n8n vs Make: Which Automation Tool Is Right for SMBs?

June 13, 2026·2 min read

You've decided to automate repetitive work — but with which tool? The two names SMBs run into most often are n8n and Make (formerly Integromat). Both are "no-code/low-code" automation platforms that let you connect different apps and build workflows without writing code. But the philosophy underneath them is quite different.

In this post we compare them across four critical dimensions: cost, flexibility, data privacy, and learning curve.

In short: what do they both do?

Say you want every message from your website's contact form to be automatically saved to your CRM, notify your team on Slack, and send the customer an automatic welcome email. Both n8n and Make can do this with a "scenario" you build in minutes. You set up a visual flow: trigger (form submission) → steps (CRM record, Slack message, email).

The difference shows up in how deep you can take those flows — and how much you pay.

1. Cost

Make charges per operation. Every step, every piece of data counts as an operation. It starts cheap at low volume, but as your automations grow — especially multi-step, high-frequency flows — the bill can climb fast.

n8n is open source. When self-hosted, there's no limit on the number of operations; you only pay for the server (which can start at a few dollars a month). For high-volume automation, n8n is dramatically more economical.

Practical rule for SMBs: A few simple automations → Make's free/cheap plan is enough. Many or high-volume flows → self-hosted n8n is far cheaper long term.

2. Flexibility

Make shines with ready-made templates and broad app integrations; you build standard scenarios quickly. But when you need something unusual, you can hit a wall.

This is where n8n stands out: with a Code node you can drop in JavaScript or Python, fire a raw HTTP request to any API, and build your own logic. So you're flexible "as far as you can imagine," not "as far as the platform allows."

3. Data Privacy (GDPR)

This is critical for businesses in Europe and the UK. Make is cloud-based; your data passes through their servers. When you self-host n8n on your own infrastructure, customer data never leaves your premises. For workflows that process personal data (CVs, health records, financial data), that's a major compliance advantage.

4. Learning Curve

Make is a bit more intuitive for less technical users; you'll build your first scenario fast. n8n feels more "developer-friendly" — more power, but the initial setup (especially self-hosting) asks for some technical know-how.

The good news: you don't have to handle setup and maintenance yourself.

So which one?

For most growing SMBs, n8n offers a more sustainable foundation long term — on both cost and flexibility. But the right answer always depends on your specific workflow.

Let's find the right fit together

At Filova, we review your business processes, determine which tool (or combination) fits you, and handle everything from setup to maintenance. You don't deal with the technical details.

Get a Free Process Audit → — let's uncover the automation opportunities in your business and show you concretely what you'd gain with each tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is n8n free?

n8n is open source and completely free when self-hosted on your own server. Its cloud version comes with a monthly subscription. Make offers a free starter plan, but it's limited by the number of operations.

Can I use n8n without technical knowledge?

Both tools offer a visual, drag-and-drop interface. Make is slightly more intuitive for less technical users. n8n is more powerful for complex scenarios but has a steeper learning curve. At Filova, we handle setup and maintenance for you.

Is my data safe?

When you self-host n8n, your data never leaves your infrastructure — a key advantage for GDPR compliance. Make is cloud-based, so your data passes through their servers.