n8n vs Zapier vs Make vs Custom Code: Which One Should Run Your Business Automation?

Description and use

Choosing an automation platform depends on step count, volume, and technical skill: Zapier suits simple tasks, Make for visual branching, n8n for long, high-volume runs with flat pricing, and custom code when user interfaces or persistent state are required.

Problem

Choosing an automation platform that balances cost, control, and scalability for business workflows.

Outcome

The guide demonstrates that Zapier is best for quick, low-step automations; Make suits visual, branching workflows at lower per-step cost; n8n excels for long, high-volume workflows with flat pricing and self-hosting; custom code is required when the automation needs user interfaces or persistent state.

Workflow

• Define the business workflow (e.g., lead capture → CRM update → email reply → Slack notification).
• Measure the number of steps and expected monthly volume.
• Calculate units per tool: tasks for Zapier, credits for Make, executions for n8n, server time for custom code.
• Compare units against each tool’s entry plan limits and pricing.
• Choose the tool that fits cost and technical requirements.
• If the workflow needs user interfaces or persistent state, opt for custom code (possibly with n8n for background jobs).

Evidence

Zapier charges per action. Make charges per module. n8n charges per run.

Source

The same workflow, three bills. Zapier and Make count steps. n8n counts runs.

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Zapier: the easiest to start, the priciest per step

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Make: visual and cheaper per step

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n8n: flat pricing, self-hosting and code when you need it

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