n8n vs Make 2026 - Which Automation Platform Is Better for AI Workflows?
n8n and Make are the two most popular alternatives to Zapier for building automations and AI agents. Make is a hosted, visual no-code builder with a free plan (1,000 credits a month) and paid plans from $9/month. n8n is fair-code and free to self-host, and its cloud plans start at EUR 20/month billed annually, charging per workflow execution rather than per step.
Our verdict
n8n wins for technical teams, self-hosting and complex AI agents. Make wins for non-developers who want the easiest visual builder and the most ready-made app integrations.
make
When to choose each
Choose n8n when...
- Free self-hosted Community Edition
- Pricing per full workflow execution, no matter how many steps
- Code nodes for JavaScript and Python when no-code is not enough
- AI Agent nodes and MCP support on all cloud plans
- Unlimited users and workflows on every plan
- Keep data on your own servers when self-hosted
Choose make when...
- Easier visual canvas for non-technical users
- 3,000+ prebuilt app integrations
- Free hosted plan with 1,000 credits a month, no server needed
- Low entry price: Core at $9/month for 10,000 credits
- Maia assistant builds scenarios from a conversation
- Fully managed, so no hosting, upgrades or maintenance
Not sure which fits your workflow?
Describe what you're trying to do and we'll build you a personalized AI tool stack - with step-by-step instructions.
Build My AI WorkflowFrequently asked questions
Is n8n free?
The self-hosted Community Edition is free under n8n's fair-code license, though you pay for your own server. n8n Cloud starts at EUR 20/month billed annually for 2,500 executions, and Pro is EUR 50/month for 10,000 executions. Cloud trials do not require a credit card.
Is n8n or Make cheaper?
It depends on workflow shape. Make bills credits for the actions inside each scenario, so long multi-step flows use credits quickly. n8n bills one execution per workflow run regardless of steps, which usually makes complex, high-volume workflows cheaper on n8n, especially if you self-host.
Which is better for AI agents?
n8n is the more flexible choice for AI agents: it has dedicated AI Agent nodes, MCP support and code nodes for custom logic. Make has Make AI Agents and the Maia assistant, which are easier for non-developers but give less low-level control.
Do I need to code to use n8n?
No, most workflows can be built visually. But n8n rewards technical users: expressions, JavaScript or Python code nodes and self-hosting all assume some developer comfort. Make is easier if nobody on your team writes code.
Can I self-host Make?
No. Make is a cloud service, so if self-hosting or keeping data on your own infrastructure is a requirement, n8n is the better fit.