n8n vs Make vs Zapier for AI Agents: Which Should You Use?

The short answer

Pick n8n if you want the most control and the option to self-host. Pick Make if you want a visual builder that non-technical teammates can follow. Pick Zapier if you need the widest set of app integrations and the fastest setup.

n8n: most control, can self-host

n8n combines AI capabilities with workflow automation and can run on n8n Cloud or on your own server. Self-hosting on a small VPS is popular with builders who run many workflows, because cost doesn't scale with each step the way hosted task-based plans do. It also has code nodes for when no-code isn't enough.

Make: the visual middle ground

Make is a visual, no-code builder for AI and agentic workflows. Scenarios are easy to read, which helps when you hand a workflow to someone else. It is hosted only.

Zapier: widest integrations

Zapier connects 9,000+ apps and now positions itself as an AI orchestration platform with agents. It is usually the quickest way to connect two SaaS tools, and it is hosted only.

How we decide for ShipReadyAgents templates

Our templates ship as n8n workflows first because n8n can be self-hosted and exported as JSON, which makes templates portable and testable. Where it makes sense we note Make or Zapier equivalents.

• Need self-hosting or code steps → n8n
• Team of non-developers → Make
• Obscure SaaS app integration → Zapier

Check current pricing

All three change plans often. Check each official pricing page before deciding; we don't quote numbers here so this page stays accurate.