Automation is everywhere today—from small businesses to large enterprises. The right automation tool can save hours of repetitive work, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. But with so many platforms available, how do you decide which one is right for you?
Three of the most popular automation tools are n8n, Zapier, and Make (formerly Integromat). Each has its strengths, pricing model, and ideal user base. In this article, we’ll break down n8n vs Zapier vs Make across features, pricing, integrations, and use cases so you can confidently choose the tool that best fits your needs.
What is Zapier?
Zapier is the most user-friendly automation tool on the market. It allows non-technical users to connect apps through simple “Zaps.” With thousands of integrations and ready-to-use templates, Zapier is often the go-to tool for beginners.
- ✅ Best for: Small businesses, marketers, and non-developers who want quick automation without technical setup.
- ❌ Downside: Pricing scales quickly as you add tasks and more complex automations.
What is Make (Integromat)?
Make (previously Integromat) is a visual automation builder. It lets you create complex workflows, known as “scenarios,” with a drag-and-drop interface. You can add branching, conditions, and even multiple integrations in a single flow.
- ✅ Best for: Users who want more control than Zapier but don’t want to manage their own servers.
- ❌ Downside: Slightly steeper learning curve and pricing is based on operations, which can still add up for heavy users.
What is n8n?
n8n is an open-source automation platform with a unique advantage: you can self-host it. This means complete control over your data, unlimited workflows, and the ability to extend the platform with custom code or APIs.
- ✅ Best for: Developers, agencies, and businesses that need custom workflows, data privacy, and cost efficiency at scale.
- ❌ Downside: Requires technical knowledge to install, manage, and maintain if self-hosted.
n8n vs Zapier vs Make: Feature Comparison
| Feature | n8n | Zapier | Make |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open-source | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Self-hosting | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Ease of Use | ⚡ Moderate (technical setup) | ⭐ Very Easy | ⭐ Easy but more complex than Zapier |
| Integrations | 350+ (expandable via API) | 6,000+ | 1,200+ |
| Custom Code | ✅ Full (JS, API calls, custom nodes) | ⚡ Limited | ⚡ Moderate |
| Pricing model | Free (self-host) or executions (Cloud) | Per task | Per operation |
| Best For | Developers, technical teams | Beginners, small businesses | Power users, SMBs |
Pricing Breakdown
Zapier
- Free plan with limited tasks.
- Paid plans start low but can get expensive quickly due to per-task pricing.
- Example: A workflow with 5 steps across 10,000 records = 50,000 tasks billed.
Make
- Free tier includes a set number of operations.
- Paid tiers scale with operations (every module in a scenario = 1 operation).
- Often cheaper than Zapier but still usage-based.
n8n
- Free forever if self-hosted (only server costs).
- Cloud plans charge per workflow execution rather than steps, making it much cheaper for complex workflows.
Ease of Use
- Zapier: The simplest to learn, best for non-tech users.
- Make: More visual and powerful, but requires some practice.
- n8n: Steeper learning curve—better suited for developers or those comfortable with APIs and servers.
Real-World Use Cases
- Zapier: Sending form submissions to Google Sheets and Slack.
- Make: Syncing e-commerce orders to CRM with branching logic.
- n8n: Large-scale data pipelines, sensitive data workflows (self-hosted for compliance), or advanced API-based automations.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
Zapier
✅ Easy setup, massive integrations, beginner-friendly.
❌ High cost at scale, limited customization.
Make
✅ Visual editor, powerful scenarios, more flexible than Zapier.
❌ Still usage-based pricing, steeper learning curve.
n8n
✅ Open-source, unlimited if self-hosted, deep customization, best for developers.
❌ Requires technical setup and ongoing maintenance.
Which Automation Tool Should You Choose?
- Choose Zapier if you’re just starting out, want something quick, and don’t mind paying more for simplicity.
- Choose Make if you need advanced branching logic and want more flexibility without running your own server.
- Choose n8n if you care about data privacy, cost-efficiency at scale, and custom integrations—and you have the technical skills (or team) to manage it.
Final Thoughts
So, n8n vs Zapier vs Make: which is best? The answer depends on your needs:
- For beginners → Zapier.
- For visual power users → Make.
- For developers and cost-conscious businesses → n8n.
No matter which you choose, workflow automation will save you time, reduce errors, and help your business scale smarter.