In this blog, I break down the key differences between n8n and Make.com, two powerful automation platforms. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, understanding their unique features, pricing, and capabilities will help you make the right choice for your automation needs.
High-level Comparison
At a glance, the key differences between n8n and Make.com become evident. Make.com is often seen as the go-to option for beginners. Its user-friendly, visual interface simplifies many automation tasks. With over two thousand integrations ready to go, setting up workflows is straightforward. However, this ease of use comes at a price; Make.com abstracts many technical concepts, which can limit flexibility.
On the other hand, n8n is more powerful and adaptable. While it does require a bit more technical know-how, its capabilities far exceed those of Make.com in many scenarios. For instance, n8n allows for self-hosting, offering greater control over data security and costs. Users can run their instances on platforms like DigitalOcean or even their own machines, which is a significant advantage for those with strict data policies.
In terms of pricing, n8n offers a community edition that provides nearly all the features of its cloud service, making it an attractive option for those who can manage self-hosting. Make.com may appear more affordable at first, especially for smaller workflows, but costs can escalate quickly with higher operation counts.
User Interface and Ease of Use
The user interface of Make.com is designed with simplicity in mind. It allows users to drag and drop elements, making it intuitive to build workflows. For example, when selecting an Airtable base, the interface visually represents the selection, making it easy to understand where data is coming from.
In contrast, n8n requires a more hands-on approach. Once you dive into n8n, you’re greeted with a more technical environment that often involves using JavaScript in your automations. This can create a steeper learning curve. For example, creating a JSON variable to reference previous data might seem straightforward, but it can become complex quickly.
While n8n’s interface may be less visually appealing, it provides the flexibility to craft intricate automations. Users can build advanced expressions using JavaScript, allowing for more tailored solutions. This is particularly beneficial for those who are comfortable with coding and want to leverage that skill in their workflows.
Advanced Features in n8n
n8n boasts several advanced features that cater to users looking for more than basic automation. One standout capability is the ability to manage multiple input triggers within a single workflow. This means you can set up a blogging workflow that triggers based on various conditions, whether scheduled, via a webhook from Airtable, or through an AI agent.
Another impressive feature is the ability to converge workflows. This allows users to run specific parts of a flow at different times or based on defined parameters. While this might require a bit of work to set up, it provides a level of customization that Make.com currently lacks.
Furthermore, n8n enables users to run custom code directly within their scenarios. This means you can execute JavaScript or Python scripts without needing to call an external service. If you encounter a problem that a no-code solution can’t easily solve, you can write a custom script to address it. This flexibility is a considerable advantage for advanced users who need to tackle complex scenarios.
AI Agents
AI agents are a hot topic lately, and for good reason. I created an automation that leverages AI agents in n8n, which stands out for its powerful capabilities. These agents act as language models with access to various tools. You can interact with them through platforms like Telegram, Slack, or WhatsApp, allowing for a seamless integration into your workflows.
One impressive aspect of n8n’s AI agents is their ability to handle multi-agent workflows. This means you can have multiple AI agents working together on different tasks, enhancing the efficiency of your automation. Each agent can communicate with external services and APIs, making them highly adaptable to various scenarios.
In comparison, Make.com offers a more basic version of AI agents through their OpenAI Assistant module. This module can handle calls to the assistant and automatically invoke external tools that the AI agent needs. While it’s functional, it doesn’t quite match the capabilities of n8n’s implementation. The lack of multi-agent support in Make.com limits its potential for complex workflows.
As AI continues to become a vital component in automation, n8n is leading the charge with its advanced features. Its AI agents allow for a level of customization and complexity that can significantly enhance your automation processes. The ability to create and manage these agents opens up new possibilities for users who want to integrate AI into their workflows.
Pricing
Pricing is always a critical consideration when choosing an automation platform. n8n offers a community edition that is almost feature-complete and can be self-hosted. This option provides significant cost savings for users who have the technical skills to manage their own instance. You can run n8n on various platforms like DigitalOcean or even your own computer.
In contrast, Make.com operates on a subscription model based on the number of operations. Each time a module runs, it counts as an operation. For smaller workflows, this may seem economical, but costs can quickly accumulate, especially for users with high-volume tasks. It’s essential to evaluate your expected usage to determine which pricing model suits your needs.
For example, while the starter plan for n8n allows for 2,500 workflow executions, Make.com may require thousands of operations for similar tasks. This difference can lead to significant savings when you’re scaling your automations. If you plan to run multiple workflows or have high operation counts, n8n’s self-hosting option becomes increasingly attractive.
For advanced users needing extensive workflows, n8n typically offers a better long-term value. The flexibility to self-host and manage your instance ensures that you have control over both your costs and data security. This feature is particularly appealing for enterprise clients with strict compliance requirements.
Which One to Use?
Deciding between n8n and Make.com often comes down to your specific use case and technical proficiency. If you’re a beginner or non-technical user, Make.com provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the automation process. It’s an excellent starting point for those who want to get up and running quickly without diving deep into coding concepts.
On the other hand, if you have experience with automation tools or need to execute complex workflows, n8n is likely the better choice. Its flexibility, advanced features, and ability to self-host make it ideal for users who want more control and customization options. Developers will appreciate the power of JavaScript within n8n, allowing for intricate automations that would be cumbersome in Make.com.
It’s also worth noting that both platforms can complement each other. If you’re using Make.com but encounter limitations, you can integrate n8n for more advanced functionalities. For instance, you can manage complex data manipulations in n8n while using Make.com for its extensive integrations with social media and other services.
Ultimately, the best platform is the one that fits your needs. If you find success with one, there’s often no compelling reason to switch. However, for those who need to scale or require advanced features, n8n stands out as a powerful and flexible option.
Combining Both Platforms
Using n8n and Make.com together can amplify your automation capabilities. Each platform has its strengths, and leveraging them simultaneously can provide a more comprehensive solution. For instance, you might find that Make.com excels in managing simple workflows with its user-friendly interface and numerous integrations. In contrast, n8n can handle more complex tasks that require coding or multi-agent workflows.
One effective approach is to use Make.com for tasks that involve straightforward data handling or social media integrations. For example, if you’re sharing content across various platforms, Make.com’s extensive social network integrations can simplify that process. You can set up a webhook in Make.com that triggers n8n workflows when certain conditions are met.
On the other hand, n8n can manage the heavy lifting. If you need to perform intricate data manipulations or implement advanced AI agent functionalities, n8n is the way to go. For example, you could set up a workflow in n8n that processes data from multiple sources and sends the results to a Make.com webhook for easy sharing on social media. This way, you utilize the strengths of both platforms without compromising on performance.
Integrating the two platforms allows for a seamless flow of data and tasks. When you hit a limitation in one platform, you can easily transition to the other for more advanced capabilities. This flexibility means you don’t have to abandon your existing workflows; instead, you can enhance them by adding n8n’s powerful features where necessary.
Verdict
Choosing between n8n and Make.com doesn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all decision. Each platform caters to different needs and user levels. For beginners or those managing simple workflows, Make.com is an excellent choice due to its intuitive design and extensive integrations. It provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to automate tasks without diving too deep into technical details.
For advanced users, n8n shines with its flexibility and powerful features. If you find yourself frequently needing complex automations or custom code, n8n is likely the better option. Its ability to self-host offers additional benefits for those concerned with data security and operational costs.
Ultimately, the best platform is the one that meets your specific requirements. If you’re getting the results you need with one platform, there’s often no reason to switch. However, as your automation needs grow, integrating both platforms can provide a more powerful solution, allowing you to handle a wider range of tasks efficiently.
Whether you stick with one platform or combine the strengths of both, the key is to focus on achieving your automation goals effectively and efficiently.
