n8n vs Make vs Zapier: Which Automation Tool Should You Choose?
In short
Zapier is the simplest and most connected, Make offers finer visual scenarios at a controlled cost, and n8n gives the most control thanks to self-hosting. The right choice depends on your in-house skills, automation volume, how sensitive your data is and whether you need AI agents.
Key takeaways
- Zapier bills tasks, Make bills credits, n8n bills complete workflow executions.
- n8n is the only one of the three you can self-host on your own servers.
- All three now offer AI agent features, with different levels of control.
- For sensitive data, check where everything actually runs, including AI features.
- Most projects mix a no-code tool with a few custom API integrations.
What's the difference between n8n, Make and Zapier in one sentence?
Zapier bets on simplicity, Make on visual flexibility and n8n on technical control. All three connect your software so tasks run automatically, but they target different profiles.
This comparison is neutral: at Ozapp, we use all three, along with custom APIs. Everything below was checked on the official websites in October 2026. Prices and plans change often, so we describe pricing models rather than amounts.
How are these three tools built?
All three work the same basic way: a trigger, such as a new form entry, email or invoice, starts a series of actions in other apps. The difference lies in how each tool is delivered.
- Zapier is a US cloud service. You build "Zaps," mostly linear sequences, in a highly guided interface.
- Make (formerly Integromat) is also a cloud service. You draw "scenarios" on a visual canvas, with branches, loops and filters.
- n8n comes as a cloud version and a self-hosted version. According to its official GitHub repository, it follows a fair-code model under the Sustainable Use License: the source code is visible and you can install n8n on your own servers, with restrictions on reselling it as a service.
That last point matters. With self-hosted n8n, your workflow data stays on the infrastructure you choose.
How does each tool charge?
Each tool measures usage with a different unit, and that unit usually drives the bill. Comparing entry prices without looking at the unit leads to unpleasant surprises.
| Tool | Billing unit | What gets counted |
|---|---|---|
| Zapier | Tasks | Every successful action; triggers and failed actions don't count |
| Make | Credits | Most actions cost 1 credit; some AI features cost more |
| n8n | Executions | One complete workflow run, however many steps it has |
According to Zapier's pricing page, the free plan includes 100 tasks a month and Zaps limited to two steps. Zapier's AI agents are counted separately, in "activities."
Make states that credits have replaced operations as its billing unit, with 1,000 credits a month on the free plan. n8n explains that its pricing is based on monthly executions, "regardless of complexity," with unlimited users and workflows.
In practice, a fifteen-step workflow that runs a thousand times uses fifteen thousand tasks on Zapier, but only a thousand executions on n8n.
How many integrations do they offer?
Zapier has the largest catalog, Make comes second, and n8n makes up for it with technical flexibility. As of October 2026, Zapier advertises more than 9,000 connected apps and Make more than 3,000 native apps.
n8n has fewer ready-made connectors, but its HTTP node and support for custom code let you reach almost any API. Make also offers HTTP modules and custom apps.
In Belgium, this question often comes up with local software: accounting, invoicing or industry-specific tools. If no connector exists, you'll go through that software's API, whichever platform you pick.
How do they handle AI agents?
All three platforms have added AI and agent features, each with its own approach. An AI agent understands a goal and chooses its own actions, while a classic automation follows fixed rules.
- n8n offers an "AI Agent" node, connections to OpenAI, Anthropic, Google or open-source models, MCP support and human approval of tool calls.
- Make highlights its AI agents, its Maia assistant and an MCP server.
- Zapier offers Zapier Agents and a building assistant called Copilot.
Either way, an AI agent that acts inside your tools needs boundaries: minimal permissions, human approval for sensitive actions and logging. We cover those rules in our article on AI agent guardrails.
Where is your data hosted?
This is the most overlooked criterion, and the most important one for GDPR. The three tools are not equal here.
- n8n states on its pricing page that data on hosted plans is stored in the EU, on servers in Frankfurt, Germany. When self-hosted, it stays wherever you install n8n.
- Make lets you choose an EU1 or EU2 data zone. But its help center notes that several AI features, including Maia and the OpenAI models in its AI Provider, are processed in the United States regardless of the zone.
- Zapier is a US company. Review its data processing agreement and subprocessor list before sending sensitive personal data through it.
For health, HR or financial data, we usually recommend self-hosted n8n on European servers, or custom APIs.
Which tool fits which profile?
The best tool is the one your team can maintain. Here's a simple guide.
| Your situation | Often the best fit |
|---|---|
| A few simple automations, no technical skills | Zapier |
| Branching scenarios, moderate volume, tight budget | Make |
| High volumes, long workflows, sensitive data | Self-hosted n8n |
| AI agents with human approval and fine-grained control | n8n or custom API |
| Industry software with no connector | Custom API, called from any of the three |
One last tip: document every workflow, name an owner and set up an error alert. An automation that silently breaks costs more than doing the task by hand.
Not sure what to automate yet? Our list of 15 tasks to automate in a small business will give you concrete ideas.
Take the next step
Describe a repetitive task in our automation demo and it will suggest a workflow along with an estimate of the time saved. You'll find it on our AI demos page and on our AI agents & automation page. Then book a free 30-minute consultation and get a detailed quote within 24-48 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Is n8n really free?
The self-hosted version of n8n can be used without a subscription for internal business purposes, under the Sustainable Use License, a so-called fair-code license. Strictly speaking, it isn't open source. You still pay for the server, maintenance and updates. The plans hosted by n8n and some enterprise features are paid.
What's the easiest automation tool for beginners?
Zapier is usually the easiest place to start. Its linear interface and huge app catalog let you connect two tools in minutes. Make takes a bit more learning but handles branching scenarios better. n8n is best suited to people who are comfortable with technical concepts.
Which one is the cheapest?
It depends on the shape of your workflows. Zapier counts every successful action, Make counts credits per action, and n8n counts one execution per complete run, however long it is. For long workflows that run often, n8n is frequently cheaper; for a handful of simple automations, the entry plans of Zapier or Make are enough.
Does my data stay in Europe?
Not necessarily. n8n says its cloud plans are hosted in Frankfurt and it can be self-hosted. Make offers EU data zones, but some AI features are processed in the United States. Zapier is a US company, so review its data processing agreement. For sensitive data, self-hosting on European servers remains the most controlled option.
Do I have to pick just one tool?
No. Many businesses run one main tool and keep a second one for a specific integration. At Ozapp, we work with n8n, Make and Zapier, plus custom APIs when no connector fits the need. What matters most is documenting every workflow so you never depend on a single person.
