Zapier vs n8n vs Make vs Workato: Which Automation Tool Should You Choose ?
The demand for automation platforms has skyrocketed in recent years. Businesses—whether small startups or global enterprises—are under pressure to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and eliminate repetitive tasks. Choosing the right automation platform, however, is not easy.
Four of the most popular options are:
- Zapier – The no-code king for small businesses.
- n8n – The open-source alternative with full control.
- Make (Integromat) – A visual powerhouse with affordable pricing.
- Workato – The enterprise-grade automation and integration platform.
Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses. In this in-depth guide, we’ll compare Zapier vs n8n vs Make vs Workato, covering their features, pricing, use cases, pros, cons, and which one is best for your business in 2025.
Why Compare Zapier vs n8n vs Make vs Workato?
All four platforms promise to make automation simple—but their pricing, features, and target audiences are completely different. If you’re a small business owner, the choice of Zapier vs n8n vs Make vs Workato could save you thousands of dollars. If you’re an enterprise, it could mean the difference between scalable automation and wasted investments.
What Are Automation Platforms?
Automation platforms connect different apps, APIs, and services to streamline workflows. Instead of employees manually copying data between systems or handling repetitive tasks, automation tools take care of these jobs.
At their core, all four tools—Zapier, n8n, Make, and Workato—revolve around:
- Triggers – Events that start a workflow.
- Actions – Tasks that follow (e.g., send an email, create a CRM record).
- Workflows/Recipes/Scenarios – The automation pipeline connecting apps.
But while the core idea is the same, their target audiences, pricing, and capabilities differ dramatically.
Zapier: No-Code Automation for Everyone
Zapier is the simplest and most beginner-friendly tool of the four. It’s often the first automation platform businesses adopt because:
- It requires no coding.
- It integrates with over 5,000 apps.
- Workflows (called Zaps) are easy to build.
Strengths of Zapier:
- Largest ecosystem of app integrations.
- Extremely easy for non-technical users.
- Quick setup—automations can be running in minutes.
Weaknesses of Zapier:
- Gets expensive at scale.
- Limited customization for complex workflows.
- Cloud-only, no self-hosting.
Best For:
Small businesses, marketing teams, and non-technical users who want fast, simple automation.
👉 Check out our detailed blog on Zapier to explore features, pricing, and use cases.
n8n: Open-Source Flexibility
n8n (pronounced “n-eight-n”) is a rising star in the automation space because it’s open-source and self-hostable. While Zapier locks you into its ecosystem, n8n lets you run the software on your own server, giving you:
- Full data control.
- Customization with code nodes.
- Freedom from per-task billing.
Strengths of n8n:
- Free to self-host.
- Full customization with JavaScript and APIs.
- Ideal for privacy-conscious companies.
Weaknesses of n8n:
- Steeper learning curve than Zapier.
- Smaller library of prebuilt integrations (~350 nodes).
- Requires DevOps/IT resources for self-hosting.
Best For:
Developers, startups, and companies that need flexibility, customization, or data privacy.
👉 Read our in-depth n8n guide for features, use cases, and pricing details.
Make (Integromat): Affordable Visual Automation
Make (formerly Integromat) balances ease of use with advanced features. It’s known for its visual scenario builder, where workflows look like diagrams with interconnected bubbles.
Strengths of Make:
- Affordable compared to Zapier.
- Supports complex workflows with routers, iterators, and data transformations.
- Generous task limits even on lower plans.
Weaknesses of Make:
- Fewer integrations than Zapier (1,500+ vs 5,000+).
- Cloud-only, no self-hosting.
- More technical than Zapier (learning curve).
Best For:
SMBs and mid-market companies that need more power and flexibility than Zapier without enterprise-level pricing.
👉 Learn more in our Make (Integromat) blog
Workato: Enterprise Automation
Workato is designed for enterprises. Unlike Zapier or Make, which target SMBs, Workato combines:
- iPaaS (integration platform)
- RPA (automation)
- Governance and compliance features
Strengths of Workato:
- Enterprise-grade governance and compliance (SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA).
- 1,000+ connectors for enterprise apps like SAP, Workday, Oracle, NetSuite.
- Combines automation with deep system integrations.
Weaknesses of Workato:
- Expensive—contracts often start at $10,000/year.
- Complex setup, requires IT involvement.
- Not beginner-friendly.
Best For:
Mid-to-large enterprises that need scalable, secure, and enterprise-wide automation.
👉 For detailed insights, see our full Workato guide.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Zapier vs n8n vs make vs workato
| Feature/Aspect | Zapier | n8n | Make | Workato |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | SMBs, non-technical | Developers, open-source users | SMBs, mid-market | Enterprises |
| Pricing | Subscription, gets costly | Free self-host, paid cloud | Affordable subscription | Enterprise contracts |
| Ease of Use | Very high | Moderate | Moderate-high | Moderate |
| Integrations | 5,000+ | 350+ + APIs | 1,500+ | 1,000+ (enterprise apps) |
| Customization | Low | Very high | High | Very high |
| Hosting | Cloud only | Self-host or cloud | Cloud only | Cloud + on-prem |
| Governance | Basic | Limited | Moderate | Strong |
| Best Fit | Small teams, marketing | Developers, privacy-conscious | SMBs + mid-market | Large enterprises |
Pricing Comparison: Zapier vs n8n vs Make vs Workato
- Zapier – Free plan; $19.99–$69/month; enterprise plans higher.
- n8n – Free self-host; cloud plans from ~$20/month.
- Make – Free plan; paid plans from $9–$29/month; enterprise custom.
- Workato – Custom contracts starting ~$10,000/year.
👉 Pricing shows that in Zapier vs n8n vs Make vs Workato, Zapier and Make target SMBs, n8n is developer-friendly and cost-saving, while Workato is enterprise-only.
Which is Best: Zapier vs n8n vs Make vs Workato?
Choose Zapier if:
- You’re a small business or solopreneur.
- You want quick, no-code automation.
- Budget is less of a concern than simplicity.
Choose n8n if:
- You’re technical or have developers on your team.
- You care about data privacy and open-source tools.
- You want to avoid high subscription costs by self-hosting.
Choose Make (Integromat) if:
- You’re an SMB or mid-market company.
- You need powerful automations at an affordable price.
- You prefer a visual workflow builder.
Choose Workato if:
- You’re a mid-to-large enterprise.
- You need enterprise-grade governance, compliance, and security.
- You want to replace multiple integration + automation tools with one platform.
Future Outlook
By 2030, the lines between no-code automation and enterprise integration will blur. We’ll likely see:
- Zapier adding more AI-driven automation.
- n8n growing into a mainstream open-source alternative.
- Make expanding into mid-market enterprises.
- Workato strengthening its dominance in the enterprise automation space.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to Zapier vs n8n vs Make vs Workato, there is no single “best” tool—it depends on your business size, goals, and technical expertise.
- Zapier is the easiest.
- n8n is the most flexible.
- Make is the most affordable for power users.
- Workato is the most enterprise-ready.
At DecaSoft Solutions, we help businesses evaluate, implement, and scale the right automation platform for their needs. Whether you’re a startup, SMB, or enterprise, our experts ensure you get smarter, cost-effective solutions compared to competitors.
👉 Want expert help choosing between Zapier vs n8n vs Make vs Workato? Contact DecaSoft Solutions today for smarter solutions.
