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n8n vs Zapier vs Make

The definitive comparison of the top workflow automation platforms. Find the right tool for your needs.

Quick Summary

🔗
n8n
Fair-code workflow automation
4.8(1,200+ reviews)

Best For:

DevelopersSelf-hostersComplex workflowsData-heavy automation

Starting Price:

Self-hosted (unlimited)

30% recurring commission for 12 months

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Zapier
The automation standard
4.5(5,000+ reviews)

Best For:

Non-technical usersQuick automationsMarketing teamsSmall businesses

Starting Price:

100 tasks/mo (5 Zaps)

Partner program available

🎯
Make
Visual automation platform
4.7(2,500+ reviews)

Best For:

Visual thinkersComplex logicBudget-conscious teamsMarketing automation

Starting Price:

1,000 ops/mo (2 scenarios)

20% recurring commission

Pricing Comparison

Tiern8nZapierMake
FreeSelf-hosted (unlimited)100 tasks/mo (5 Zaps)1,000 ops/mo (2 scenarios)
Starter$20/mo (2,500 executions)$29.99/mo (750 tasks)$10.59/mo (10,000 ops)
Pro$50/mo (10,000 executions)$73.50/mo (2,000 tasks)$18.82/mo (10,000 ops + features)
Team/EnterpriseCustom$103.50/mo (50,000 tasks)$34.12/mo (10,000 ops + team)

Prices as of December 2024. Check official websites for current pricing.

Feature Comparison

Featuren8nZapierMake
Free tierUnlimited (self-hosted)100 tasks/mo1,000 ops/mo
Self-hosting
Visual builder
Code/scriptingFull (JavaScript)LimitedLimited
Integrations400+6,000+1,500+
Webhooks
Error handlingAdvancedBasicAdvanced
Branching/logicAdvancedPathsRouters
API access
Team collaboration
Version control
AI featuresAI nodesAI actionsAI modules

Pros & Cons

🔗n8n

Pros

  • Self-hosting option (free forever)
  • 400+ integrations
  • Code nodes for custom logic
  • Fair-code license (source available)
  • No execution limits on self-hosted
  • Active community

Cons

  • Steeper learning curve
  • Requires technical knowledge for self-hosting
  • Cloud pricing can add up
⚡Zapier

Pros

  • Easiest to use
  • 6,000+ app integrations
  • Excellent documentation
  • Strong brand recognition
  • AI-powered suggestions

Cons

  • Most expensive option
  • Task-based pricing adds up quickly
  • Limited customization
  • No self-hosting option
🎯Make

Pros

  • Best visual builder
  • Most affordable paid plans
  • 1,500+ integrations
  • Powerful data manipulation
  • Great for complex scenarios

Cons

  • Learning curve for advanced features
  • Operations-based pricing can be confusing
  • Fewer integrations than Zapier

Which Should You Choose?

Marketing Automation
Zapier

Most marketing tool integrations and easiest setup for non-technical marketers

Developer Workflows
n8n

Full code access, self-hosting, and deep customization capabilities

Complex Data Processing
Make

Best visual representation of complex logic and powerful data transformation

Budget-Conscious Teams
n8n

Free self-hosted option with unlimited executions

Enterprise Compliance
n8n

Self-hosting keeps data on your infrastructure

Quick Prototyping
Zapier

Fastest time-to-automation with intuitive interface

Our Recommendation

For developers and technical teams: Start with n8n. The self-hosted option is free forever, and you get full control over your data and workflows.

For non-technical users and quick wins: Zapier is the easiest to learn with the most integrations, though it's the most expensive.

For budget-conscious teams with complex needs: Make offers the best value with powerful visual building capabilities.

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