n8n vs Make (formerly Integromat)
n8n is the stronger fit for engineering teams that need full control, self-hosting, and high volume without per-task costs. Make is better for teams that prefer a fully managed, visual-first platform with a larger connector library and no infrastructure management. Neither wins universally. The deciding factors are ownership capacity, connector gaps, and how expensive failures become when nobody is watching.
Feature matrix
Side-by-side comparison
Key capabilities across both tools.
| Feature | n8n | Make (formerly Integromat) |
|---|---|---|
| Open-source | Yes (Fair-code license) | |
| Self-hosting | ||
| Visual Builder | Yes (advanced) | |
| Custom Code Nodes | JavaScript, Python | Limited |
| Pre-built Connectors | 400+ | 1,500+ |
| Data Transformation | Yes (with code) | Yes (visual) |
| Error Handling | Basic retry + error workflows | Advanced (commit/rollback) |
| Webhook Support | ||
| AI/LLM Nodes | Yes (OpenAI, LangChain) | Limited |
| Version Control | Git-backed | |
| Per-task Cost at Scale | $0 (self-hosted) | Scales with operations |
| API Access | REST API | REST API |
At a glance
Tool snapshots
n8n
Workflow Automation / iPaaS
Open-source workflow automation tool that gives developers full control over automation infrastructure with self-hosting options and custom code nodes. It is strongest when volume, privacy, or custom logic would make managed per-operation pricing painful. It requires real ownership of uptime and changes.
Starting at Free (self-hosted) / $20/month (cloud)
Self-hosted free or cloud subscription
Make (formerly Integromat)
Workflow Automation / iPaaS
Advanced visual automation platform for building complex integrations without running your own servers. It is strongest for teams that want managed connectors and visual scenario design. Cost and flexibility trade differently as operation volume grows.
Starting at $9/month
Operation-based subscription
Decision guide
When to choose each
Choose n8n when
- Your team has DevOps capability to self-host and maintain automation infrastructure with monitoring and backups.
- You need custom JavaScript or Python logic inside automation workflows that visual builders only partially support.
- You want to avoid per-task pricing once automation volume becomes a material operating cost.
Choose Make (formerly Integromat) when
- You want a fully managed platform with no infrastructure overhead for operators who are not engineers.
- Your team prefers visual builders and does not need heavy custom code execution day to day.
- You need the largest practical library of pre-built app connectors for common SaaS systems.
Working together
Can both tools coexist?
n8n and Make can complement each other when responsibilities are split deliberately. Use Make for quick visual integrations that benefit from its connector library. Use n8n for complex, custom, or high-volume workflows that need self-hosting or code-level control. Coexistence works when each workflow has one owner and one source of truth for credentials and alerts.
Implementation
How TkTurners approaches either stack
TkTurners chooses between n8n and Make based on who will own the system after launch and how critical the sync is to cash and inventory. We map exception handling and monitoring first, then implement the minimum reliable scenarios. Self-hosted power without ownership is a liability; managed convenience without error design is also a liability.
FAQ
Common questions
What is n8n?
n8n is open-source workflow automation tool that gives developers full control over automation infrastructure with self-hosting options and custom code nodes. it is strongest when volume, privacy, or custom logic would make managed per-operation pricing painful. it requires real ownership of uptime and changes.
What is Make (formerly Integromat)?
Make (formerly Integromat) is advanced visual automation platform for building complex integrations without running your own servers. it is strongest for teams that want managed connectors and visual scenario design. cost and flexibility trade differently as operation volume grows.
How do n8n and Make (formerly Integromat) compare on pricing?
n8n starts at Free (self-hosted) / $20/month (cloud). Make (formerly Integromat) starts at $9/month. The right choice depends on your budget, scale, and feature requirements.
Which is more affordable, n8n or Make (formerly Integromat)?
Cost depends on usage: n8n starts at Free (self-hosted) / $20/month (cloud) (Self-hosted free or cloud subscription) while Make (formerly Integromat) starts at $9/month (Operation-based subscription).
Can n8n and Make (formerly Integromat) work together?
n8n and Make can complement each other when responsibilities are split deliberately. Use Make for quick visual integrations that benefit from its connector library. Use n8n for complex, custom, or high-volume workflows that need self-hosting or code-level control. Coexistence works when each workflow has one owner and one source of truth for credentials and alerts.
How does TkTurners approach n8n or Make (formerly Integromat)?
TkTurners chooses between n8n and Make based on who will own the system after launch and how critical the sync is to cash and inventory. We map exception handling and monitoring first, then implement the minimum reliable scenarios. Self-hosted power without ownership is a liability; managed convenience without error design is also a liability.
Which is better for a small team?
For small teams, consider your needs. n8n is best for Development teams that want full control over automation infrastructure and Orgs with privacy or compliance requirements for self-hosting, while Make (formerly Integromat) excels at Teams that want a fully managed automation platform and Users who prefer visual builders over code-based configuration.
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