Make.com vs n8n: Which Workflow Automation Tool Is Right for You?

3 min read

## Make.com vs n8n: Which Workflow Automation Tool Is Right for You?

In a world where automation can save hours of repetitive work, tools like **Make.com** and **n8n** have emerged as powerful solutions to connect apps and automate workflows. But which one is right for your project?

Letโ€™s break down the key differences so you can decide with confidence.

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### ๐Ÿ”ง 1. Visual Workflow Builders

**Make.com** offers an intuitive, drag-and-drop interface with colorful, easy-to-follow flows. It's ideal for non-developers or those new to automation.

**n8n** also provides a visual editor, but with a focus on **technical flexibility**. Itโ€™s great for developers who want more control over logic and data handling.

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### ๐Ÿง  2. Custom Logic & Code

**n8n** wins here. It allows custom JavaScript functions, conditional branches, and HTTP requests โ€” right inside your workflows. Ideal for complex logic or API work.

**Make.com** supports some custom code, but it's more limited and less developer-friendly than n8n.

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### ๐ŸŒ 3. Integrations

**Make.com** boasts a large catalog of built-in integrations (like Airtable, Shopify, Google Suite), making it faster to set up common automations.

**n8n** has fewer native integrations, but you can build your own or use webhooks to connect virtually anything.

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### ๐Ÿ’ธ 4. Pricing

- **Make.com** uses a **credit-based pricing model** tied to execution complexity and frequency. Free plan available, but can get expensive at scale.
- **n8n** is **open-source** and free to self-host. There's also a cloud version with predictable pricing.

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### ๐Ÿ” 5. Self-Hosting & Privacy

**n8n** is a clear winner for companies that care about **data sovereignty**. Self-host it on your infrastructure with full control over your workflows.

**Make.com** is cloud-only, which may raise concerns in privacy-sensitive use cases.

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### ๐Ÿงฉ Use Case Fit

| Use Case | Recommended Tool |
|----------------------------------|------------------|
| Non-technical teams | Make.com |
| Developer-heavy workflows | n8n |
| Need for custom logic | n8n |
| Speed & simplicity | Make.com |
| Self-hosting & data control | n8n |

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### ๐Ÿš€ Final Thoughts

If you're looking for simplicity and pre-built integrations, **Make.com** is hard to beat.
If you want flexibility, control, and no vendor lock-in, **n8n** is a better fit โ€” especially for technical users or teams that value open-source software.

Still unsure? Try both on a small project and see which one fits your style.

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**Need help integrating Make.com or n8n into your workflow?**
Drop a message โ€” happy to help you design scalable, automated systems!