The Automations Guide

Zapier vs. Make vs. n8n: The 2026 Automations Guide for Business

Executive Summary

For Revenue Operations (RevOps) and enterprise automation, the choice between Zapier, Make (formerly Integromat), and n8n comes down to one variable: Complexity vs. Cost.

• Zapier remains the industry standard for stability and ease of use but carries a premium price tag.
• Make offers a visual logic builder that is 40-60% cheaper than Zapier for high-volume workflows.
• n8n is the developer’s choice, offering self-hosted options and advanced node-based architecture for maximum security and low cost.

The following data benchmark analyzes the feature parity, pricing models, and AI capabilities of all three platforms as of Q1 2026.

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At A Glance: The 2026 Decision Matrix

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1. Zapier: The Enterprise Standard

Zapier is the “Apple” of automation—it “just works,” but you pay for the polish. It supports over 6,000+ apps, making it the largest ecosystem in the market.

Core Advantages

• Reliability: 99.9% uptime and enterprise-grade security compliance (SOC 2).
• Natural Language Actions: New AI features allow users to build Zaps by describing them in plain English.
• Interfaces & Tables: Zapier now offers a built-in database (Tables) and frontend builder (Interfaces), allowing users to build mini-apps without leaving the platform.

Critical Drawbacks

• Cost Scaling: As task volume increases, Zapier becomes significantly more expensive than competitors.
• Linear Logic: Complex branching logic (if/then/else) is harder to visualize compared to Make’s canvas.

TAG Verdict: Ideal for well-funded teams who prioritize speed and reliability over cost efficiency. Get Started with Zapier

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2. Make (formerly Integromat): The RevOps Powerhouse

Make utilizes a drag-and-drop “canvas” interface that visualizes automation workflows. It allows for complex data manipulation, array aggregators, and JSON parsing that Zapier struggles with.

Core Advantages

• Visual Debugging: Watch data move through the system in real-time bubbles.
• Cost Efficiency: On average, Make is 50-60% cheaper than Zapier for the same volume of executions.
• Error Handling: Advanced error handlers (Ignore, Rollback, Resume) ensure mission-critical data isn’t lost during API outages.

Critical Drawbacks

• Steeper Learning Curve: Requires understanding basic data structures (Arrays, Collections).
• App Library: Slightly smaller ecosystem than Zapier, though it covers all major CRMs and tools.

TAG Verdict: The superior choice for Revenue Operations and complex data routing. Create a Free Make Account

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3. n8n: The Developer’s Open Source Choice

n8n (Nodemand) is a fair-code workflow automation tool. Uniquely, it can be self-hosted on your own servers, resolving GDPR and data privacy concerns for sensitive industries (Healthcare, Finance).

Core Advantages

• Self-Hostable: Run it on your own AWS/DigitalOcean server for total control.
• LangChain Support: Best-in-class integration with AI agents and LLMs.
• Execution Pricing: Unlike Zapier, n8n often charges by “Workflow Execution” rather than individual steps, leading to massive savings for long workflows.

Critical Drawbacks

• Technical Barrier: Requires knowledge of JavaScript/TypeScript to unlock its full potential.
• Maintenance: Self-hosted versions require your own server maintenance.

TAG Verdict: Best for Engineering teams and building AI Agents. Explore n8n Cloud

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Pricing Analysis: 10,000 Tasks per Month

We compared the monthly cost to process 10,000 steps/operations across all three platforms.

• Zapier (Professional Plan): ~$129 / month
• Make (Core Plan): ~$29 / month
• n8n (Pro Cloud): ~$50 / month (Unlimited steps, capped by executions)

Data Insight: For high-volume scaling, Make offers the lowest cost-per-operation ratio for standard business automations.

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Final Recommendation

• Choose Zapier if: You have a budget, need immediate results, and want zero maintenance.
• Choose Make if: You are building complex RevOps systems and want to visualize your data flow while saving money.
• Choose n8n if: You are building AI Agents or need strict data privacy (self-hosting).

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Make cheaper than Zapier? Yes. For most use cases involving over 1,000 tasks per month, Make.com is approximately 40-60% cheaper than Zapier due to its “Operations” pricing model versus Zapier’s “Task” model.

Can I migrate from Zapier to Make? Yes, but it is a manual process. There is no “one-click” import button because the logic structures are different (Linear vs. Visual). We recommend migrating high-volume Zaps to Make first to maximize cost savings.

Which tool is best for AI automation? n8n is currently the leader for AI agents due to its native integration with LangChain, allowing for complex LLM chaining. Zapier is a close second with its “Interfaces” feature for building AI chatbots.