Zapier, Make and n8n are among the most widely used tools for connecting applications. All three can do a lot, but they take different approaches. This comparison helps you decide.
The three at a glance
| Zapier | Make | n8n | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approach | simple step-by-step workflows | visual scenarios with branching | visual workflows, custom code possible |
| Hosting | cloud only | cloud only | cloud or your own server |
| Pricing | per execution | per operation | cloud by plan, self-hosted with no fee per execution |
| Getting started | easiest | medium | more technical |
| Complex logic | limited | good | very good |
| Data control | with the provider | with the provider | when self-hosted, entirely with you |
As of November 2026. Prices, features and data locations change. Current details are available from the providers.
Zapier: the quickest way in
For simple workflows, Zapier is hard to beat: choose a trigger, choose an action, done. Thousands of applications are already connected. With many executions and complex workflows, however, it quickly becomes expensive and hard to follow. More about Zapier
Make: visual and flexible
Make, formerly Integromat, presents workflows as visual scenarios, with branching, loops and data transformation. This lets you build far more complex workflows than with Zapier, without writing code. Make also runs only in the provider’s cloud.
n8n: maximum control
n8n is similar to Make in its visual design, but additionally allows custom code and can be run on your own server. That makes it the first choice if data must not leave Germany, if workflows run very often, or if you want to be independent of a provider. More about n8n · Self-hosting n8n
Our recommendation
- A few simple workflows, non-critical data: Zapier.
- More complex workflows, but no wish for your own server: Make or n8n Cloud.
- Business-critical workflows, sensitive data, many executions: n8n on your own server.
For more on the direct comparison of the two extremes, read “n8n or Zapier”.
FAQ
Which tool is the cheapest?
That depends on the number of executions. With few executions, cloud plans are inexpensive. With a very large number, n8n on your own server is usually the most economical, because there is no fee per execution.
Can you combine several tools?
Technically yes, but in day-to-day use one tool per company is easier to keep track of. We recommend settling on one.
