n8n vs Zapier vs Make: Automation Compared (2026)

Short answer: Zapier is the easiest and has the most integrations — best for non-technical users wiring up SaaS apps. Make (formerly Integromat) offers a visual, more powerful flow builder at lower cost, good for complex multi-step scenarios. n8n is open-source and self-hostable, the choice for developers who want control, custom code, and to avoid per-task pricing — and it's increasingly popular for AI workflows. Pick Zapier for simplicity, Make for visual power/value, n8n for open-source control.

At a glance

ZapierMaken8n

EaseEasiestVisual, moderateDeveloper-oriented IntegrationsMostManyMany + custom code Self-hostNoNoYes (open-source) Pricing modelPer-task, pricierCheaper per-opFree self-host Best forNon-technical, simple zapsComplex visual flows, valueDevs, AI workflows, control

How they differ

Zapier wins on breadth and simplicity: thousands of app integrations and a trigger→action model anyone can use. It gets pricey as volume grows.

Make gives you a visual canvas for branching, iteration, and data transformation — more power per dollar than Zapier for complex scenarios.

n8n is open-source and self-hostable, so you avoid per-task pricing and gain custom-code nodes and full control over data — a favorite for AI automation pipelines. See the AI-focused walkthrough in AI 办公自动化（n8n/Zapier/Make）.

How to choose

Non-technical, want the most integrations fast? Zapier.

Complex visual flows at better value? Make.

Open-source, self-host, custom code, AI pipelines? n8n.

Make vs n8n specifically for AI? See n8n vs Make for AI workflow automation.

FAQ

Which is cheapest? Self-hosted n8n (you pay infra); Make beats Zapier on per-op cost. Which can I self-host? n8n (open-source). Zapier and Make are SaaS only. Which is best for AI workflows? n8n, increasingly — custom nodes + control + no per-task fees.

Verdict

Zapier for the simplest setup and widest app coverage, Make for powerful visual flows at better value, n8n for open-source control and AI-heavy automation without per-task pricing. Match the tool to your technical comfort and how much control (and cost discipline) you need.

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*Last updated: June 2026. Verify integrations and pricing on each platform's site.*