n8n
PaidNode-based workflow automation platform combining AI capabilities with code flexibility for technical teams.
n8n vs Make
Objective factual benchmark between two leading platforms to identify optimal fit based on scale and architecture.
From $24/mo
Make
FreemiumVisual automation and integration platform to build workflows and AI agents.
Technical Verdict & Decision Factors
n8n features a fair-code model focused on self-hosting and strict data control, whereas Make operates as a pure cloud SaaS solution with a massive ecosystem of native integrations and a highly optimized visual interface for complex workflows.
Scale-ups & Agile Teams
Choose n8n if
Ideal for engineering teams requiring full infrastructure control via local or private deployment, ensuring data sovereignty and strict compliance with privacy regulations.
Get started with n8n (opens in a new tab)Enterprise & Compliance
Choose Make if
Optimal for organizations prioritizing a managed SaaS platform without infrastructure friction, leveraging an extensive catalog of pre-built connectors for rapid integration.
Get started with Make (opens in a new tab)Key Differentiators
- Self-hosted deployment model versus exclusive cloud SaaS infrastructure.
- Native support for executing JavaScript and Python code within transformation nodes.
- Data governance and regulatory compliance under European jurisdiction versus US cloud.
n8n8.6/10
Make7.0/10
n8n8.9/10
Make7.8/10
n8n6.2/10
Make3.8/10
Side-by-Side Feature Comparison
| Datasheet | n8nPaid | MakeFreemium |
|---|
Commercial Model & Pricing
| Base Price | $24.00/mo | Free Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Score | ||
| Verified | VerifiedVerified tool: Audited technical attributes | VerifiedVerified tool: Audited technical attributes |
Core Features Matrix
| Specific Capabilities for Workflow Automation & Backend Orchestration | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stateful Durable Execution | Not available | Not available |
| Dead Letter Queue (DLQ) & Replay | Not available | Not available |
| TypeScript / Python Code Steps | Not available | Not available |
| Enterprise Architecture & Security (7 Universals) | ||
| REST & GraphQL API | Compatible | Compatible |
| SSO / SAML Authentication | Compatible | Compatible |
| Self-Hosted Option | Compatible | Not available |
| Full Data Export | Compatible | Compatible |
| Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) | Compatible | Compatible |
| Custom Domains & SSL | Not available | Not available |
| Immutable Audit Logs | Compatible | Compatible |
Architecture & Verified Specs
| Compliance & Data Sovereignty | ||
|---|---|---|
| Audited Certifications | ||
| SSO (SAML) Availability | Enterprise plan only | Enterprise plan only |
| Legal Headquarters & Jurisdiction | DE | US |
| Subject to US CLOUD Act | Immune (EU Sovereignty) | Subject (US Extraterritorial) |
| Data Residency | US, EU, SELF_HOSTED | US, EU |
| Open Source Telemetry & Code Sovereignty | ||
| GitHub Stars | 209.3k | Proprietary / Closed Source |
| Latest Commit / Vitality | Nov 1, 2026 | Proprietary / Closed Source |
| SPDX License | Other | Proprietary / Closed Source |
| Primary Language | TypeScript | Cloud / SaaS |
| Minimum RAM Required | Cloud Managed | Cloud Managed |
| Visit Website | Try n8n (opens in a new tab) | Try Make (opens in a new tab) |
|---|
Last technical review:
Technical Scorecard ComparisonShow detailsHide details
Technical Scorecard Comparison
Technical Scorecard Comparison: n8n vs Make
n8n88/100
Make85/100
DX & Tech Documentation+2 pts n8n
Pricing Fairness+8 pts n8n
Security & Governance
Data Portability & Sovereignty+10 pts n8n
Performance & Reliability+5 pts Make
Time to Value & Fit by Segment: n8n vs Make
n8n
Time-to-Value:< 1 hour (Immediate)
Curve:Moderate (Standard)
Near-instantaneous deployment with minimal technical friction.
Make
Time-to-Value:< 1 hour (Immediate)
Curve:Moderate (Standard)
Near-instantaneous deployment with minimal technical friction.
Segment Fit Comparison
Pricing & Licensing BreakdownShow detailsHide details
Pricing & Licensing Breakdown
Billing Clauses & SSO Tax: n8n vs Make
n8n
Enterprise-Only SSO
SAML/SSO locked strictly behind the highest custom corporate tier.
Free:Self-hosted edition is free under fair-code terms; limited cloud trial available.
- Execution quotas can deplete rapidly during high-volume data loops or debugging iterations.
Make
Enterprise-Only SSO
SAML/SSO locked strictly behind the highest custom corporate tier.
Free:Includes a permanent free tier with a monthly operation allowance and basic scenario capacity.
- Operation limits can be exhausted quickly if loops or high-frequency polling triggers are misconfigured.
TCO & Savings CalculatorTCO 1-3YShow detailsHide details
TCO & Savings CalculatorTCO 1-3Y
Usage Billing PredictabilityWhat usage costs as you scaleShow detailsHide details
Usage Billing PredictabilityWhat usage costs as you scale
Bidirectional Migration Friction Index (MFI)Show detailsHide details
Bidirectional Migration Friction Index (MFI)
Bidirectional Migration Friction Index (MFI)
Migration friction: n8n to Make
0/100
Agile transition with low operational risk and native export/API support.
Critical Factors Evaluated
Smooth path: native export support, ingestion API, and authentication parity.
Migration friction: Make to n8n
15/100
Agile transition with low operational risk and native export/API support.
Critical Factors Evaluated
- +15 ptsTransition from a free or freemium model to a mandatory paid tier in n8n.
Technical Transition Playbook: n8n to MakeCLI Runbook4-stage execution protocol to switch dependencies with zero data loss and verifiable rollback.Show detailsHide details
Technical Transition Playbook: n8n to MakeCLI Runbook
4-stage execution protocol to switch dependencies with zero data loss and verifiable rollback.Community Sentiment & Commercial TermsShow detailsHide details
Community Sentiment & Commercial Terms
Technical Reputation of n8n
87/100 Technical Trust
Frequent Praises in Production
- Fair-code licensing model suitable for local self-hosting with total data control.
- Advanced combination of visual nodes with custom JavaScript or Python code execution.
- Native integration with artificial intelligence agents and large language models.
Reported Production Frictions
- Advanced enterprise security features like SAML/SSO require higher-tier or custom enterprise plans.
- Learning curve for configuring complex data flows and debugging custom code requires technical skills.
Technical Reputation of Make
83/100 Technical Trust
Frequent Praises in Production
- Advanced visual scenario builder with support for custom JavaScript and Python code.
- Extensive ecosystem featuring over 3,500 pre-built integrations and universal API connectors.
- Permanent free tier available for experimentation and initial prototyping.
Reported Production Frictions
- Consumption is based on operations, which can unexpectedly increase costs in high-volume workflows.
- Advanced governance features and SSO are restricted to higher enterprise pricing tiers.
Frequently Asked Questions: n8n vs Make
What are the key differences between n8n and Make?
n8n features a fair-code model focused on self-hosting and strict data control, whereas Make operates as a pure cloud SaaS solution with a massive ecosystem of native integrations and a highly optimized visual interface for complex workflows.
How do n8n and Make pricing compare?
n8n starts at 24.00/mo under paid tier, while Make starts at 0.00/mo with freemium billing.
When should you choose n8n over Make?
If your priority is Node-based workflow automation platform combining AI capabilities with code flexibility for technical teams., n8n is the optimal choice; for Visual automation and integration platform to build workflows and AI agents., Make provides superior benefits.