Introduction: My Journey into No-Code Automation
Before proceeding to n8n vs make.com, As a developer and founder of TEX, I’ve always been obsessed with automation — not to replace humans, but to free us from repetitive digital chores.
Over the last two years, I’ve tested almost every no-code tool available — from Zapier vs IFTTT to n8n vs Make.com. Among them, n8n vs Make.com stood out as serious contenders for both developers and non-developers.
So, after using both tools extensively for my real projects — integrating UseAI, automating blog workflows on TEX, and connecting CRMs — here’s my honest, experience-backed comparison.
n8n vs Make.com — The Ultimate Comparison Table
| Feature | n8n | Make.com |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Open-source, self-hosted or cloud | Cloud-based SaaS |
| Integrations | 400+ nodes + custom API calls | 1,500+ pre-built apps |
| Pricing | Free (self-host) / Paid Cloud | Free Plan + tiered paid plans |
| Ease of Use | Moderate (developer-focused) | Beginner-friendly visual builder |
| Customization | High (supports JS & expressions) | Moderate (less code flexibility) |
| Hosting | Local or cloud | Cloud-only |
| Performance | Fast and flexible | Smooth but API-dependent |
| Community | Strong open-source base | Official customer support |
| Security | Total control when self-hosted | GDPR-compliant, managed servers |
| Best For | Developers, tech startups | Marketers, freelancers, SMBs |
My Real Experience Using n8n
When I first tried n8n, I was amazed at its freedom.
I installed it on my VPS and instantly realized how powerful it was for custom automations. Unlike Zapier or Make.com, I could use JavaScript functions within workflows — making it feel like coding, but visually.
Here’s what I love:
- I can host it myself — perfect for data privacy.
- It supports custom API integrations easily.
- The community is very active — you’ll find solutions for almost anything.
However, it’s not for everyone. If you’re not familiar with API logic or conditional flows, the learning curve can feel steep.
Still, for developers or automation enthusiasts like me, n8n feels like a playground for creativity.
My Real Experience Using Make.com
Then came Make.com (previously Integromat).
What I immediately loved was its beautiful UI.
Within minutes, I built workflows connecting Gmail, Notion, and WordPress — no code, no friction.
It’s visually stunning and highly intuitive.
It’s ideal for:
- Small businesses automating marketing & social media.
- Non-tech users connecting 10+ apps in minutes.
- Teams that prefer ready-made templates over custom coding.
However, Make.com’s pricing can escalate as you scale automations, and data stays on their servers — meaning you trade convenience for control.
So, Which One Is Better – n8n vs Make.com?
That depends on who you are.
| If You Are… | Choose |
|---|---|
| A developer or tech founder who loves flexibility | n8n |
| A non-technical creator or marketing team | Make.com |
| Concerned about data privacy and hosting | n8n (self-hosted) |
| Want plug-and-play simplicity | Make.com |
| Working with complex logic and loops | n8n |
👉 My Pick: I personally use both — n8n for internal projects and Make.com for client workflows where speed matters more than control.
Did You Know?
💡 n8n’s name means “nodemation” — short for “node-based automation.”
💡 Make.com was originally called Integromat before its rebranding in 2022.
💡 Both tools can connect with ChatGPT, Google Sheets, and Notion for AI-driven workflows.
💡 n8n lets you run automations even offline if self-hosted — a feature no other no-code tool offers.
Real-World Use Cases I Built
Here are a few automations I’ve personally deployed using both:
🧠 Using n8n:
- Auto-generating blog titles with OpenAI and pushing drafts to WordPress
- Connecting SQL databases to fetch analytics daily
- Sending Slack alerts when uptime changes occur on client sites
⚡ Using Make.com:
- Auto-posting new TEX blog updates to LinkedIn & Twitter
- Generating invoices from Google Sheets
- Automating AI resume submissions for UseAI job listings
Both saved me hours weekly — but in different ways.
Verdict Summary
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Make.com |
| Flexibility | n8n |
| Pricing | n8n (Free self-hosted) |
| Speed | Make.com |
| Security | n8n |
| Best for Teams | Make.com |
| Best for Developers | n8n |
Final Verdict:
If you want complete control, go with n8n.
If you want quick setup and simplicity, choose Make.com.
Either way, automation will save you more time than it takes to learn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which tool is better for beginners, n8n or Make.com?
Make.com is easier for beginners with its visual interface and templates.
Q2. Can I self-host Make.com?
No, Make.com is cloud-only. n8n, however, can be self-hosted on your own server.
Q3. Which one is free to use?
n8n is free when self-hosted. Make.com has a free tier but limits monthly operations.
Q4. Which is more secure — n8n or Make.com?
n8n offers more control since you can self-host it. Make.com is secure but relies on third-party servers.
Q5. Does n8n have more integrations?
Make.com has more pre-built integrations, but n8n allows custom API calls.
Q6. Can I use both together?
Yes! You can trigger Make.com workflows using n8n webhooks or vice versa.
Q7. Which one works better with AI tools like ChatGPT or OpenAI?
Both support AI integrations, but n8n allows more customization using code functions.
Q8. What about workflow speed?
Make.com runs faster for small automations, while n8n handles heavy logic better.
Q9. Which one is better for businesses?
Make.com suits small-to-medium teams. n8n fits startups that want privacy and scalability.
Q10. Will AI replace no-code tools?
Not soon. AI enhances automation — but tools like n8n and Make.com still power real-world execution.
Related Reads
- Getting Started with n8n and Building Powerful Agents
- AI Tools That Help Small Businesses Compete with Giants
Final Thoughts
After building dozens of automations, I can confidently say:
n8n and Make.com aren’t competitors — they’re companions in the no-code revolution.
Each excels in its own way.
And if you’re serious about digital productivity, learning both gives you an unbeatable edge for 2025 and beyond.
