n8n vs Make: comparison
n8n and Make solve similar tasks but set different priorities. This comparison uses the same criteria for both: features, typical use, pricing and privacy.
At a glance
n8nPowerful workflow automation platform. Connects hundreds of apps, databases, and AI models into automated processes.
MakeThe most visually appealing drag-and-drop builder for connecting APIs. Connects ChatGPT with email and CRM, for example.
Strengths
n8n
- Self-hosted option available
- AI agent builder integrated
- No volume-based licensing costs (local)
Make
- Visual workflow builder
- Complex data filters & logic
- Thousands of prebuilt app modules
Typical use
n8n
Perfect for IT admins automating complex business processes.
Make
Marketing & sales for automated lead management.
Pricing
n8n
Self-hosted free | Cloud from €20
Make
Free basic plan | Core: approx. $9/month
Privacy
n8n
The absolute data privacy winner: Can be run 100% locally (on-premises / self-hosted), so no process data leaves the company. The cloud version offers server hosting in the EU (Germany).
Make
European company. The server location for EU customers is the Czech Republic (EU). Strictly GDPR-compliant, meets ISO 27001 certifications. Perfect for European corporates.
Less suitable for
n8n
n8n is less suitable for users without basic technical knowledge who are looking for a pure no-code solution without any maintenance requirements. Furthermore, for extremely simple tasks already covered by native integrations, users should consider if the overhead of setting up a workflow is necessary.
Make
Make is less suitable for real-time applications with extremely low latency requirements in the millisecond range. For highly complex internal backends requiring massive and frequent data processing within a single request, dedicated API programming might be more cost-effective and performant.
Conclusion
There is no blanket recommendation: decide based on your concrete use case and privacy requirements. Test both tools on a real task – the difference between n8n and Make shows up much faster in practice than in any feature list.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between n8n and Make?
Both cover a similar field but differ in feature focus, pricing structure and privacy assessment. The table above compares them on identical criteria.
Can I use n8n and Make in parallel?
Yes. Many people deliberately combine two tools and use the strength of each, often without extra cost on free plans.
Which tool is better for privacy?
That depends on server location, plan and contract. The privacy row summarises the assessment; the detail pages contain the full analysis.