Make vs n8n (2026): Which Is Better?
Winner
Make is the better pick for most people as of September 2026, rated 4.4/5 versus 4.3/5 for n8n. Both have free plans. n8n is the better choice for developers wanting self-hosted automation.
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Compiled from BestAI's full reviews of Make and n8n, using the same ratings, pricing and test notes. See our review methodology.
Make vs n8n: side-by-side
| Criterion | Make | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| BestAI rating | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Starting price | $9/mo | Free (open source) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Open source |
| Ease of use | 3.0/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Features | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Output quality | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Value for money | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Platforms | API, Web | API, Web |
| API access | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Complex multi-branch automations | Developers wanting self-hosted automation |
| Company | Make (Celonis), 2012 | n8n GmbH, 2019 |
Strengths and weaknesses
Make
- Visual canvas with fine-grained control over logic
- Often more cost-effective at higher volumes than Zapier
- Strong support for complex branching and data transformation
- AI steps for generation and data extraction
- Steeper learning curve than simpler automation tools
- Smaller app library than Zapier for some niche integrations
- Visual canvas can get complex for very large workflows
n8n
- Free and open-source to self-host
- Full data ownership and infrastructure control
- Supports custom code inside workflows
- Active open-source community
- Self-hosting requires technical setup and maintenance
- Smaller polished app library than Zapier
- Fair-code license restricts some commercial reuse cases
Key features
Make
- Visual workflow canvas
- Advanced branching and data transformation
- AI-powered workflow steps
- Custom functions
- Wide API/webhook support
n8n
- Visual workflow builder
- Self-hosting option
- Custom JavaScript/Python code nodes
- AI workflow nodes
- Open-source extensibility
Which should you choose?
Choose Make if you need:
- Complex multi-branch automations
- Technically comfortable teams
- High-volume automation on a budget
- A free plan (paid plans from $9/mo)
Choose n8n if you need:
- Developers wanting self-hosted automation
- Privacy-sensitive workflows
- Custom-code automation steps
- A free plan (paid plans from Free (open source))
Frequently asked questions
Is Make better than n8n?+
For most people, Make comes out ahead: BestAI rates it 4.4/5 against 4.3/5 for n8n. n8n is still the better fit for developers wanting self-hosted automation.
Which is cheaper, Make or n8n?+
Make costs $9/mo; n8n costs Free (open source). Both have free plans.
Do Make and n8n have free plans?+
Make has a free plan (limited monthly operations on the free plan). n8n has a free plan (free self-hosting; n8n Cloud offers a limited trial).
What is the main difference between Make and n8n?+
Make is best for complex multi-branch automations, and its standout strength is visual canvas with fine-grained control over logic. n8n is best for developers wanting self-hosted automation, with free and open-source to self-host as its biggest advantage.