Comparison
n8n vs Make vs custom code
How we pick the right automation layer, by volume, ownership and how much logic you really need.
| Make | n8n (self-hosted) | Custom code | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Per-operation credits | Flat server cost | Engineering time |
| Best volume | Low | Mid to high | High or business-critical |
| Who runs it | No infra, fully hosted | You own the server | You own the code |
| Flexibility | Visual, limited logic | Visual + code nodes | Unlimited |
| Maintenance | None | Upgrades + database | Full ownership |
How we choose
Under roughly 10,000 runs a month with simple logic and a non-technical owner, Make wins on speed. From there up, or when you want to escape per-operation billing, self-hosted n8n is the sweet spot. We drop to custom code for the load-bearing, high-volume paths where reliability matters more than a visual editor. Most real systems end up a hybrid.
The best automation is the one your team can still run a year from now, at a cost that makes sense for the volume.
Read the full breakdown →