n8n vs Make.com: Which Automation Platform is Right for Your Business?

When businesses explore automation, two names often rise to the top: n8n and Make.com (formerly Integromat). Both platforms promise to streamline processes, connect apps, and cut down on manual work. But while they share the same end goal, their approaches are very different.

But choosing the right tool can mean the difference between a few quick wins and a fully scalable automation strategy. At REGRAVITY, we work extensively with both n8n and Make, and here’s how we see the differences.

Let's get into it.

What Is n8n?

n8n is an open-source workflow automation platform designed for flexibility and scalability.

Unlike tools that only connect surface-level apps, n8n allows deep customisation of workflows, complex logic building, and self-hosting for full data ownership. It’s ideal for businesses with intricate processes, compliance requirements, or fast-growing system needs.

Where n8n shines is in its ability to unify data across platforms, manage exceptions and edge cases, and give full visibility into every step of a process.

It’s a powerhouse for building incredibly versatile, custom workflows that grow with your business instead of holding you back.

What Is Make.com?

Make.com (formerly Integromat) is built for speed and simplicity.

With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and vast library of pre-built connectors, it allows teams to design and launch automations in hours instead of weeks. For businesses that need momentum quickly, Make is often the fastest way to see results.

Make is especially powerful for small to mid-sized teams looking for early wins: automating lead capture, syncing finance records across Xero and QuickBooks, streamlining marketing campaigns, or routing customer support tickets.

Make provides rapid results without requiring deep technical exploration or custom development.

Key Differences Between n8n and Make

While both platforms enable automation, their strengths differ:

• Complexity vs Simplicity: n8n is built for complex, nuanced workflows with high customisation. Make is geared towards straightforward, fast deployments.
• Hosting & Control: n8n can be self-hosted, giving businesses full control and ownership over their data. Make is cloud-hosted, removing infrastructure overhead but limiting data control.
• Scalability: n8n scales with your business as needs become more advanced. Make works best for smaller-scale or mid-level automation projects where agility is the priority.
• Learning Curve: n8n requires more technical input and planning. Make is accessible to non-technical teams thanks to its visual builder.

When to Choose n8n

• Your processes are too nuanced for simple connectors.
• Data security, compliance, or hosting control is critical.
• You want full visibility and the ability to handle exceptions.
• You’re planning for long-term scalability rather than quick fixes.

When to Choose Make

• You want automation results fast.
• Your workflows are relatively straightforward.
• You need early ROI without heavy technical resources.
• You value an easy-to-use, highly visual platform.

How REGRAVITY Uses Both

Many businesses don’t need to choose just one. In fact, we often start clients in Make to deliver fast, visible wins, and then transition parts of their stack into n8n once they need greater control or scalability.

These platforms aren’t rivals, but complementary tools in the automation ecosystem.

At REGRAVITY, we design strategies that ensure your workflows aren’t just functional but future-ready. Whether it’s building scalable pipelines in n8n or deploying rapid prototypes in Make, we align the tool to the outcome you need most.

The Final Word

The question isn’t “Which is better, n8n or Make?” It’s “Which is better for your current stage of business?”

If you need speed and simplicity, Make.com gets you there fast. If you need depth, control, and custom scalability, n8n is the right fit. And if you want both, the right partner can help you blend them seamlessly.

👉 Curious about which tool fits your business best?
Get in touch with REGRAVITY to explore your automation strategy.