# n8n vs Make: Which Automation Tool Wins in 2026?

- Tool: Tool Comparisons
- Last updated: August 2026

## TL;DR

Choose n8n if you want self-hosting, data control, or serious AI and agent workflows — it's open-source and runs on your own server with the strongest LLM stack. Choose Make if you want a polished visual cloud builder with granular branching at a low entry price (as of 2026), and you're happy staying cloud-only. Both handle complex logic well; n8n wins on self-hosting and AI, Make wins on visual polish and out-of-the-box ease.

## Frequently asked questions

### Which is better for AI and agent workflows?

n8n. It has the strongest AI stack of any automation tool — an AI Agent node, all major LLMs, vector stores, RAG, and memory via deep LangChain integration. Make has growing AI features, but they're credit-metered and less agent-focused.

### Can I self-host n8n but not Make?

Correct. n8n is open-source and can run on your own server, keeping workflows and credentials in-house. Make is cloud-only, so everything runs on Make's servers with no self-hosting option.

### Is Make cheaper than n8n?

For managed cloud use, Make's $9/mo Core plan is a cheaper entry point than n8n Cloud's ~€20/mo. But self-hosted n8n is free software, so at high volume n8n is cheaper because there's no metered billing — you only pay for your server.

### Which has the better visual builder?

Make's scenario canvas is more polished and friendlier out of the box, with very clear data flow between modules. n8n's node canvas is capable and flexible but slightly less refined and needs more setup.

### What changed with Make's pricing in 2025?

In August 2025, Make switched from counting 'operations' to a credit-based model. Most automations remain affordable, but AI features and some modules consume credits differently, so you should estimate AI-heavy scenarios carefully rather than assuming a flat per-operation cost.

### Can I move my Make scenarios to n8n automatically?

No. There's no automatic converter. You rebuild each scenario as an n8n workflow by hand, remapping triggers, modules, and data. Many teams switch for self-hosting or AI capabilities, but plan for a rebuild rather than an import.

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Source: https://www.rapidevelopers.com/vs/n8n-vs-make
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