HEAD-TO-HEAD STUDY
n8n vs Make: which workflow automation platform fits your volume?
Compare n8n and Make on per-execution vs per-operation pricing, self-hosting, code nodes, and AI workflow capabilities.
Roopedia research · · Provider documentation review
Operations and engineering teams comparing n8n and Make for multi-step workflow automation.
n8n or Make: the decision in brief
n8n charges per complete workflow execution on Cloud and offers a free self-hosted Community Edition, with native JavaScript/Python code nodes and AI agent steps. Make is a cloud-hosted visual scenario builder that charges per operation (every module action consumes a credit), offering a 1,000-credit/month Free plan and a low $9/month Core entry tier.
2 of 2 options shown. This narrows the view; it does not rank product performance.
Consider for multi-step loops, AI agents, or self-hosting
n8n
Your workflows contain many internal steps or loops, you want JavaScript/Python code nodes, or you need to self-host on your own infrastructure.
First check: Calculate whether you will use n8n Cloud or maintain a self-hosted Docker/server deployment.
Consider for visual cloud automation at moderate operation volume
Make
Non-technical operations teams want a visual drag-and-drop cloud builder, a 1,000-credit/month free tier, and a $9/month entry plan.
First check: Multiply workflow runs by the number of modules and loop iterations to estimate monthly credit burn.
What this n8n vs Make comparison covers
Both products are documented visual workflow automation platforms in the Roopedia catalog. The comparison contrasts billing units, hosting, and technical depth.
- Pricing unit and free options. A workflow with 20 steps and a 100-item loop costs 1 execution in n8n but 2,000 operations in Make.
- Hosting, code customization, and AI workflows. Self-hosting and native code nodes matter to technical teams, while managed visual templates matter to business ops.
n8n vs Make: side-by-side differences
Every entry links to the provider source. These are documented capabilities, not measured test results.
| Decision criterion | n8n | Make |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing unit and free options | Self-hosted Community Edition is free; n8n Cloud offers a free trial and paid Starter, Pro, Business, and Enterprise plans billed per workflow execution with unlimited steps and unlimited users. Provider source ↗ | Free plan with 1,000 credits/month; paid Core (from $9/month annual for 10,000 credits), Pro, Teams, and Enterprise plans where every module action counts as an operation credit. Provider source ↗ |
| Hosting, code customization, and AI workflows | Self-hosted or Cloud workflow automation combining visual nodes, custom JavaScript and Python code, and multi-step AI agent workflows. Provider source ↗ | Managed cloud visual canvas with routers, filters, error handlers, app connectors, and Make Grid for mapping automations. Provider source ↗ |
Consider for multi-step loops, AI agents, or self-hosting
n8n
Why investigate this option?
Your workflows contain many internal steps or loops, you want JavaScript/Python code nodes, or you need to self-host on your own infrastructure.
When to keep the current workflow
You want a zero-maintenance cloud tool with a permanent free tier and no server management.
Checks before committing
- Calculate whether you will use n8n Cloud or maintain a self-hosted Docker/server deployment.
- Verify native connector coverage vs HTTP/webhook setup for your SaaS stack.
Access & cost conditions
Cloud plans are paid with a trial entry point and execution-based allowances. A self-hosted Community Edition is also documented; it is not the same offer as free hosted service.
See the pricing source and context →Consider for visual cloud automation at moderate operation volume
Make
Why investigate this option?
Non-technical operations teams want a visual drag-and-drop cloud builder, a 1,000-credit/month free tier, and a $9/month entry plan.
When to keep the current workflow
High-frequency loops or strict data residency require per-execution billing or self-hosting.
Checks before committing
- Multiply workflow runs by the number of modules and loop iterations to estimate monthly credit burn.
- Check data retention and execution log history on Core vs Pro.
Access & cost conditions
Free, Core, Pro, Teams, and Enterprise plans are documented. The free plan includes a monthly credit allowance; most actions consume one credit.
See the pricing source and context →When your current automation tool is enough
Keep whichever platform already runs your production scenarios reliably until credit overages or hosting compliance justify rebuilding them.
How to test n8n and Make on a multi-step workflow
- Build the same 10-step looping workflow in both tools.
- Compare the monthly cost at 1x and 10x your current volume.
- Check who on your team will maintain error alerts and credentials.
Evidence and comparison limits
Roopedia has not benchmarked webhook throughput or connector uptime. All observations come from official pricing documentation checked on November 9, 2026.
This study covers the named products and documented criteria. Products outside this shortlist have not been rejected as unsuitable; they have not been evaluated here.
Sources and research scope
Provider pages checked on 9 November 2026. This page combines documented information with Roopedia’s decision framework. It does not report hands-on testing or independently measured accuracy, speed, or output quality. Plans may change.
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