n8n vs Zapier vs Make
Side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right tool for your business
Our Verdict: n8n for power users, Zapier for simplicity, Make for visual builders
Zapier is the easiest to start with — ideal for non-technical teams automating simple workflows. Make offers superior visual workflow building with branching logic. n8n wins for technical teams wanting full control, self-hosting, and advanced AI agent capabilities with no per-task pricing.
At a Glance
n8n
Technical teams wanting full control and AI agent workflows
Free (self-hosted) / $20/mo (Cloud starter) / Custom (Enterprise)
advanced
1-2 weeks
Zapier
Non-technical teams automating simple workflows
Free (100 tasks/mo) / $19.99/mo / $49/mo / Custom
beginner
1-3 days
Make
Visual workflow builders needing complex branching
Free (1,000 ops/mo) / $9/mo / $16/mo / Custom
intermediate
3-7 days
Feature Comparison
| Feature | n8n | Zapier | Make |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-hosting | Yes | No | No |
| Per-task pricing | No (self-hosted) | Yes | Yes (ops-based) |
| Visual builder | Good | Basic | Excellent |
| AI agent support | Native (LangChain) | AI Zap builder | AI modules |
| Custom code | JavaScript/Python | JavaScript (limited) | JavaScript |
| Branching logic | Yes | Limited | Advanced |
Which to Choose by Use Case
Simple CRM-to-email automation
Easiest setup with the most app integrations
AI agent orchestration pipeline
Native LangChain nodes and self-hosted data control
Complex multi-branch workflows
Visual builder with routers, iterators, and data transformations
Need Help Deciding?
We implement both options. Tell us your use case and we'll recommend the right fit — then set it up for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheapest at high volume?
n8n self-hosted is the clear winner — unlimited executions with no per-task fees. Among cloud options, Make's operations-based pricing is generally more affordable than Zapier's per-task model.
Can I migrate between these platforms?
There's no direct migration path between them. PxlPeak can help you re-architect workflows during a platform switch, typically completing migration in 1-2 weeks.
