n8n vs Make vs Zapier: Which Automation Tool is Best?

The Three Big Players in Automation

If you are building automated workflows for your business, you have likely encountered these three platforms. Each has strengths, and the right choice depends on your specific needs, technical comfort, and budget.

Quick Overview

Zapier: The most popular, easiest to use, most expensive. Best for non-technical users who need simple automations.

Make (formerly Integromatic): Visual workflow builder with more flexibility than Zapier at lower cost. Great middle ground.

n8n: Open-source, self-hostable, most powerful. Best for technical teams or agencies building complex workflows.

Pricing Comparison (2025)

Plan	Zapier	Make	n8n
Free tier	100 tasks/month	1,000 ops/month	Unlimited (self-hosted)
Starter	$29/month (750 tasks)	$10/month (10,000 ops)	$24/month (cloud)
Pro	$73/month (2,000 tasks)	$18/month (10,000 ops)	Self-host: free
Enterprise	Custom	Custom	Custom

Feature Comparison

Ease of Use

• Zapier: 9/10. Point and click, minimal learning curve
• Make: 7/10. Visual builder requires some logic understanding
• n8n: 5/10. Most powerful but steeper learning curve

Integrations

• Zapier: 6,000+ apps
• Make: 1,500+ apps
• n8n: 400+ built-in nodes, plus custom API nodes for anything

Complex Logic

• Zapier: Basic branching and filters
• Make: Advanced routing, iterators, aggregators
• n8n: Full programming capabilities, custom code nodes, sub-workflows

Data Privacy

• Zapier: US-hosted cloud only
• Make: EU and US cloud options
• n8n: Self-host anywhere, full data control

When to Choose Each

Choose Zapier if:

• You need simple, linear automations
• You are not technical and want minimal setup
• Budget is not a primary concern
• You need a specific niche integration

Choose Make if:

• You need visual, complex workflows
• You want good value for money
• You handle moderate automation volumes
• You need EU data hosting

Choose n8n if:

• You want full control over your data
• You build complex, multi-step workflows
• You have technical resources (or an agency like SORIX)
• You want to avoid per-task pricing

Our Recommendation

For most SMBs we work with, n8n delivers the best long-term value. Self-hosting eliminates per-task costs, and the flexibility handles even the most complex workflows. We build and maintain n8n automations for clients across Belgium.

Talk to us about your automation needs and we will recommend the right tool for your specific situation.