n8n and Make (formerly Integromat) are both visual workflow automation platforms that enable you to connect apps and automate tasks without code. While they share the goal of automation, they have distinct approaches and features that cater to different user profiles and needs in 2025.
Key Differences and Features:
| Feature | n8n | Make (formerly Integromat) |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting | Self-hostable (Docker, K8s, etc.) or Cloud-hosted. Offers greater control and security with self-hosting. | Fully Cloud-hosted. Simplifies setup and maintenance. |
| Open Source | Source-available with a Fair-Code license. Provides transparency and customization возможности. | Proprietary software. |
| Pricing Model | Per workflow execution, regardless of steps. Free self-hosted option. Cloud plans based on execution volume. Can be more cost-effective for complex, high-volume workflows. | Tiered subscription based on the number of operations (individual actions). Can become expensive for complex or high-volume scenarios. Offers a free tier with limitations. |
| Node-based visual editor for complex workflows with branching, merging, and advanced data transformation. Offers JavaScript and Python code nodes. Strong AI/LangChain integration. More developer-centric feel. | Intuitive visual editor with a focus on visual clarity of data flow. Powerful data transformation tools (Iterators, Aggregators, Routers). Generally considered easier to grasp visually, especially for complex scenarios. Offers built-in tools for common tasks. | |
| Integrations | Growing library of 400+ native integrations. Versatile HTTP Request node for wider API connectivity. | Extensive library of thousands of integrations. Strong focus on visual representation of data flow between modules. |
| Custom Nodes/Integrations | Highly extensible. Custom nodes can be created using JavaScript or TypeScript. | Allows developers to create custom apps and modules. |
| Self-hosting provides full data control and enhanced security options. Offers encryption and RBAC. | Cloud-based with robust security measures (GDPR, SOC 2 Type 1 compliance, data encryption). Data processed on their servers. | |
| Scalability | Self-hosting scalability depends on server resources. Cloud plans offer scaling. Per-execution pricing can be beneficial for high-volume scenarios. | Scales with subscription plans based on operations. Designed for automation at scale with enterprise-ready features. |
| User Interface | Node-based, can have a steeper learning curve initially but offers clear visual representation of complex logic. | Highly visual drag-and-drop interface with animations illustrating data flow, often praised for its intuitiveness, especially for complex scenarios. |
| Error Handling | Dedicated error handling workflows can be set up. More granular control over error management. | Robust error handling mechanisms and detailed execution logs. |
When to Choose n8n:
- You prioritize self-hosting for data control and security.
- You anticipate highly complex workflows with significant branching and custom logic (including code).
- You need to integrate with a wide range of services, including those requiring custom API calls.
- You prefer a pricing model based on workflow executions for potentially high-volume automation.
- Your team has technical expertise and may want to contribute to or extend the platform.
- You want strong AI integration capabilities.
When to Choose Make:
- You prefer a fully managed cloud platform with a visually intuitive interface.
- You need to build complex workflows with clear visual representation of data flow and transformations.
- You require powerful built-in tools for data manipulation (iterators, aggregators, routers).
- Your team may have varying levels of technical expertise, and the visual clarity is a priority.
- You value real-time monitoring and detailed execution logs.
Conclusion:
Both n8n and Make are excellent automation platforms in 2025. n8n offers greater flexibility and control, particularly with self-hosting and code-based customization, making it suitable for more technical users and complex scenarios with specific security needs. Make stands out with its highly visual interface and powerful data transformation tools, making it a strong choice for users who prioritize visual clarity and ease of understanding complex automation flows in a cloud-based environment.
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