Automation Updated

Make.com vs n8n Cloud: Which is Better for Your Workflows in 2026?

A direct, hands-on comparison of Make.com and n8n Cloud — covering features, pricing, ease of use, and the specific situations where each tool wins. Skip to the verdict if you are short on time. For deeper coverage of each tool, read the full Make.com review or the full n8n Cloud review (2026).

Quick comparison: Make.com vs n8n Cloud

Make.com and n8n Cloud are both powerful workflow automation platforms, but they target slightly different users. Make.com focuses on a highly visual, no-code canvas that suits non-developers and small teams who want to automate fast without managing infrastructure. n8n Cloud offers more technical flexibility, open-source roots, and deeper customization that appeal to developers and teams with complex, API-heavy workflows.

Feature / Aspect Make.com n8n Cloud
Target user Non-technical users, marketers, small teams Developers, technical teams, power users
Interface Visual drag-and-drop scenario canvas Node-based workflow editor, more technical feel
Hosting Fully hosted SaaS only Hosted SaaS (n8n Cloud), open-source self-hosted version available
Pricing model Credit-based billing on paid plans; credits are consumed per module run, with advanced actions such as AI-related modules using more credits than simple steps. Unused credits on paid plans roll over for one month, making this practical for seasonal or uneven usage patterns. Per-execution billing on n8n Cloud; each workflow run counts as one execution regardless of how many steps the workflow contains. The self-hosted open-source edition can run on the user's own infrastructure at no platform cost.
Integrations Over 3,000 pre-built integrations (apps and modules), covering the majority of popular SaaS, productivity, and developer tools. Over 1,300 native nodes and integrations, with strong coverage for developer tools, APIs, and AI-related services including LLM and vector-database nodes.
Extensibility Custom apps via API and scripting, proprietary platform Highly extensible via JavaScript, custom nodes, community plugins
Best for Rapidly automating common SaaS tools and business workflows Complex, custom automations and data pipelines built by technical users
Learning curve Moderate; visual but feature-rich Steeper; assumes comfort with APIs, JSON, and logic

What is Make.com?

Make.com is a cloud-based automation platform that lets users build multi-step workflows between apps and APIs using a visual drag-and-drop canvas. Originally launched as Integromat and rebranded as Make.com, it aims to make complex, branching automations accessible without writing code. Users connect popular SaaS tools, databases, and webhooks to create scenarios that run on schedules, events, or triggers and handle large volumes of data reliably.

Read our full Make.com review for a detailed breakdown of features, pricing, and our hands-on verdict.

What is n8n Cloud?

n8n Cloud is the hosted version of n8n, an open-source workflow automation tool built for technical users and teams. It uses a node-based editor where each node can call APIs, transform data, or run JavaScript, making it highly flexible for custom integrations and data pipelines. With n8n Cloud, you get managed hosting, security, and maintenance, while still benefiting from n8n's open-source ecosystem and the option to self-host if you outgrow the SaaS plan.

Read our full n8n review for a detailed breakdown of features, pricing, and our hands-on verdict.

Key differences between Make.com and n8n Cloud

While both tools automate workflows, their design choices and user focus are different. The most important differences include:

  • Make.com is friendlier for non-developers; n8n Cloud assumes comfort with APIs, JSON, and basic programming concepts.
  • n8n offers deeper customization via JavaScript and custom nodes; Make.com focuses on extensive pre-built modules and visual controls.
  • Make.com is SaaS-only; n8n can be used as a managed cloud service or self-hosted, which appeals to teams needing more control.
  • Both use usage-based pricing, but limits, included operations, and scaling behavior differ; teams with heavy workloads may see different cost curves.
  • n8n's open-source core allows code access and community plugins; Make.com is closed-source but polished and tightly managed.

Who should choose Make.com?

Make.com is a strong choice for non-technical users, solo operators, and small teams who want powerful automation without managing servers or writing code. Its visual interface, rich library of ready-made integrations, and scenario-based pricing make it attractive for marketing, operations, and SaaS-heavy workflows where speed of setup and ease of iteration matter more than low-level control.

  • Small marketing and operations teams automating CRM, email, forms, and spreadsheets.
  • Agencies building repeatable client workflows without maintaining custom infrastructure.
  • Founders and operators orchestrating multiple SaaS tools quickly using a visual canvas.

Try Make.com →

Who should choose n8n Cloud?

n8n Cloud suits technical teams that need deeper customization, advanced data handling, or the option to move to self-hosting later. If your workflows involve complex API calls, custom business logic, or processing large data streams, n8n's node-based model and JavaScript extensibility provide more control. It is best for developers and power users who are comfortable working closer to the metal.

  • Developer teams building custom integrations for internal tools or products.
  • Data-heavy workflows that need complex branching, transformation, or custom code.
  • Organizations with security or compliance requirements that may eventually prefer self-hosting.

Try n8n Cloud →

FAQ: Make.com vs n8n Cloud

Is Make.com easier to use than n8n Cloud?

Yes; Make.com's visual canvas and pre-built modules are generally easier for non-technical users than n8n's more technical, node-based interface.

Which tool is better for developers: Make.com or n8n Cloud?

n8n Cloud usually suits developers better because it supports JavaScript, custom nodes, and self-hosting options built on an open-source core.

Can I self-host Make.com or n8n?

Make.com is SaaS-only, while n8n offers an open-source version you can self-host plus n8n Cloud for managed hosting.

Which is cheaper at scale, Make.com or n8n Cloud?

It depends on usage; Make.com can be cost-effective for SaaS automations, while n8n may be cheaper long-term if you self-host and optimize infrastructure.

Which has more native integrations?

Make.com currently offers more pre-built integrations, while n8n focuses on flexible nodes and generic API connectors.

Can both tools call custom APIs?

Yes; both Make.com and n8n Cloud can call custom APIs, though n8n gives more control over request logic and error handling.

Which is better for simple, two-step automations?

Make.com is often faster to set up for simple automations because of its visual interface and templates.

Which is better for complex branching workflows?

Both can handle branching, but n8n Cloud is often preferred when workflows require heavy logic and code-level customization.

Do both tools support webhooks and real-time triggers?

Yes; both platforms support webhooks, event-based triggers, and scheduled runs for automations.

Can I switch from Make.com to n8n later?

You can rebuild scenarios in n8n if you outgrow Make.com, but there is no one-click migration; expect to redesign workflows node by node.

Our verdict: Make.com vs n8n Cloud

Choose Make.com if…

  • You want a fast, visual setup without managing servers or writing code
  • Your team is non-technical and needs to manage workflows independently
  • You need broad SaaS integrations out of the box with minimal configuration
Try Make.com →

Choose n8n Cloud if…

  • You need advanced data transformation or custom JavaScript logic in your workflows
  • You want the option to self-host for data-residency or cost reasons
  • Your team is comfortable with APIs and a more technical workflow editor
Try n8n Cloud →

For a deeper look at each tool, read the full Make.com review or the full n8n Cloud review (2026).

Affiliate disclosure: ToolStackChoice.com may earn a commission if you purchase through the links above. This does not affect our editorial independence or scoring.

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