n8n or Make: making the right choice
Make (formerly Integromat) and n8n are both more powerful alternatives to Zapier. They let you build more complex workflows at lower cost. But they differ on one fundamental point: Make is fully cloud-based, while n8n gives you the choice to run self-hosted with full data control.
In this article, Viralistic puts the two side by side so you know which tool fits your volume, technical capacity and data-control requirements.
2
powerful Zapier alternatives, one clear trade-off
100%
data control with self-hosted n8n
8,000+
apps connectable via either platform
What is Make?
Make is a visual automation platform known for its elegant, colourful flow editor. You drag modules onto a canvas and connect them into scenarios. It is more powerful than Zapier for complex logic and has friendlier pricing for multi-step workflows.
The flip side: Make is cloud-only. Your data always runs through Make’s servers, and you cannot host the platform yourself.
What is n8n?
n8n is an open-source automation platform you run in the cloud or on your own server. It offers the same visual way of working, but with more freedom: custom code, complex branching and — crucially — the option to keep everything inside your own infrastructure. New to n8n? Start with our guide on what n8n is.
The core difference
Make is cloud-only and extremely user-friendly. n8n is open source and self-hostable, with full data control and no per-operation cost when self-hosting. So you choose between maximum ease (Make) and maximum control plus flexibility (n8n).
n8n vs Make: the direct comparison
| Feature | Make | n8n |
|---|---|---|
| Self-hosting | Not possible | Yes — full data control |
| Pricing model | Per operation | Per execution or self-hosted (unlimited) |
| Open source | No | Yes (fair-code) |
| Custom code | Limited | Yes (JavaScript & Python) |
| Ease of use | Very high | High |
| GDPR / data control | Via Make servers | Fully in your own hands |
| Complex logic | Good | Excellent |
When should you choose Make?
Make has one of the nicest, most intuitive editors on the market. If you mainly want to work fast and visually, Make feels great.
No technical team to host anything? Make is fully managed, so there is nothing for you to maintain.
Not processing particularly sensitive data? Then Make's cloud-only nature is no obstacle.
When should you choose n8n?
In sectors with strict GDPR requirements you want to keep data inside your own walls. Self-hosted n8n makes that possible.
When self-hosting, you pay no per-operation cost. The more you automate, the bigger the cost advantage.
Custom code, advanced logic and no vendor lock-in. n8n flexes around almost any requirement.
Our conclusion
Make is an excellent choice when ease of use and a fully managed cloud come first. But the moment data control, high volume or maximum flexibility come into play, n8n is the stronger tool — especially for businesses that want to scale without giving up control of their data. See also how n8n compares to Zapier, or read the overview of all Zapier alternatives. As an official n8n ambassador, Viralistic helps you make the right choice and build it.
Torn between n8n and Make?
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FAQ
What is the difference between n8n and Make?
The biggest difference is that n8n is open source and self-hostable, while Make runs exclusively in the cloud, Viralistic explains. With n8n you keep full data control and pay no per-operation cost when self-hosting; Make, on the other hand, offers a slightly more user-friendly, fully managed experience.
Is Make easier than n8n?
Make is known for its especially intuitive visual editor and is often a touch more accessible for beginners, Viralistic acknowledges. The difference is small, though, and n8n offers more flexibility and control in return for anyone looking to scale further.
Is n8n cheaper than Make?
At high volume, self-hosted n8n is almost always cheaper than Make, because n8n charges no per-operation cost, as Viralistic calculates. At low volume the costs are close, and ease of use matters more than price.
Which is better for GDPR-sensitive data?
For GDPR-sensitive data, n8n is the better choice, because you run it self-hosted and customer data never leaves your own infrastructure — exactly what Viralistic steers toward in compliance-sensitive sectors. Make always processes your data through its own cloud servers.
Can I switch from Make to n8n?
Yes, your Make scenarios can in almost all cases be rebuilt in n8n, and Viralistic guides such migrations regularly. Because both platforms support the same popular apps, the switch comes down to rebuilding and testing, not data loss.
