n8n vs Make vs Zapier: An Honest Comparison
After building production workflows on all three, here's which one I actually use and why the answer isn't one-size-fits-all.
I've built production workflows on Zapier, Make (formerly Integromat), and n8n. Each has passionate advocates. the truth is more nuanced than 'X is best.' The right choice depends on your specific context.
Zapier: The Reliable Standard
Zapier remains the easiest to use and has the widest integration library. For straightforward automation needs and non-technical users, it's hard to beat. The downside: costs scale quickly for high-volume workflows.
Make: The Power User's Choice
Make offers more sophisticated data manipulation and branching logic at a lower price point. The visual builder takes getting used to, but once you understand it, you can build surprisingly complex workflows.
n8n: The Developer's Dream
n8n is self-hostable, open-core, and incredibly flexible. If you have technical resources and want full control, n8n delivers. I use it for workflows that need custom code execution or tight integration with internal systems.