Make vs n8n: automations with AI agents
Make suits you if you want to draw automations without writing code: you build a map of modules across thousands of apps, add routers, filters and AI steps, and start on a free plan. n8n is the stronger pick for technical teams, since you can self-host it, mix visual nodes with code and AI agents, and pay per workflow run however many steps it has. Long, step-heavy workflows favour n8n. Non-developers will get further with Make.
Which one to pick
You are not a developer, you want to connect many SaaS apps on a visual canvas with branches and AI steps, and you would like to start building on a free plan.
Your team writes code, wants its data on its own server, and runs long workflows where paying per run rather than per step keeps automation costs under control.
Side by side
Questions
Can I self-host Make like n8n?
No, our data lists self-hosting only for n8n. Its code is source-available, so you can run it on your own server or use n8n's cloud. Make runs as a hosted service. If your data must stay on infrastructure you control, n8n is the one to look at.
Which is cheaper at high volume?
It depends on the shape of your workflows. n8n charges per workflow run, however many steps it contains, so long workflows cost the same as short ones. Make costs less than many rivals at high volume, according to our data. Count your runs and steps for a month, then compare both pricing pages, since we do not list prices for either paid plan.
Do I need to code to use n8n?
Not always, because n8n has visual nodes for most steps. You get the most from it when you add code steps and run it yourself, which is why we rate its setup as high. Make expects no code but has its own learning curve with routers and filters. Someone comfortable with JavaScript will feel at home in n8n.
Which handles AI agents better?
n8n builds AI agents into its workflows as their own nodes, next to code and app steps. Make lets you add AI steps inside a scenario where you need them. For an agent that decides between tools and loops over results, n8n gives you more control. For a single AI step that writes or sorts text, Make is enough.
Is there a free plan for either?
Make has a free plan, so you can build and test scenarios before paying. Our data shows no free plan for n8n's cloud. Self-hosting n8n means paying for your own server and your own time to maintain it. Start with Make's free plan if you only want to try the idea.