Zapier vs Make vs n8n: Which Automation Platform Is Right for You?
Choosing an automation platform is a decision you'll live with for years. Here's how to pick the right one.
The Contenders
Zapier
- Best for: Beginners and simple automations
- Pricing: Expensive at scale ($69/mo for 2,000 tasks)
- Ease of use: Very easy
- App connections: 5,000+ integrations
Make (formerly Integromat)
- Best for: Complex workflows and power users
- Pricing: Much better value ($9/mo for 10,000 operations)
- Ease of use: Moderate learning curve
- App connections: 1,000+ integrations
n8n
- Best for: Technical users who want control
- Pricing: Free self-hosted, or from $20/mo cloud
- Ease of use: Steeper learning curve
- App connections: 200+ native, unlimited via HTTP
Decision Framework
Choose Zapier if:
- You're just starting with automation
- You need simple, linear workflows
- You value ease of use over cost
- You need a specific integration only Zapier has
Choose Make if:
- You need complex, branching logic
- You're cost-conscious and run many operations
- You want visual workflow design
- You need error handling and retries
Choose n8n if:
- You have technical resources
- You want full control and self-hosting
- You need custom integrations
- Data privacy is critical
Our Recommendation
For most growing businesses, Make offers the best balance of power, usability, and cost. Start there unless you have specific needs that push you elsewhere.
Migration Considerations
If you're already on Zapier and feeling the cost:
- Make can replicate most Zapier workflows
- Migration takes time but saves money long-term
- Consider migrating high-volume automations first