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If you’re running a small or mid-sized business, chances are your team spends too much time on tasks that could be automated—copying data between apps, sending repetitive emails, chasing status updates, and refreshing spreadsheets.
All of this is time-consuming and labor-intensive, not to mention expensive.
But here’s the catch: automation only works if you use the right tool. That’s where the decision gets tricky. With so many platforms, picking between popular tools like n8n, Make, and Zapier can feel like a task!
Each has its strengths (and weaknesses). But which one makes sense for your workflows, budget, and team size? Fret not. At Intuz, we’ve guided SMBs across industries in choosing and implementing the right-fit automation stack, and we can help you with that, too.
In this guide, we’ll detail how Make vs. n8n vs. Zapier features compare, helping you identify the best workflow automation tool for SMBs.
Make vs n8n vs Zapier: An Introduction
Make
Make is an automation solution that helps visualize and build AI agents that adapt in real-time and work across multiple workflows using tools you’ve already covered.
Its dynamic interface empowers you to visualize automation systems, collaborate on logic, share workflows, and document processes efficiently. With Make, you can easily access a bird’ s-eye view of the entire automation landscape in one place.
You can also control the execution of workflow actions with conditional statements and analyze every workflow step on Make.
n8n
n8n is workflow automation software that enables you to deploy multi-step AI agents and integrate apps better than any other tool. It can be hosted with on-prem control or in-the-cloud convenience.
n8n is open-source, meaning you can access the entire source code on GitHub. With the tool, creating agentic systems on a single screen is easy. Integrate any LLM into your workflows by dragging and dropping as fast as possible.
n8n is also developer-friendly, giving ample space for customization. You can write JavaScript or Python code, include libraries from npm or PyPI, paste cURL requests directly into your workflow, and split and merge branches.
Zapier
When people think of automation, Zapier is often the first name that comes to mind. It’s a platform for automation, integration, and AI orchestration.
It’s incredibly user-friendly and equips you to create complete workflows, called “Zaps,” exactly how you want—with custom interfaces and a built-in database. With Zapier, you can build the smartest workflow using agents with nearly 8,000 apps!
Zapier is great for automating everyday tasks like sending Slack messages, updating CRMs, or moving data between spreadsheets and email tools without touching code.
Make vs n8n vs Zapier Features: A Tabular Comparison for SMBs
Let’s understand how these three business process automation tools stack up on features, impacting cost, speed, and efficiency for your SMB:
Make vs n8n vs Zapier Features
| Feature | Make | n8n | Zapier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Editor | Drag-and-drop scenario editor with visual notes | Leading visual editor with native nodes and custom code support | Visual workflow builder with branching logic (Paths) |
| Debugging and Iteration | Step-by-step execution tracking, flow control | Re-run single steps, replay/mock data, logs inline with code | Use Delay and Schedule, supports looped actions with Looping |
| Pre-built Integrations | 2,000+ apps, 9,000 pre-built solutions, 7,000+ templates | 400+ pre-configured integrations, HTTP node for custom | 7,000+ app connections via Zaps and Tables |
| AI Capabilities | AI Agents, prebuilt no-code AI modules, MCP Server | Built-in AI nodes, LangChain support, LLM deployment | AI-driven Tables, automates workflows with built-in logic |
| Hosting and Deployment | Cloud-hosted via MCP Server, no infrastructure needed | Self-host or cloud; full control over model/data | Fully cloud-based, no self-hosting option |
| Data Handling | Data transformation via drag-and-drop functions | Merge, loop, filter, JS/Python code for shaping data | Formatter for dates, currency, text; Looping for items |
| Triggers and Webhooks | Triggers via HTTP/Webhooks from any public API | App events, cron jobs, chat, webhooks, nested workflows | Trigger via webhooks |
| Extensibility | No-code and some AI extensibility | Custom JS/Python, npm packages, cURL import | No-code extensibility with built-in logic and filters |
| Open Source | No – proprietary | Yes – full access on GitHub | No – proprietary |
| Ease of Use (UI/UX) | Highly visual and user-friendly with drag-and-drop design | Clean and powerful interface with some learning curve for advanced features | Extremely intuitive and beginner-friendly with guided setup |
| Scalability and Limits | Handles large-scale workflows well with performance monitoring tools | No hard limits on self-hosted setups and suitable for complex, large-scale workflows | Limits based on plan tiers with task caps and rate restrictions |
| Team Collaboration | Role-based access control and team permissions for workflow management | Basic collaboration via shared workflows and version control in self-hosted environments | Team and Company plans offer shared folders and user permissions |
| Security and Compliance | SOC 2, encryption, SAST, bug bounty | SOC 2 Type II, SOC 3, self‑hosted security controls (SSL, 2FA) | SOC 2, GDPR, CCPA, DPF; encryption; not HIPAA |
| Support and Community | Support with SLAs, analytics dashboard, growing community | Open‑source community, GitHub, docs, forums, enterprise support | Help center, Trust Center, forums, Early Access program |
Pricing Breakdown: What You’re Really Paying For
Investing in a new tool as an SMB is a substantial financial task. You want value for money—stat. Here’s how much these business process automation tools will cost you every month:
Make
| Plan | Per month | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 1,000 operations/month, no-code visual workflow builder, 2000+ apps, routers and filters, and customer support |
| Core | $10.59 | Everything in Free, plus: unlimited active scenarios, more control with scheduled scenarios, increased data transfer limits, and access to the Make API |
| Pro | $18.52 | Everything in Core, plus: priority scenario execution, custom variables, full-text execution log search, and advanced automation features (error handling, scheduling) |
| Teams | $34.12 | Everything in Pro, plus: teams and team roles and create and share scenario templates |
| Enterprise | Contact sales | Everything in Teams, plus: auto-provisioning for new users, audit logs, Service Level Agreements, custom functions, and more |
n8n
| Plan | Per month | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $28 | 1 shared project, 5 concurrent executions, unlimited users, and forum support |
| Pro | $69 | Everything in Starter plan, plus: 3 shared projects, 20 concurrent executions, 7 days of insights, admin roles, global variables, and more |
| Enterprise | Contact sales | Everything in Pro plan, plus: unlimited shared projects, 200+ concurrent executions, 365 days of insights, SSO SAML and LDAP, extended data retention, and more |
Zapier
| Plan | Per month | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Zapier automation platform, unlimited Zaps, two-step Zaps, and AI power-ups |
| Professional | $29.99 | Everything in Free, plus: multi-step Zaps, unlimited Premium apps, webhooks, and email and live chat support |
| Team | $103.50 | Everything in Professional, plus: 25 users, shared Zaps and folders, shared app connections, SAML SSO, and premier support |
| Enterprise | Contact sales | Everything in Team, plus: unlimited users, advanced admin permissions and app controls, annual task limits, observability, and Technical Account Manager |
Make vs n8n vs Zapier - Use Cases for small and medium enterprises
Use Make when:
- Intelligently routing leads based on geography or service area
- Designing order pipelines from Shopify to warehouse to accounting
- Ensuring real-time data transformation and sync between apps (e.g., converting currencies, formatting names)
For instance, a logistics startup syncs its WooCommerce store with Zoho Books and Google Sheets. So:
When an order is placed → Make splits items → Applies tax rules → Updates accounting records → Logs the data in Sheets → Notifies fulfillment via Slack
How Intuz can help:
Our team can visually map your entire automation landscape using Make’s interface, handle conditional logic, and create reusable AI agents that evolve with your business. We’ll ensure seamless integration and maintainability across systems.
Use n8n when:
- Building internal tools with custom APIs and event-driven logic
- Creating audit-compliant, on-prem automation in regulated industries
- Deploying multi-step AI agents (e.g., GPT summarizers or content generators)
For example, a health tech startup builds an AI chatbot to summarize patient intake forms using n8n. On the platform:
Webhook receives form data → LLM summarizes inputs → Stores summary in secure database → Notifies assigned clinician
How Intuz can help:
We offer end-to-end setup of self-hosted n8n environments, including secure deployments on AWS or Azure, integration with AI models like OpenAI or open-source LLMs, and full support for custom JavaScript or Python scripting.
Use Zapier when:
- Automating CRM updates when leads come in via web forms
- Sending notifications in Slack when a payment is received
- Syncing Google Sheets data with email marketing tools
For example, a boutique design studio automates client onboarding. Therefore:
When a Typeform is submitted → Zapier creates a new client in HubSpot → Sends a welcome email → Adds the project to Asana
How Intuz can help:
We can help you identify bottlenecks in your business processes and set up robust, low-maintenance Zaps across your tools (CRMs, email, forms, and more). Our experts can also build custom apps if your tools aren’t natively supported.
How to Choose Between Make vs n8n vs Zapier - What Intuz Recommends
| Factors | Zapier | Make | n8n |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Size | Best for solo founders or small teams (of 1-10) | Ideal for small to mid-sized teams needing visual logic | Great for dev-driven startups or growing companies |
| Budget | Free plan available; affordable paid tiers | Flexible pricing; good balance of features | Free if self-hosted; cost-effective for complex needs |
| Technical Expertise | No coding needed; user-friendly UI | Visual interface with logic control; moderate tech skill needed | Requires developer support for custom workflows |
| Specific Needs | Quick automations, common tasks (Slack, email, CRM) | Multi-step logic, real-time routing, lightweight AI agents | Complex logic, LLM integration, on-premise security |
| Templates vs. Custom Workflows | Great for quick-start templates | Supports both templates and moderate custom logic | Best for highly customized, scripted workflows |
| Scalability and Support | Scales with plan tiers; strong documentation | Scales well with analytics and team support | Self-hosted scalability; enterprise support via Intuz |
Ready to Automate? Here’s How Intuz Can Help You Get Started
You don’t need to figure everything out on your own. Whether you’ve already picked the best workflow automation tool for SMBs or are still weighing your options, Intuz is here to walk you through every step. Let’s see how:
Step 1: Audit your business processes
We begin by taking a hands-on look at how your team works daily. Where are tasks being repeated? Where do delays happen? What could be done faster or even better with automation? This helps us identify high-impact areas immediately.
Step 2: Recommend the right tools
Based on your workflow needs, team size, technical skills, and budget, we recommend the best-fit platform, whether Zapier, Make, n8n, or something else. If you’ve already chosen a tool, we help you get the most out of it.
Step 3: Build, test, and deploy automation
We design and build your workflows, ensuring they’re efficient, reliable, and aligned with your goals. Everything is tested and validated before going live, so you can trust it to run in the background while your team focuses on what matters.
Step 4: Provide ongoing support
We don’t just “set it up and go.” Our team monitors performance, handles updates, and continues to optimize as your business evolves. Whether you need a quick tweak or a full-scale upgrade, we’re just a message away.
Let's Automate Your Repetitive & Time Consuming Workflows!
Let's Get StartedPartner with Intuz – Your Workflow Automation Expert
Automation tools are powerful. But only when they’re set up the right way. Workflow automation tools comparison is one thing. Getting it to work consistently across your business is something else entirely. That’s where Intuz comes in.
Clients partner with us to:
- Build scalable workflows that grow with the business
- Automate repetitive tasks that eat up hours every week
- Avoid the common traps of overspending or under-utilizing tools
- Reduce dependency on manual follow-ups and spreadsheet juggling
- Streamline operations across sales, marketing, customer support, and finance
We aim to help you maximize ROI from day one and keep improving over time.
If you’re serious about using automation to drive growth and efficiency, schedule a free audit with us to start a conversation.
