n8n vs Zapier vs Make: Which Automation Tool Should You Choose?

Choosing between n8n, Zapier, and Make is one of the first decisions businesses face when starting with automation. Each platform has distinct strengths — here's an honest comparison.

Quick Comparison

Feature

Zapier

Make

n8n

Ease of use	Easiest	Moderate	Technical
App integrations	6,000+	1,500+	400+ (extensible)
Pricing model	Per task	Per operation	Self-hosted (free) or cloud
Complex logic	Basic	Advanced	Advanced
Self-hosting	No	No	Yes
Custom code	Limited	Yes	Full

When to Choose Zapier

Zapier is best for non-technical teams who need simple, reliable automations quickly. Choose Zapier when:

• You need the widest range of app integrations
• Your workflows are mostly linear (trigger → action → action)
• You value ease of use over advanced features
• You're okay with per-task pricing

When to Choose Make (formerly Integromat)

Make excels at complex visual workflows with branching, loops, and data transformation. Choose Make when:

• You need conditional logic, routers, and iterators
• You process high volumes (Make is often cheaper per operation)
• You want visual, flowchart-style workflow building
• You need advanced data manipulation

When to Choose n8n

n8n is ideal for technical teams wanting full control. Choose n8n when:

• You want to self-host for data privacy and control
• You need custom code nodes and advanced integrations
• You want to avoid per-execution pricing
• Your team has development experience

Cost Comparison

For a business running 10,000 automations per month:

• Zapier: ~$100-300/month (depending on plan and multi-step Zaps)
• Make: ~$30-60/month (more operations per dollar)
• n8n: Free (self-hosted) or ~$20-50/month (cloud)

Need Help Deciding?

A consultant can assess your specific needs and recommend the right platform. Browse our directory to find experts in Zapier, Make, or n8n.