EN 
FR 
Introduction
In a world where companies are constantly seeking ways to optimize their operations, workflow automation platforms such as n8n and Make are becoming essential. These tools enable SMEs and the self-employed to connect, automateand simplify their daily tasks. But between n8n and Makewhich one to choose?
Choosing an automation platform isn't just a technical decision; it's a strategic one for SMEs and the self-employed. Your choice will depend not only on your technical proficiency, but also on the concrete tasks you wish to automate: processing incoming emails, automatic lead management, or even repetitive administrative tasks such as invoicing. The right decision can save you valuable time and directly increase your revenues.
This jargon-free comparison article will help you make an informed decision.
Main differences between n8n and Make
The first major difference between n8n and Make lies in their nature: n8n is an open-source tool, while Make is not. This distinction has considerable implications for the flexibility and customizability of both platforms. As an open source solution, n8n offers great freedom of modification and adaptation, making it an attractive choice for companies with specific needs or skilled technical teams.
On the other hand, Make offers an intuitive, ready-to-use user interface, often appreciated by less technical users. The choice between the two tools will depend on how comfortable you are with open source versus an off-the-shelf solution. Whereas n8n gives you access to its source code for in-depth customization, Make simplifies the execution of standardized tasks without the need for complex configurations.
In terms of functionalitiesBoth platforms offer a wide range of connectors for different applications and services. However, the Make is distinguished by the integration of a wider range of APIs and services, ideal for users wishing to automate multiple processes without delving into programming.
In terms of the market, n8n stands out strongly by positioning itself as a "native AI" solution capable of managing complex tasks with intelligent agents, where Make remains more focused on ease and speed of use for administrative or marketing teams."
As far as invoicing is concerned, n8n works by complete workflow "executions", whereas Make invoices each operation separately, which can generate high costs in very active scenarios.
Benefits of n8n's open-source nature
Open source is often a boon for companies wishing to avoid high licensing costs and tailor a tool to their unique needs. n8nas an open source tool, offers several advantages. Firstly, it allows users to check the source code and ensure that the tool is secure and compliant with corporate standards. What's more, it gives users the freedom to personalization complete, which means you can add specific features not available in the standard version.
Another key aspect is the community of users and developers who regularly contribute to improving the software. This creates a dynamic environment where new functionalities are regularly added, and where errors can be quickly corrected through collaboration. In addition, companies with a skilled technical team can take advantage of the extensive documentation and discussion forums to solve problems and optimize the tool for their needs.
However, n8n's open-source flexibility also means greater technical responsibility. The freedom to fully customize the source code is ideal for technology companies or those with very specific needs. For smaller or non-technical companies, this freedom can become a hindrance rather than an advantage.
Finally, the transparency of open source can also be a confidence-building factor for customers and business partners. By using n8nYou can demonstrate your commitment to reliable, affordable technical solutions, which can boost your credibility in the marketplace.
Hosting options: self-hosting vs. cloud hosting
When it comes to deploying automation platforms, companies generally have two options: self-hosting or cloud hosting. n8n enables both, offering maximum flexibility. Self-hosting of n8n means you can install and run the platform on your own servers, offering total control over your data and extensive customization of the environment. This option is ideal for organizations with stringent security and confidentiality requirements, or who prefer not to depend on an external infrastructure.
On the other hand, Make is generally offered as a hosted service. While this may reduce the maintenance burden and guarantee automatic updates, this model imposes dependence on the service provider for data availability and security. Certainly, for companies looking for a fast, hassle-free solution, cloud hosting of Make is attractive. However, this option may not be suitable for companies with specific needs in terms of confidentiality or personalization.
Finally, self-hosted n8n offers the added advantage of allowing total integration with your in-house systems without limitations imposed by third-party suppliers. This can be crucial for complex workflows requiring in-depth connections with in-house databases and other proprietary systems.
Please note: n8n also offers an easily accessible cloud version without the need for self-hosting. Make does not offer self-hosting, which is worth serious consideration if you have special requirements in terms of data confidentiality or control.
Power and performance: which one for your needs?
The power and performance of an automation platform depend mainly on its ability to handle a wide range of tasks. workflows and large volumes of data. n8n and Make both offer robust options, but with marked differences.
n8n stands out for its ability to work with large data volumes and intensively customized processes. Thanks to its open source nature, it can be optimized for maximum performance according to the specifics of your infrastructure. This in-depth customization means that the resources required can be precisely adapted at any time, which is perfect for a variety of use cases ranging from simple e-mail automation to massive data integration.
On the other hand, Make is designed to deliver reliable, consistent performance without the need for extensive customization. Its strength lies in its ability to easily hold and run workflows standard with efficiency and simplicity. Make also offers a user-friendly graphical interface that enables users to visualize and configure processes without code, making the tool particularly accessible to beginners or marketing teams.
Make is ideal for rapid use by non-technical teams, thanks to its intuitive interface. However, n8n offers great strength through its native AI agents, enabling advanced automation including intelligent decision-making with direct AI integration (ChatGPT type).
However, if your requirements include very specific integrations or complex data pipeline configurations, we can help you, n8n may be more appropriate, thanks to its flexibility and ability to be fine-tuned. For standard or moderately complex workflows, Make offers ready-to-use reliability.
Cost comparison: which is the most economical?
Cost is a decisive factor for many companies when choosing automation tools. n8n is open source and free for the basics, making it an economical choice for small businesses and freelancers. The costs associated with n8n are mainly due to the infrastructure and the time required for configuration and maintenance, particularly if you opt for self-hosting. However, for technically equipped companies, these costs can be offset by the absence of license fees.
For companies who prefer a hosted solution, n8n also offers cloudThis flexibility can be a major advantage, enabling companies to pay only for what they use. This cost flexibility can be an important asset, enabling companies to pay only for what they use.
MakeIn contrast, our software solutions follow a subscription-based pricing model, with different levels depending on functionality and the volume of automated processes. Prices can vary, but generally include a monthly fee for access to premium features and a higher number of integrations or tasks. For some companies, this fixed cost can provide budget predictability and reduce administrative complexity.
Caution: Make's transaction-based pricing model can quickly become costly for complex scenarios with many intermediate steps. Conversely, n8n, especially self-hosted, can be particularly cost-effective if you're able to manage the infrastructure yourself.
In a nutshell, n8n may be more economical for companies with the capacity to manage infrastructure and internal configurations, while Make offers a turnkey solution at a recurring cost, often justified by ease of use and reduced maintenance effort.
Typical use cases for SMEs and the self-employed
SMEs and the self-employed have a variety of automation needs, and common use cases can help determine which of the two tools is best suited. For companies looking to automate routine administrative tasks, such as sending out e-mailsor data synchronization between different CRM and ERP systems, Make offers a fast, intuitive solution. Its pre-configured integrations with marketing, sales and customer service tools are designed to simplify initial configuration.
On the other hand, n8n is particularly effective for use cases requiring extensive customization and complex configurations. For example, technology companies and startups can use n8n to orchestrate workflows or to manage large-scale data processing processes. The capabilities of n8n are particularly useful for creating industry-specific automations or for meeting regulatory requirements on data management and processing.
Freelancers and small marketing agencies can also benefit from n8n to centralize and carry out automated actions based on specific events, such as social network interactions or newsletter subscriptions. For cases where customized solutions are required, n8n allows personalization and adaptation that surpass the limits of more closed platforms such as Make.
In practice, SMEs and freelancers using Make mainly automate classic administrative tasks (incoming email management, simple CRM integrations, automatic table updates and marketing tools). n8n is preferred for complex use cases: advanced integrations between CRM and internal ERP, self-hosted management of sensitive data, or intelligent automation via AI.
Learning curve: which tool for beginners?
The learning curve is a crucial factor to consider, especially if you're new to automation. Make is widely recognized for its simple, intuitive user interface, which makes it easy to get up to speed quickly. Its built-in tutorials and user guides enable beginners to create workflows without requiring advanced technical skills. This makes it particularly attractive for marketing teams or small businesses looking to automate common processes without investing a lot of time in learning.
n8nAlthough very powerful, it can have a steep learning curve, especially if you want to take full advantage of its customization capabilities. The need to understand certain programming and integration basics can make it difficult for n8n less accessible to beginners. However, once mastered, n8n offers far greater potential for customization and scalability.
Companies with technical teams or freelancers with development skills may find that the time invested in learning n8n is worth the effort. For others, Make could represent a more pragmatic solution, focused on simplicity and speed of implementation.
In short: with Make, you can be up and running in a matter of hours. With n8n, you'll need a few days of initial practice, although community resources make learning much easier.
When to choose n8n and when to choose Make?
Choose n8n if you have in-house technical skills, complex or specific needs for advanced integrations and want to exploit the possibilities offered by AI.
Choose Make if you want to quickly automate simple to moderate processes, favor immediate ease of use, and prefer predictable cost to technical management.
Summary table of differences
| Criteria | n8n | Make |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Open Source | Owner |
| Hosting | Self-hosted or Cloud | Cloud hosting |
| Personalization | Very high | Limited |
| Accessibility | Requires technical skills | User-friendly |
| Cost | Free (with infrastructure costs) | Monthly subscription |
| Use cases | Complex workflows, big data | Routine administrative tasks |
Conclusion
In conclusion, n8n offers unique flexibility and power for technical teams or advanced projects. Make is ideal for users looking for simple, fast and immediate automation.
At ActivDev, we prefer Make for its immediate operational simplicity, and like to use n8n for advanced use cases involving AI-driven automation. Your choice will depend above all on your technical profile and your company's specific automation objectives.
Want to automate your business? Discover all the services we can automate for you: Our automation services.
And if you're ready to take the next step, contact us or take direct appointment.
FAQ
Is n8n suitable for beginners?
Yes, even if it does have a slight learning curve. Its visual interface lets you drag-and-drop nodes and connect services without writing code.
What's the difference between a "workflow" and a "node" in n8n?
A workflow is a complete automated process. A node is an individual step in the workflow, such as an action (sending an email) or a trigger (submitting a new form).
What are the most popular integrations?
Popular integrations include: Slack, Gmail, Airtable, Webhooks, Notion, Google Sheets, Discord, and generic REST APIs.
Can I use ready-to-use templates?
Yes, n8n offers a library of predefined workflows that you can import and adapt to your own needs.
How do you test your workflow?
n8n features an interactive test mode that displays the results of each node run, making it easy to correct unexpected errors or behavior.
