keeping your workflows tidy and ensuring they’re live when you need them can make or break your day. Both n8n and Make tackle these challenges but they do it in their own ways.

Organizing Your Workflows

Picture your workflows as a pile of papers on your desk. Without some order, it’s chaos. Make steps up with unlimited folders across all its plans. Yes, even the lower tiers. You can create folders for projects, clients, or whatever system works for you. It’s like having an endless stack of labeled binders, making it a breeze to find and manage your automations, especially when your workflow count climbs into the dozens or hundreds.

Meanwhile, n8n takes a different route, limiting folders in its lower pricing tiers to just two and offering none at all on the free version. If you’re on a budget and manage multiple workflows in a self-hosted environment this can quickly become a mess. For users with fewer workflows, this might not sting, and n8n’s search functionality can help you dig through the pile. If you don't want to upgrade your plan for this single feature, Make’s unlimited folders win hands down for keeping things tidy.

Activating Workflows

Getting a workflow live or pausing it shouldn’t feel like a scavenger hunt. n8n nails this with a convenient activation toggle right on the workflow page. One click, and you’re done. On or off, no fuss. It’s like having a light switch at your fingertips, perfect for quick changes or if you’re the type who might forget to double-check.

Make, though, sends you on a detour. To activate or deactivate a workflow, you’ve got to jump to a separate page. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s like walking to another room to turn on the TV. For users managing multiple workflows or prone to overlooking steps, this extra navigation can slow you down and even lead to forgotten activations. This can leave critical automations dormant when you need them live.

Why It’s Useful

If you’ve got a sprawling collection of workflows, Make’s unlimited folders are a lifesaver, keeping everything organized without breaking a sweat. But if you value speed and simplicity or tend to forget the little things, n8n’s activation toggle cuts through the noise, reducing errors and saving time.

11. Support and Security/Compliance

When building critical business automations, support quality and security compliance is essential. n8n and Make take distinctly different approaches, mainly shaped by their deployment models and target audiences.

Support: Community vs. Full Service

Make provides structured support across all plans: email support on paid tiers, priority support on Pro/Teams, and 24/7 dedicated account managers on Enterprise. This reflects its focus on non-technical users who may need more hand-holding.

n8n leans on community resources. Self-hosted users rely on Discord and forums (no official support), while cloud customers get email support that varies by tier. Enterprise plans include a dedicated account manager and SLAs. Overall, the developer community is active and helpful for technical troubleshooting, and there are many n8n templates making the rounds on LinkedIn and X.

Security and Compliance: Cloud vs. Self-Hosted Control

Make (cloud-only) handles all security infrastructure for you. It's SOC 2 Type II and GDPR-compliant, with data encryption, SSO (Enterprise), 2FA, and RBAC (Teams/Enterprise). You get EU and U.S. data regions.

The trade-off is that you must trust Make with your data, which can be a deal-breaker for highly regulated industries with strict data-residency requirements.

n8n offers deployment flexibility. Self-hosted gives you complete data control, air-gapped deployments, custom security policies, and full audit trails. It’s ideal for privacy-focused industries like healthcare, finance, or government. However, you're responsible for updates, security, backups, and disaster recovery.

n8n Cloud offers similar compliance (SOC 2, GDPR, SSO, 2FA, RBAC) as Make, but with more technical control and the option to migrate to self-hosted later.

Why Support and Security Matter

• Support: Make's traditional support means faster fixes for non-technical users. n8n's community support works great for developers, but can leave others stuck when workflows break.
• Compliance: Make simplifies compliance but limits control. n8n self-hosted gives complete control but requires IT/DevOps expertise.
• Data sovereignty: Make offers limited regional options. n8n self-hosted lets you deploy anywhere, meeting strict data residency requirements.

Real-World Examples

• Healthcare companies needing HIPAA compliance choose n8n self-hosted for complete data control.
• Ecommerce companies choose Make for quick PCI compliance and fast support.
• Fintech startups split between n8n self-hosted (maximum control) or enterprise cloud (managed infrastructure with strong compliance).

Make is ideal for teams without dedicated technical resources who want security handled for them. n8n is the choice for regulated industries or companies with strong security requirements and technical capacity to manage infrastructure.

Summary

After digging into the details of n8n and Make, it’s time to bring it all together.

How n8n and Make differ

Decision Guide: Which One Is Best for You?

If you’re already invested in one platform, switching might not be worth the effort unless the other offers something truly game-changing for your specific use case. But if you're starting from scratch, your choice depends on your skills, goals, and current setup. Here’s the breakdown:

Choose Make if:

• You’re a beginner or no-coder who wants an intuitive, visual platform.
• You need instant triggers for real-time tasks (e.g., syncing apps on the fly).
• You value tons of native integrations with minimal setup fuss.
• You’re fine with operation-based pricing and can monitor usage as you grow.

Choose n8n if:

• You’re technical or into AI, craving custom code and advanced features like AI agents.
• You want a free tier (Community Edition) or a pricing model that scales with workflows, not operations.
• You need flexible triggers, document extraction, or complex flow controls.
• You’re fine with a steeper learning curve for more power under the hood.

Stick with your current platform if:

• You’re already deep into n8n or Make and it’s working for you. Switching takes time and effort - only jump ship if the other tool solves a glaring pain point.

Can’t decide? Test them out! Make’s free plan and n8n’s Community Edition let you experiment risk-free. Build a workflow that matches your daily tasks and see which vibe suits you best.