Workflow AI • 2026 Spec Matrix

Make vs n8n

The Bottom Line Verdict

Choose Make: No-code builders, operations managers, and developers orchestrating multi-step AI pipelines and integrations.

Choose n8n: Self-hosted, high-volume workflow automation combining API integration, custom Node.js/Python execution, and complex AI agent memory/routing nodes..

Make Freemium

$9/mo Free tier available

Try Make Official ↗

n8n Freemium

$20/mo Free tier available

Try n8n Official ↗

Side-by-Side Matrix Table

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SPECIFICATION	Make $9/mo	n8n $20/mo
Starting Price	$9/mo	$20/mo
Pricing Model	Freemium	Freemium
Free Tier / Trial	✓ Permanent Free Quota	✓ Permanent Free Quota
Target Audience	No-code builders, operations managers, and developers orchestrating multi-step AI pipelines and integrations	Self-hosted, high-volume workflow automation combining API integration, custom Node.js/Python execution, and complex AI agent memory/routing nodes.
Platforms	Web API	Web API Self-Hosted
Core Positioning	Visual workflow automation platform featuring native AI modules and advanced logic branching	Source-available workflow automation platform with native AI agent orchestration and inline code execution.
Key Capabilities	› Infinite visual canvas for designing multi-branch workflows with routers › Native OpenAI, Anthropic, and generic REST AI API connectors › Advanced data parsing, array iteration, JSON aggregation, and filtering › Real-time webhook triggers, cron schedules, and custom error handling paths	› Native AI agent and memory nodes built on LangChain logic supporting custom tools, vector databases, and multi-model routing. › Inline custom JavaScript (Node.js) and Python code execution with direct npm and pip module loading capabilities. › Dual deployment model supporting SOC2-compliant n8n Cloud or self-hosted Docker/Kubernetes container orchestration. › Event-driven trigger architecture supporting native webhooks, Server-Sent Events (SSE), message queues (AMQP, Kafka), and cron schedules.

Git Diff Spec Analysis

diff --git a/make Freemium

@@ strengths (pros) @@

+ Highly visual drag-and-drop builder handles complex branching with ease

+ Substantially more cost-effective per operation than traditional competitors

+ Fine-grained data transformation and error-handling capabilities

@@ trade-offs (cons) @@

- Slightly steeper initial learning curve than basic single-step automation tools

- Complex enterprise scenarios require understanding basic JSON data structures

Try Make Official ↗

diff --git b/n8n Freemium

@@ strengths (pros) @@

+ Complete data sovereignty and compliance control via air-gapped self-hosted execution options.

+ Superior technical flexibility through custom code nodes, Git version control, and granular error-handling branch logic.

+ Significantly lower total cost of ownership (TCO) at high execution volumes compared to per-step SaaS automation tools.

@@ trade-offs (cons) @@

- Requires active infrastructure maintenance, database tuning, and runner scaling overhead when self-hosted.

- Fair-code Sustainable Use License restricts commercial sub-licensing and embedded white-label SaaS resale without enterprise licensing.

Try n8n Official ↗

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