n8n vs Make vs Zapier
Three leading automation platforms, one detailed breakdown. Compare n8n, Make, and Zapier across pricing, self-hosting, AI capabilities, scalability, and enterprise readiness to find the right fit for your workflows in 2026.
| Feature | n8n | Make | Zapier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free self-hosted; Cloud from $24/mo | Free tier (1,000 ops); paid from $10.59/mo | Free tier (100 tasks); paid from $29.99/mo |
| Self-Hosting | Full self-hosting via Docker, Kubernetes, or bare metal | Cloud-only — no self-hosting option | Cloud-only — no self-hosting option |
| Integration Count | 400+ native nodes, plus any API via HTTP Request | 1,800+ app modules with visual configuration | 7,000+ integrations (many community-maintained) |
| AI Capabilities | Native AI agent nodes, LangChain integration, any LLM via API, vector store support | Basic AI modules (OpenAI, Claude); limited agent support | Zapier AI actions and AI chatbot; restricted to partner models |
| Code Support | Full JavaScript and Python in Code nodes; npm packages available | JavaScript code runner with limitations; no external packages | Small JavaScript/Python snippets only; strict sandbox |
| Visual Builder | Canvas-based editor with drag-and-drop plus code toggle | Visual scenario canvas with data mapping UI | Linear Zap builder; canvas editor in beta |
| Data Residency | Full control when self-hosted; EU cloud option available | EU and US data centers; no self-hosting | US-hosted; limited region options on Enterprise |
| Error Handling | Per-node error workflows, retry logic, custom error branches | Error handlers per module, break/resume, ignore | Auto-replay on errors; limited branching on failure |
| Sub-Workflows | Native sub-workflow execution with parameter passing | Scenarios can call other scenarios via webhooks | No native sub-workflows; must chain via webhooks |
| Version Control | Git-native — workflows stored as JSON, full diff support | Scenario versioning within UI; no native Git integration | Version history in UI only; no export-to-Git workflow |
| Community | Open-source community; 50K+ GitHub stars; active forum | Active community forum; template marketplace | Large user base; Zapier experts marketplace |
| Enterprise Features | SSO, RBAC, audit log, LDAP, environments (Enterprise tier) | SSO, teams, custom roles on Enterprise plan | SSO, admin console, SCIM on Enterprise; advanced RBAC |
| Cost at 10K Tasks/mo | ~$0 self-hosted; $50/mo Cloud | ~$59/mo (Core plan) | ~$250/mo (Professional plan) |
| Cost at 50K Tasks/mo | ~$0 self-hosted; $120/mo Cloud | ~$169/mo (Pro plan) | ~$500/mo (Professional plan) |
| Cost at 100K Tasks/mo | ~$0 self-hosted; $200/mo Cloud | ~$299/mo (Teams plan) | ~$750+/mo (Team/Enterprise plan) |
Choose n8n When
- Self-hosting is required for data sovereignty, compliance, or air-gapped environments
- You need full control over data residency and infrastructure security
- Workflows involve complex branching, loops, sub-workflows, and custom code logic
- Your team includes developers comfortable with JavaScript, Python, or API integrations
- Cost sensitivity at scale — self-hosted n8n has zero per-execution fees regardless of volume
- AI agent workflows are central to your automation strategy (LangChain, vector stores, multi-model orchestration)
Choose Make When
- Your team prefers a visual-first approach without writing code
- Workflows involve moderate complexity — branching, routers, iterators, and aggregators
- You want a solid balance between ease of use, features, and pricing
- Data mapping and transformation are important and you want a visual mapper
- The 1,800+ native modules cover your app stack without custom HTTP work
Choose Zapier When
- Automations are straightforward trigger-action sequences with minimal branching
- Your team is non-technical and needs the fastest possible setup time
- Maximum app breadth matters — Zapier's 7,000+ integrations cover niche tools others lack
- You only need low-volume automations where per-task pricing stays affordable
- Quick prototyping and one-off automations are more valuable than long-term scalability
The Verdict
All three platforms have earned their place in the automation landscape, and the right choice depends on your team, your technical requirements, and your budget trajectory. Zapier is unmatched for simplicity and app coverage — if you need to connect a niche SaaS tool in five minutes, it is hard to beat. Make occupies the middle ground with a powerful visual builder, reasonable pricing, and enough depth for most business workflows. n8n stands apart for teams that need self-hosting, unlimited executions, deep AI integration, and the freedom to run custom code without restrictions.
At DSM.promo, we chose n8n as the backbone for our AI agent platform. The reasons are concrete: self-hosting gives us and our clients full data sovereignty for HIPAA and SOC 2 compliance, unlimited workflow executions keep costs predictable regardless of scale, native LangChain and AI agent nodes let us build sophisticated multi-model orchestrations, and Git-native version control fits our engineering workflow. For organizations building serious automation infrastructure — especially anything involving AI agents, compliance requirements, or high-volume processing — n8n delivers capabilities that Make and Zapier simply cannot match at any price tier.