An honest comparison of the three most popular automation platforms.
n8n vs Zapier vs Make: Which Is Right for Your Team?
Zapier and Make are fast to start and great for lightweight, no-code automation. n8n wins when you need full control, high volume, complex logic, and data ownership on your own infrastructure. Here is how they compare, based on each platform's public facts.
| Aspect | n8n | Zapier | Make |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hosting model | Open-source, self-hostable on your own server | Cloud/SaaS only | Cloud/SaaS only |
| Pricing model | Can be flat/self-hosted; cheap at high volume | Per-task; rises fast at scale | Per-operation; cheaper than Zapier but still per-run |
| Customization & code | Custom nodes + full JavaScript/Python | Limited; simple code steps | Moderate; some advanced modules |
| Data ownership | On your infrastructure | On the vendor cloud | On the vendor cloud |
| Best for | Complex operational systems, scale, control | Quick non-technical automation | Mid-level visual automation |
The verdict
Choose Zapier or Make when your needs are light, non-technical, and low-volume. Choose n8n when you need control, complex integrations, high volume, and want to own the system. BOTKILAT builds on n8n, self-hosted, and operates it for you from audit to go-live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is n8n free?
n8n is open-source and self-hostable, so licensing cost can be minimal; you mainly pay for the server and the build. A paid n8n Cloud also exists if you prefer not to self-host.
Is Zapier/Make more expensive than n8n?
At low volume, Zapier/Make are often cheaper and faster to adopt. As volume and complexity grow, their per-task/per-operation pricing can cost far more than self-hosted n8n.
Can BOTKILAT migrate us from Zapier/Make to n8n?
Yes. We map your existing flows, rebuild them in n8n on your instance, then operate them with documentation and monitoring.