Zapier vs Make vs n8n: Automation Tool Picker 2026
Automation tools let you connect apps, trigger actions, and run workflows without writing glue code. Zapier is the household name — simple, powerful, and expensive at scale. Make (formerly Integromat) offers a visual canvas for complex workflows at a lower price. n8n is the open-source, self-hostable option built for developers who want full control. Answer 5 quick questions to get a personalized recommendation.
5-Question Automation Tool Quiz
Answer each question to find your best fit.
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Zapier | Make | n8n |
|---|---|---|---|
| App integrations | 6,000+ | 1,500+ | 400+ native |
| Free tier | 100 tasks/mo | 1,000 ops/mo | Unlimited (self-host) |
| Paid entry price | $19.99/mo | $9/mo | $20/mo (cloud) |
| Self-host | No | No | Yes (free) |
| Visual workflow canvas | Linear only | Full canvas | Node graph |
| Custom code support | Limited | Moderate (JS) | Full JS + Python |
| Ease of use | Very easy | Moderate | Dev-friendly |
| Loop / iterator support | Basic | Excellent | Yes |
| Error handling | Basic | Advanced | Advanced |
| Open source | No | No | Yes (fair-code) |
Pricing Tier Breakdown
DevPlaybook Pro — $9/month
Automation templates, workflow patterns, n8n self-host guides, and 500+ developer tools. Build workflows that actually scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Zapier, Make, and n8n?▼
All three are automation platforms that connect apps and automate workflows. Zapier is the most beginner-friendly — it uses a simple linear 'trigger → action' model and has the widest app catalog (6,000+ integrations). Make (formerly Integromat) uses a visual canvas with branching, loops, and iterators, making it better for complex data transformations. n8n is open-source and self-hostable, with a developer-friendly node graph that supports custom JavaScript code nodes and can run on your own server for free.
Is n8n free to use?▼
n8n's Community Edition is completely free and open-source (fair-code license). You can self-host it on any server, VPS, Docker, or Raspberry Pi at no cost, with unlimited workflows and executions. n8n Cloud starts at $20/month for a hosted version. The self-hosted version is free forever and is a popular choice for developers and small teams who want full control without per-execution pricing. The fair-code license means it's free for most uses, but commercial redistribution has restrictions.
How does Zapier pricing compare to Make?▼
Zapier's free tier allows 100 tasks/month and 5 Zaps (single-step). Paid plans start at $19.99/month (Starter, 750 tasks). Make's free tier offers 1,000 operations/month with up to 2 active scenarios. Make's Core plan starts at $9/month for 10,000 operations — significantly more generous than Zapier for data-heavy workflows. Make also counts each API call as one operation, while Zapier counts each action step as a 'task'. For high-volume automations, Make is almost always cheaper than Zapier.
Which automation tool is best for developers?▼
n8n is the top choice for developers. It supports JavaScript code nodes, Python code execution, HTTP request nodes, webhook triggers, and complex data transformations. You can write actual code inside workflows, use npm packages in custom nodes, and self-host it with full access to the underlying database. Make is a good second choice for complex logic without self-hosting. Zapier is great for non-technical users and business teams, but developers often find its limited customization frustrating.
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