Choosing between Make, n8n and Zapier

Start from the process, not the tool

List the trigger, the steps, the apps involved, expected monthly volume and who will maintain it. Most of the decision follows from those five answers.

Questions that separate them

• Do you need to self-host for data control? n8n offers it; Make and Zapier are hosted.
• Is the workflow mostly linear with well-known apps? Zapier is often quickest to set up.
• Do you need heavy branching, iteration and data mapping on a hosted tool? Make is designed around that.
• Who fixes it when it breaks, and can they read the tool?

Cost

Each platform meters usage differently. Estimate monthly runs times steps per run, then check each official pricing page. Do not rely on comparisons that quote old prices.