In today’s digital landscape, automation platforms have become essential tools for businesses and individuals looking to streamline workflows, reduce manual tasks, and integrate disparate software systems. Among the many automation tools available, n8n and Make.com (previously known as Integromat) stand out as two popular solutions. Although both enable users to build powerful automated workflows, they differ significantly in philosophy, architecture, and user experience.
This article explores the key differences between n8n and Make.com to help you decide which platform suits your needs best.
Overview of n8n and Make.com
- n8n: Pronounced “n-eight-n,” n8n is an open-source workflow automation tool that emphasizes flexibility and self-hosting. It allows users to create complex workflows by connecting apps and APIs with a visual editor. The open-source nature means users can modify and extend the platform as they see fit.
- Make.com: Formerly Integromat, Make.com is a cloud-based automation platform known for its powerful visual scenario builder and a vast library of pre-built app integrations. It offers a no-code/low-code environment primarily targeted at business users and teams wanting to automate repetitive tasks.
Key Differences
1. Open Source vs. Proprietary – n8n vs Make.com
- n8n is open source, licensed under the Apache 2.0 License. This means:
- You can self-host it on your own servers or cloud.
- You have full access to the source code, allowing customization.
- It is free to use, with optional paid cloud hosting plans.
- Ideal for developers or companies wanting control over their data and infrastructure.
- Make.com is a proprietary SaaS platform:
- Fully managed and hosted by the company.
- Users pay subscription fees based on usage tiers.
- Users have no access to the source code or backend.
- Suited for businesses preferring hassle-free, out-of-the-box automation without the need for infrastructure management.
2. Hosting and Deployment
- n8n can be:
- Self-hosted on-premises, on cloud servers (AWS, DigitalOcean, etc.), or via Docker.
- Used via a cloud offering by n8n with managed hosting.
- Make.com is cloud-only; no self-hosting option.
3. Pricing Model
- n8n:
- Open-source version: free with unlimited workflows.
- Cloud hosted plan: subscription-based but generally affordable.
- No vendor lock-in; can switch between cloud and self-hosted freely.
- Make.com:
- Subscription-based with tiered plans based on operations and data volume.
- Free tier with limited operations.
- Pricing can increase significantly with scale.
4. User Interface and Usability
n8n offers flexible deployment options:
One of the standout features of n8n is its versatility in how it can be deployed. Users can choose to self-host n8n either on-premises within their own infrastructure or on cloud servers such as AWS, DigitalOcean, Google Cloud, or any other VPS provider. Additionally, n8n supports containerized deployment using Docker, making it easy to run in various environments and integrate with existing DevOps workflows.
This self-hosting ability is especially attractive for organizations that require full control over their automation workflows, data privacy, and compliance, as it allows them to keep all operations in-house without relying on third-party cloud services.
For users who prefer convenience over control, n8n also offers a managed cloud service directly from the company, where hosting, maintenance, and updates are handled for them, enabling quick startup without infrastructure management.
Make.com is cloud-only with no self-hosting:
In contrast, Make.com operates exclusively as a cloud-based platform. Users access Make.com’s automation tools through its web application, and all workflow execution happens on Make.com’s servers. There is no option to download or self-host the platform locally or on private cloud infrastructure.
This cloud-only model simplifies the user experience by eliminating the need to manage any infrastructure, and updates or scaling are handled entirely by Make.com. However, it may raise concerns for some users about data residency, security policies, or dependency on a third-party service.
- n8n and Make.com platforms offer drag-and-drop visual editors to build workflows (called “workflows” in n8n and “scenarios” in Make.com).
- Make.com tends to have a more polished UI and beginner-friendly experience with extensive templates and tutorials.
- n8n offers a flexible interface that appeals more to technical users and developers, supporting complex branching and custom JavaScript code execution within workflows.
5. Integrations and Extensibility
- Make.com boasts a larger library of pre-built app integrations — hundreds of popular SaaS applications are supported out of the box.
- n8n also supports a wide range of integrations but, being open source, allows users to build custom nodes or connectors for any API.
- n8n and Make.com support HTTP requests and webhooks to connect with virtually any API.
6. Workflow Complexity and Features
- n8n and Make.com are platforms support complex workflows with conditional logic, loops, and error handling.
- n8n provides advanced customization through custom code nodes (JavaScript) and greater control over workflow execution.
- Make.com emphasizes ease of use and visual debugging tools.
Which One Should You Choose from n8n and Make.com ?
| Use Case/Need | Recommended Platform |
|---|---|
| Need self-hosting and full control over data | n8n |
| Open-source and customizable platform | n8n |
| Want a managed cloud solution with many integrations | Make.com |
| Prefer a beginner-friendly UI and pre-built templates | Make.com |
| Have complex workflows requiring custom code | n8n |
| Looking for quick setup without infrastructure management | Make.com |
Conclusion
Both n8n and Make.com are powerful automation platforms capable of streamlining workflows and connecting multiple applications. The choice ultimately depends on your priorities: if you value open source, customization, and self-hosting, n8n is an excellent fit. If you prefer a polished cloud-based SaaS with extensive integrations and a more beginner-friendly experience, Make.com is a strong contender.
By understanding these differences, you can select the platform that best aligns with your technical skills, business needs, and long-term automation goals.
For more information
We invite you to check our blog or our Portfolio to answers to common questions.
Otherwise, we advise reach out to us directly:
you can send us a mail : Contact@onethousandpixels.com
Contact us Via WhatsApp: +90 535 721 92 88