Compare / Head to head
n8n vs Make: which automation platform should you use in 2026?
Quick verdict
Pick n8n if you're technical, want to self-host, or run long multi-step workflows (you pay per execution, not per step). Pick Make if you want the most approachable visual builder with a free plan and no servers to manage.
Comparison table
| Tool | Pricing | Free tier | Best for | Hosting | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sn8n | Cloud Starter from €20/mo, Pro €50/mo, Business €667/mo (billed annually); Enterprise custom | Self-hosted Community Edition is free; Cloud has a free trial (1,000 executions, no card) | Technical teams and AI agent workflows; billed per full workflow execution | n8n Cloud (EU, Frankfurt) or self-host | Visit ↗ |
| AMake | Credit-based paid plans (Core, Pro, Teams, Enterprise) — see site for current prices | Free plan with 1,000 credits/month | Visual, branching scenarios; each module action uses credits | Cloud (Make-hosted) | Visit ↗ |
Pricing checked on each vendor's official site on October 14, 2026. Prices change often — always confirm on the official site. "See site" means we couldn't verify it. Some links are affiliate links — disclosure.
Who should pick which?
Pick n8n if…
Developers and ops teams who want code nodes, self-hosting, data residency control and AI agent/MCP nodes. Heavy workflows are cheaper because an execution counts once regardless of steps.
Try n8n ↗Pick Make if…
Marketers, freelancers and ops people who think visually. Routers, iterators and a large app catalog make complex logic easy without code — and the free plan lets you start today.
Try Make ↗FAQ
Is n8n cheaper than Make?
It depends on workflow shape. n8n bills per full workflow execution no matter how many steps it has, while Make bills credits per module action. Long, many-step workflows usually favor n8n; simple, low-volume scenarios can fit Make's free plan.
Can I self-host Make?
Make is a cloud service. If self-hosting is a requirement, n8n's free Community Edition is the usual choice.
Does n8n have a free plan?
The self-hosted Community Edition is free. n8n Cloud offers a free trial with 1,000 executions and no credit card; paid Cloud plans start at €20/month billed annually.
Which is better for AI agents?
Both support AI agents. n8n includes AI Agent nodes, MCP server and client nodes and human approval for tool calls on every Cloud plan; Make offers AI agents inside its visual scenarios.