n8n vs Make
n8n and Make are visual workflow automation platforms that connect apps and AI models. The big differences are hosting (n8n can be self-hosted for free) and how they bill: n8n per full workflow run, Make per action.
Side-by-side
| n8n | Make | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Per workflow execution, regardless of steps | Per credit; most module actions use 1 credit |
| Free option | Free self-hosted Community Edition; cloud free trial | Free plan with 1,000 credits/month |
| Paid cloud plans | Starter from €20/mo, Pro from €50/mo billed annually (Oct 2026) | Core, Pro, Teams and Enterprise; see make.com/en/pricing |
| Self-hosting | Yes | No (cloud only) |
| Learning curve | More technical; code steps in JS/Python | Very visual, beginner-friendly scenario builder |
Pricing and features checked against the vendors' public pages in October 2026 and can change. Always confirm on the official site.
Who each is best for
Verdict
If you are comfortable with some technical setup or need self-hosting, n8n is very cost-effective for multi-step workflows. If you want the easiest visual builder and a free hosted plan, start with Make.
FAQ
Is n8n free?
The self-hosted Community Edition is free. n8n Cloud is paid after a free trial.
Is Make free?
Make has a free plan with 1,000 credits per month.
Which is better for AI agents?
Both support AI steps. n8n has dedicated AI Agent and MCP nodes; Make offers AI modules in its visual builder.
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