Zapier vs Make vs n8n: Ultimate No-Code Automation Comparison 2025

Why I tested Zapier, Make, and n8n in 2025

Automation isn’t optional anymore; it’s survival. Whether you’re running a small business, freelancing, or scaling a SaaS startup, automating repetitive workflows saves hours every week. I’ve used Zapier for years, tested Make (formerly Integromat) on complex scenarios, and recently explored n8n, the open-source challenger.

In 2025, the no-code automation market looks very different. AI copilots are built in, native integrations are deeper, and pricing models have shifted. So, I put Zapier, Make, and n8n head-to-head to see which one’s worth your time and money this year.

Quick summary of each tool (2025)

• Zapier → Still the market leader with 6,000+ integrations. Best for ease of use, solopreneurs, and SMBs who want plug-and-play automation.

• Make → Visual-first workflow builder, great for complex multi-step scenarios. Loved by agencies, ops teams, and power users.

• n8n → Open-source, self-hostable, or cloud. Best for developers and startups that want flexibility + lower cost scaling.

Deep Dive: Features, Pros & Cons

Zapier (2025)

My test: I set up an automation where new Stripe payments triggered a personalized Slack notification and updated Airtable. Took under 10 minutes.

Features I verified:

• 6,000+ app integrations.

• Built-in AI actions (summaries, text formatting, sentiment analysis).

• Multi-step Zaps (limited in free plan).

• New Zapier Tables & Interfaces (mini-database + dashboards).

• Autopilot AI for suggesting workflows.

Pros:
- Easiest to learn.
- Massive integration library.
- Reliable uptime.

Cons:
- Pricing rises quickly with volume.
- Limited in branching logic (compared to Make).
- Free plan capped to 100 tasks/month.

Make (2025)

My test: Built a “lead pipeline” automation → when a Typeform submission came in, it enriched the lead with Clearbit, sent to HubSpot, and updated a Slack channel. The visual flow made debugging easier.

Features I verified:

• 1,500+ integrations but deeper module-level controls than Zapier.

• Drag-and-drop visual builder with real-time execution logs.

• AI modules for text generation and categorization.

• Iterators and routers for complex branching.

• Strong error handling and scheduling tools.

Pros:
- Cheaper than Zapier at scale.
- Visual workflows are ideal for teams.
- Handles complex automations better.

Cons:
- Slightly steeper learning curve.
- Fewer native integrations than Zapier.
- Support can feel slower vs Zapier.

n8n (2025)

My test: I deployed n8n on a $5/month VPS to connect Gmail, Google Sheets, and an AI API for sentiment analysis. It took longer to set up, but gave me complete flexibility.

Features I verified:

• Open-source, can self-host or use n8n Cloud.

• 400+ integrations (smaller library but growing).

• Advanced logic with JavaScript functions inline.

• Scales with your infrastructure (cost control).

• Active open-source community releasing custom nodes.

Pros:
- Free if self-hosted.
- Extreme flexibility.
- Great for developers and privacy-focused teams.

Cons:
- Requires setup + server knowledge if self-hosting.
- Fewer plug-and-play integrations.
- Learning curve steeper than Zapier or Make.

Pricing Comparison (2025)

• Zapier: Free plan → 100 tasks/mo. Paid plans start $19.99/mo; scaling gets pricey (5,000 tasks ≈ $49/mo, 50,000 ≈ $399/mo).

• Make: Free plan → 1,000 ops/mo. Paid plans start $10.59/mo; 40,000 ops ≈ $34/mo. Cheaper at scale than Zapier.

• n8n: Self-hosting = free (just pay for server). n8n Cloud starts at $20/mo for 5,000 executions.

When to choose which? (My verdict)

• Choose Zapier if you want simplicity, speed, and integrations without technical headaches. Perfect for solopreneurs, marketers, and SMBs.

• Choose Make if your workflows involve complex branching, multi-step logic, or agency/team use cases.

• Choose n8n if you care about control, cost, and flexibility, and you’re not afraid of some setup. Best for developers, privacy-first startups, and anyone tired of Zapier’s costs.

FAQs

1) Which tool has the most integrations?
Zapier wins with 6,000+, Make has ~1,500, and n8n ~400 (but extensible via community).

2) Which is cheapest in 2025?
n8n (self-hosted) is free aside from server cost. Make is cheaper than Zapier at scale.

3) Can these tools use AI?
Yes. Zapier and Make both have AI modules; n8n lets you connect directly to OpenAI, Anthropic, or any LLM API.

4) Which one is best for teams?
Make, thanks to its visual builder and error handling.

5) Which one is most beginner-friendly?
Zapier. It’s still the easiest to pick up in under 30 minutes.

Final Recommendation

If you’re new to automation, start with Zapier. If you need advanced flows and better value, Make is your best bet. If you want open-source control, long-term cost savings, and don’t mind a learning curve, go with n8n.

In 2025, no-code automation isn’t about “if”, it’s about “how far” you want to push it.