📅 July 9, 2026 · New comparison
n8n vs Make: Open-Source vs Visual Automation
n8n and Make are the two leading workflow automation platforms in 2026, but they serve different audiences. n8n is open-source with AI agents and self-hosting. Make is the visual drag-and-drop king with 2000+ integrations. Here's how to choose.
⚡ The Automation Landscape, July 2026
Workflow automation has become essential for businesses of all sizes. n8n ranked in the top 10 AI tools of Q2 2026, driven by enterprise demand for self-hosted AI agent workflows and GDPR-compliant automation. Make continues to dominate the visual automation space with the largest integration library and the most intuitive drag-and-drop builder. The choice between them comes down to your need for data sovereignty versus ease of use.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | n8n | Make |
| Type | Open-source (fair-code) | Proprietary SaaS |
| Integrations | 422+ | 2000+ |
| AI Agents | ✅ Built-in with self-correction | ✅ AI modules available |
| Self-Hosting | ✅ Yes (free) | ❌ Cloud only |
| Visual Builder | Node-based, functional | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best-in-class drag-and-drop |
| GDPR/Data Sovereignty | ✅ Full control (self-host) | EU-hosted, compliant |
| Learning Curve | Moderate (technical) | Low (visual-first) |
| Pricing | Free self-host / Cloud from $20/mo | Free 1000 ops/mo / Core $9/mo |
n8n: Open-Source Power with AI Agents
n8n is built on a fair-code license, meaning the core platform is free and open-source. You can self-host it on your own infrastructure — a critical advantage for enterprises that need data sovereignty and GDPR compliance. All data stays on your servers. No third-party access. Complete control.
The standout feature in 2026 is AI Agent nodes with self-correction. You can build autonomous AI workflows where the agent reasons, takes actions, checks its own output, and fixes errors — all within n8n's node-based editor. This makes n8n particularly powerful for building AI-powered automation pipelines that handle complex decision-making.
With 422+ integrations, n8n covers the most important services, though it has fewer than Make. The free self-host tier makes it unbeatable for cost-conscious teams with technical skills. n8n Cloud starts at $20/month for teams that prefer managed hosting. It ranked in the top 10 AI tools of Q2 2026, reflecting surging enterprise adoption.
Make: Visual Automation for Everyone
Make (formerly Integromat) is the gold standard for visual workflow automation. Its drag-and-drop scenario builder is the most intuitive in the industry — you can watch data flow through each step of your automation in real time. For marketing teams, sales ops, and non-technical users, Make is dramatically easier to learn than n8n.
With 2000+ integrations, Make has the largest connector library of any automation platform. If you need to connect niche SaaS tools, Make almost certainly supports them. The visual scenario builder shows you exactly what's happening at each step, making debugging and optimization straightforward even for non-developers.
The free tier gives you 1000 operations per month, enough to test and run simple automations. Core plans start at just $9/month, making it very accessible for small teams. The tradeoff: no self-hosting option. Your data lives on Make's cloud infrastructure.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose n8n if: You need data sovereignty and GDPR compliance through self-hosting. You want to build AI agent workflows with self-correction. Your team has technical skills and wants full control over infrastructure. Cost is a priority — the free self-host tier eliminates recurring fees. You're an enterprise that can't send data to third-party clouds.
Choose Make if: You want the easiest visual workflow builder available. Your team is non-technical (marketing, sales, operations). You need the largest integration library (2000+ apps). You want quick setup without managing servers. Self-hosting and data sovereignty are not requirements for your use case.
The Verdict
n8n wins for enterprises, technical teams, and anyone who needs data sovereignty. The combination of self-hosting, AI agent nodes, and fair-code licensing makes it the platform of choice for serious automation at scale. Make wins for accessibility — if you want to get automations running in minutes with zero technical overhead, nothing beats its visual builder and integration library.
🏆 Bottom line: Your technical requirements determine the winner. Need self-hosting, AI agents, or GDPR data control? Choose n8n. Want the easiest visual builder with the most integrations and don't need data sovereignty? Choose Make. Both have free tiers, so try both before deciding.