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

说明与用途

选择自动化平台取决于步骤数量、工作量和技术能力：Zapier 适用于简单任务，Make 适用于可视化分支，n8n 适用于长流程和高流量的固定计费，若需要用户界面或持久状态则使用自定义代码。

问题

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

结果

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.

工作流

• 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).

证据

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

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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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