n8n vs Make vs Zapier: Which Automation Tool Wins?
Published
December 12, 2024
15
min read
Looking for the best automation tool? Here's a quick breakdown of n8n, Make, and Zapier - three popular platforms for automating workflows in 2025. Each caters to different needs based on technical expertise, pricing, and features:
| Feature | n8n | Make | Zapier |
|---|---|---|---|
| User Interface | Node-based, technical | Visual, flexible | Simple, linear |
| Coding Support | Full JavaScript/Python | Limited (JS on Enterprise) | Limited JavaScript/Python |
| Integrations | 1,000+ native | 1,500+ | 6,000+ |
| Self-hosting | Yes | No | No |
| Error Handling | Customizable workflows | Advanced | Basic |
| Pricing Model | Per workflow execution | Per operation | Per task |
| Best For | Developers, enterprises | Intermediate users | Beginners, small teams |
Test free tiers to find the best fit for your team and goals.
Automation platforms cater to different user needs and skill levels, offering unique features to address specific requirements. Understanding each tool's strengths can help you pick the one that aligns with your goals. Here's a breakdown of what each platform brings to the table.
n8n is a powerhouse for users who need flexibility and control. Built on a node-based architecture, it allows for precise workflow customization. The platform supports self-hosting, giving users full control over their data. Developers will appreciate its robust support for JavaScript and Python, enabling them to install packages, access file systems, and create complex algorithms. Its pricing model, based on workflows, is particularly appealing for handling intricate, multi-step processes. Plus, its ability to connect to any service with a public API through HTTP requests and custom functions makes it a highly adaptable choice.
Make strikes a balance between technical capabilities and user-friendliness with its visual interface. Its scenario-based workflow builder offers real-time data flow visualization, making it easy to design and monitor automations. The platform shines in data transformation, offering advanced tools to ensure workflows run smoothly. Make employs an operation-based pricing model, charging for each action performed, and provides limited JavaScript support on Enterprise plans. Its depth lies in offering comprehensive access to connected services' features, alongside advanced error-handling options to boost reliability.
Zapier is designed for non-technical users, offering a straightforward trigger-action setup that simplifies automation. With an extensive library of over 6,000 pre-built integrations, it covers a wide range of tools, including niche services, without requiring custom development. Zapier uses a task-based pricing model, charging per action, and offers limited customization through JavaScript and Python. While its ease of use and accessibility are standout features, its basic error-handling capabilities and limited flexibility may not be ideal for handling complex workflows or business logic.
| Feature | n8n | Make | Zapier |
|---|---|---|---|
| User Interface | Node-based, technical | Visual, flexible | Simple, linear |
| Coding Support | Full JavaScript/Python | Limited (JS on Enterprise) | Limited JavaScript/Python |
| Integrations | 1,000+ native integrations | 1,500+ integrations | 6,000+ integrations |
| Self-hosting | Yes | No | No |
| Error Handling | Customizable workflows | Advanced error handling | Basic handling |
| Target Audience | Developers | Intermediate users | Beginners, non-technical users |
Your choice will depend on factors like your team's technical expertise, the level of customization you need, and the complexity of your workflows. Whether it's n8n's unmatched flexibility, Make's balanced and visual design, or Zapier's user-friendly interface and vast integration library, each platform is tailored to excel in its own way.
When it comes to automation platforms, pricing structures can vary widely, and understanding these differences is crucial for managing your budget effectively. Here's a breakdown of how each platform approaches pricing and what it means for your automation needs.
n8n's pricing is based on workflow executions rather than individual tasks or operations. This structure can result in significant savings, particularly for complex automations with multiple steps.
n8n offers a free self-hosted Community Edition, alongside managed cloud plans starting at $24/month for 2,500 executions. For those with higher demands, plans scale up to $60/month for 10,000 executions.
"You only pay for full workflow executions, not for each operation, step, or task." - n8n.io
A compelling example highlights the potential savings: In January 2024, a design agency switched from Make to n8n, handling 1.5 million to 9.5 million monthly operations. Their monthly cost with n8n was around $320, compared to over $7,600 with Make. This switch saved them $87,360 annually, with each operation costing 23.75 times less than their previous setup.
Make takes a different approach, charging per operation. Each module action in a scenario counts as one operation, offering a middle ground between n8n's workflow-based pricing and Zapier's task-based model.
The platform provides a free tier with 1,000 operations per month, ideal for testing small-scale automations. Paid plans start at $9/month for 10,000 operations on the Core plan, with the Pro plan at $16/month and the Teams plan at $29/month. While all maintain the 10,000-operation limit, higher tiers unlock premium apps and advanced features.
However, costs can escalate quickly for multi-step workflows, as every step counts as a separate operation. Despite this, Make often offers better value than Zapier for medium-complexity workflows that don’t require the extensive customization capabilities of n8n.
Zapier's task-based pricing model charges for every individual action completed in a Zap. While this approach is straightforward, it can become expensive for high-volume automations.
The free plan includes 100 tasks per month with up to 5 Zaps, suitable only for very basic needs. The Professional plan starts at $19.99/month (billed annually) for 750 tasks, while the Team plan jumps to $69/month, offering more features and higher task limits.
Zapier’s costs rise significantly with increased usage. Tasks exceeding the plan limit are billed at 1.25 times the base subscription rate per task, making overages costly. For businesses with large-scale workflows or high data processing needs, Zapier often becomes the priciest option among the three.
| Platform | Free Tier | Starting Paid Plan | Pricing Model | Best Value For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| n8n | Self-hosted only | $24/month (2,500 executions) | Per workflow execution | Complex, multi-step workflows |
| Make | 1,000 operations/month | $9/month (10,000 operations) | Per operation | Medium-complexity automations |
| Zapier | 100 tasks/month | $19.99/month (750 tasks) | Per task | Simple, low-volume workflows |
Choosing the right platform depends on your specific needs. If you’re handling complex workflows or large data volumes, n8n is the most cost-efficient. For intermediate automation needs, Make strikes a good balance. Meanwhile, Zapier prioritizes ease of use, making it a better fit for straightforward, low-volume workflows. Match your choice to the complexity and scale of your automation requirements to get the best value.
Picking the right automation platform depends heavily on your technical expertise and how much time you're willing to spend learning. Each tool caters to a specific skill set and has a unique learning curve that can shape your overall experience.
n8n is built for developers and IT professionals who want advanced customization and the ability to self-host. This platform requires a strong technical background.
"n8n: While it's not mandatory, having coding skills, particularly in JavaScript or TypeScript, can greatly enhance your experience. It allows you to leverage advanced features, create custom integrations, and fully utilize the platform's capabilities." - Mandy Fong, Head of Sales, OneSky
Among the three platforms, n8n has the steepest learning curve. Its node-based interface, while intuitive for developers, demands significant time and effort to master.
Best suited for:
While the platform offers extensive documentation and tutorials to ease the learning process, mastering n8n still requires a considerable investment of time and technical know-how.
Make offers a middle ground, blending accessibility with advanced features. It's an excellent choice for users with some technical knowledge who want power without the complexity of n8n.
The platform's "canvas-style" visual interface lets users map out workflows as diagrams, making it easier to grasp complex automation processes compared to traditional linear setups. Most users can get comfortable with Make in just a few days.
Best suited for:
Make supports around 1,500 integrations, offering enough flexibility for most business needs while keeping the learning curve manageable. This balance makes it a natural step up for those transitioning from beginner tools.
Zapier is perfect for beginners who want easy, code-free automation. Its design prioritizes simplicity and accessibility.
"Zapier: No coding skills are needed! Thanks to its user-friendly interface, anyone can set up automations effortlessly." - Mandy Fong, Head of Sales, OneSky
Zapier’s learning curve is the gentlest of the three, allowing new users to get up and running within hours. Its guided, linear workflows make it incredibly intuitive, especially for those new to automation. Compared to n8n and Make, Zapier stands out for its simplicity.
Best suited for:
One of Zapier's key strengths is its vast library of over 6,000 integrations, making it highly likely that you'll find pre-built connections for the tools you already use.
| Platform | Target Users | Learning Time | Technical Skills Required | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| n8n | Developers, IT teams | Several weeks | JavaScript/TypeScript helpful | Complex custom workflows |
| Make | Intermediate users | Few days | Moderate technical comfort | Advanced scenarios with visual design |
| Zapier | Beginners, non-technical | Few hours | None required | Quick, simple automations |
Ultimately, the right platform depends on your team's technical abilities and how much time you're willing to dedicate to learning. Choosing a tool that aligns with your current skill level can pave the way for smoother implementation and better outcomes in your automation journey.
Every automation tool shines in specific scenarios, so it's essential to match your needs with the tool's strengths. Here's a breakdown of when to use each tool, supported by real-world examples.
n8n is perfect for those who need full control, customization, and the ability to self-host. Its open-source nature makes it a go-to for organizations with strict data security or compliance requirements.
As of March 2025, n8n has earned over 66,000 GitHub stars and grown a community of more than 55,000 members. Fabian Strunden, AI Product Lead, shared this impressive insight:
"Yesterday, one of our developers blew our minds by rebuilding a 4-week AI feature in just 10 minutes using n8n."
- Fabian Strunden
Choose n8n for:
Make stands out for its visual, user-friendly interface. It's ideal for teams collaborating on complex data transformations or building multi-step automations without needing deep technical skills. With over 250,000 customers and 8,000 pre-built templates, Make simplifies the process of mapping workflows.
Its canvas-style design makes it particularly effective for tasks like managing customer journeys or marketing campaigns. Teams can easily visualize and refine workflows, enabling seamless collaboration across departments.
Choose Make for:
Zapier is the go-to tool for quick, no-fuss automation. Known for its simplicity, Zapier connects over 7,000 apps and handles 10 million automations monthly. It’s trusted by more than 2.2 million businesses, offering near-perfect uptime and helping users achieve up to a 98% productivity boost.
Tim Tieu, Global Community Marketing Manager at Asana, explains Zapier’s value:
"With Zapier doing the less creative work for us, we can actually focus on adding value through customer care rather than managing day-to-day operations."
Choose Zapier for:
Here’s a quick reference to match tools with specific scenarios:
| Scenario | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare data processing | n8n | HIPAA compliance and secure self-hosting |
| Marketing campaign workflows | Make | Visual design and complex data transformation |
| Small business lead management | Zapier | Easy setup, wide integrations, no technical skills |
| Financial compliance automation | n8n | Advanced logic, secure audit trails, strict controls |
| Cross-team project automation | Make | Collaborative workflows and scalability |
| Sales funnel optimization | Zapier | Pre-built integrations and proven performance |
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your technical resources, current needs, and long-term goals. Align your selection with the platform that fits your business today while preparing for tomorrow.
After breaking down the options, here's a streamlined guide to help you choose the best automation platform for your business.
Make your choice based on your company's size, technical expertise, and the unique strengths of each tool:
| Business Type | Best Choice | Key Reason | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small business (non-technical) | Zapier | Easiest setup, largest app library | $19.99/month |
| Mid-sized company | Make | Visual workflows, balanced features | $9/month |
| Enterprise/Technical teams | n8n | Full control, unlimited customization | $22/month (cloud) |
When deciding, consider your team’s technical skills, the complexity of your workflows, and your long-term goals. Some businesses find success with a hybrid approach, using multiple platforms for different tasks.
To find the best fit, test each platform's free tier by creating workflows that mimic your actual processes. This hands-on approach will give you a clear sense of which tool aligns with your needs.
If your team lacks technical expertise, services like 2V Automation AI can help. Their four-step process - discovery, roadmap creation, implementation, and ongoing support - streamlines the deployment of tailored workflows using n8n and Make.
As automation continues to evolve, choosing a platform that meets your current needs while allowing room for growth is essential. Whether your focus is simplicity, visual design, or technical flexibility, the right tool can revolutionize how your business operates.
The pricing structures of n8n, Make, and Zapier are designed differently, and understanding these differences is key to managing your automation costs effectively.
n8n uses a workflow execution-based pricing model, which is ideal for businesses handling large volumes of automations. For instance, its cloud service starts at $22 per month for 2,500 executions. This approach avoids the escalating costs often associated with per-action pricing.
On the other hand, Make and Zapier operate on a pay-per-action basis. Make starts at $9 per month for 10,000 operations, while Zapier begins at $19.99 per month for 750 tasks. As usage grows, these costs can rise considerably, making them less economical for businesses with high automation demands. For extensive workflows, n8n often emerges as the more cost-effective choice.
n8n boasts over 1,000 integrations, self-hosting capabilities, and the ability to customize workflows using JavaScript and Python. This makes it a solid choice for users with a technical background. Make, on the other hand, provides around 1,500 integrations and a user-friendly visual interface, allowing you to create complex workflows without needing extensive coding skills. Zapier takes the lead with over 6,000 integrations and is perfect for beginners, though it offers fewer options for advanced customization and scalability.
If you're looking for flexibility and control, n8n is a standout with its self-hosting and coding features. For those who value simplicity and a vast range of integrations, Zapier is the way to go. Meanwhile, Make offers a middle ground, combining an intuitive interface with moderate customization options.
The technical know-how needed to use n8n, Make, and Zapier differs significantly, depending on their features and design. n8n is a great fit for teams with strong coding skills, as it supports advanced customization and offers node-based workflows for intricate automations. Make strikes a balance, providing a user-friendly visual interface that allows moderately technical users to build complex workflows without heavy coding. Meanwhile, Zapier stands out for its simplicity, making it an excellent choice for teams with little to no technical expertise. Its intuitive setup ensures automations can be created quickly and easily.
When deciding which tool to use, think about your team’s technical comfort level. If you have developers or team members with strong technical skills, n8n gives you the most flexibility and control. For those with some technical experience, Make offers a solid middle ground. But if you’re looking for a tool that’s easy to use for everyone, especially non-technical users, Zapier is the way to go. It’s designed to make automation straightforward and hassle-free.