vs
n8n vs Make — 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.
n8n vs Make — Feature Comparison
| Feature | n8n | Make |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Automation Platforms | Automation Platforms |
| Pricing | Free (self-hosted) / Cloud from €20/mo | Free tier / Pro from $9/mo |
| Tags | automation, no-code, self-hosted, ai-nodes | automation, no-code, visual, integrations |
| AIwire Score | 8.0/10 | 8.0/10 |
AIwire Scores
n8n
8.0/10Make
8.0/10n8n
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.
Make
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.
Which Tool Should You Pick?
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.
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.
Related Comparisons
Ready to Decide?
Try both tools and see which fits your workflow.
External links. AIwire may earn a commission if you sign up.