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Make vs n8n — AIwire Comparison 2026
6 min read·Updated 2026-04-26
TL;DR
n8n is the clear choice for teams that demand data sovereignty, open-source flexibility, and a visual editor that bridges no-code with AI agent nodes. Make is better for users who want a fully-managed cloud service with a gentler learning curve and slightly broader integration catalog. Pick n8n when self-hosting matters; pick Make when you'd rather not manage infrastructure.
Make vs n8n — Feature Comparison
| Feature | Make | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Automation Platforms | Automation Platforms |
| Pricing | Free tier / Pro from $9/mo | Free (self-hosted) / Cloud from €20/mo |
| Tags | automation, no-code, visual, integrations | automation, no-code, self-hosted, ai-nodes |
| AIwire Score | 8.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
AIwire Scores
Make
8.0/10n8n
8.0/10Make
Strengths
- ✓Cloud-first simplicity: Fully managed service means zero maintenance, automatic scaling, and a smoother onboarding experience.
- ✓Larger integration catalog: ~1,500 apps vs. n8n's 400+, giving you more out-of-the-box connectors.
- ✓Polished UX: The visual editor is slightly more refined and includes handy features like built-in data storage and simpler error handling.
Weaknesses
- ✗No self-hosting: All data passes through Make's cloud; not an option for teams with strict data-residency requirements.
- ✗Enterprise features cost extra: SSO, audit logs, and advanced permissions require the higher-priced Business plan.
n8n
Strengths
- ✓Self-hosted option: Run it on your own infrastructure for complete data control — critical for regulated industries or privacy-conscious teams. (AIwire ease of use score: 9/10)
- ✓Fair-code license: Most features are open-source; enterprise features are reasonably priced (cloud plans start at €20/month).
- ✓AI nodes built-in: Native integration for OpenAI, Anthropic, and local models lets you embed LLM reasoning directly into visual workflows.
Weaknesses
- ✗Scaling complexity: Workflows with 100+ nodes can become difficult to debug and maintain.
- ✗AI node maturity: The AI agent nodes are still relatively new; some advanced patterns require workarounds or custom code.
Which Tool Should You Pick?
Pick Make if…
- You prefer a fully-managed cloud service and don't want to worry about servers, updates, or scaling.
- Your workflow relies on a SaaS connector that's in Make's larger library but not in n8n's 400+ set.
- Your team values a polished, intuitive interface that gets them building automations in minutes with minimal training.
Pick n8n if…
- Data sovereignty or self-hosting is a requirement (e.g., healthcare, finance, or EU-based teams).
- You want to extend or customize the platform — the open-source core allows deep modifications.
- You're comfortable with slightly fewer integrations (400+) in exchange for greater control and AI-node experimentation.
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Ready to Decide?
Try both tools and see which fits your workflow.
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