n8n and Make are the two automation platforms power users actually compare: both go far beyond simple triggers, both run serious logic, and both bill in ways that reward understanding the model. n8n is open-source and self-hostable - you can run unlimited executions on your own server for free. Make is a polished SaaS visual canvas, and after its September 2026 price cut it is the value pick of the cloud platforms.
The choice comes down to billing math and who operates it. This page compares them on the dimensions that decide real costs - pricing, the billing unit, code support, and learning curve - using current public pricing.
| n8n | Make | |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | n8n | Make (Celonis) |
| Source model | Open-source, self-hostable | Proprietary SaaS |
| Free option | Community Edition self-hosted - unlimited executions | Free plan - 1,000 credits/mo |
| Starting price (cloud) | Starter from €24/mo | Core from $9/mo |
| Billing unit | One whole workflow run = one execution | Every module step burns a credit |
| Top cloud tiers | Pro €60/mo, Business €800/mo | Pro $16/mo, Teams $29/mo (10,000 credits each) |
| Code support | JavaScript/Python nodes; self-host runs anything | Custom functions and HTTP modules on cloud plans |
| AI agent features | Native AI agent nodes (LangChain, tool use, memory) | AI integrations and scenario logic on the visual canvas |
| Integrations | 400+ integrations | Large app catalog |
| Learning curve | Steeper - built for technical teams | Visual, but you must learn the credit math |
Open-source workflow automation you can self-host — the technical team's Zapier alternative.
Free (self-hosted Community Edition, unlimited executions); Cloud from
Try n8n →Visual automation with real branching logic — the power user's value pick.
Free (1,000 credits/mo); Core from $9/mo, Pro from $16/mo, Teams from
Try Make →Pick n8n if you are technical and want control: unlimited self-hosted executions for free, real code when visual blocks run out, and honest execution-based cloud pricing starting at €24/mo. Pick Make if you want managed SaaS value: a true visual canvas with routers and error handling from $9/mo Core - with the caveat that every module step burns a credit, so model your volume before committing. Prices change - confirm on the official sites.
Yes for self-hosting - the Community Edition is free with unlimited executions. You only pay when you use n8n's cloud, starting at €24/mo.
Every module that executes in a scenario burns credits. A 10-step scenario run costs 10 credits, so complex scenarios consume the monthly allowance fast - the 1,000-credit free plan goes further on simple flows.
n8n - it has native AI agent nodes built on LangChain with tool use and memory, a genuine differentiator. Make handles AI via integrations on the visual canvas.