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n8n, Make or Zapier: pick a stack

You don’t need all three. You need one criterion. Here’s how to choose without a marketing grid.

Published 2026-08-25 · Updated 2026-08-25

For whom. Freelancers or small teams who actually automate.

Not for. People looking for an n8n template marketplace.

An automation tool is not a religion. It is cost, learning curve, and where your data goes.

The real criterion

Solo and want visual speed: Make. Want to self-host: n8n. Company already standardized: Zapier.

Cost

Zapier gets expensive with volume. Make sits in the middle. n8n wins when you accept a bit of craft to stop paying per task.

When we recommend n8n

When you will republish, edit and version workflows — see Workflows.

Next

Lab benchmarks the three. Codes live under Perks.

One workflow a month

No spam. Email only when a kit or a benchmark is worth it.