Make, Zapier or n8n: comparison for SMEs (2026)
Three automation tools compared by price, ease of use, integrations and GDPR compliance for Dutch businesses.
- Zapier (7,000+ integrations, free up to 100 tasks/month) is the best choice for non-technical users who want to start quickly. Make (from approximately €10/month indicative, 1,000 free operations/month) offers more complexity and is cheaper at scale. n8n (open source, self-hosting free) is the strongest choice if you process client data and want to keep it on your own servers.
- The three selection criteria for SMEs are: technical level of the administrator, budget at scale, and whether you process GDPR-sensitive client data (if yes: n8n self-hosted or a tool with a data processing agreement).
- All prices are indicative. Check current rates on the official websites.
Make, Zapier or n8n: which automation tool fits your SME?
Zapier is best suited for non-technical users who want to build integrations quickly without code. The tool has the most ready-made integrations (more than 7,000 apps), including Google Workspace, Slack, HubSpot and Shopify. The downside: at high volumes, Zapier quickly becomes expensive. Make (formerly Integromat) has a visual flow interface and offers more logic for complex workflows. The price per operation is lower than Zapier. n8n is open source and can be run on your own server. That makes n8n the strongest option for organisations that process client data and want to keep it on their own servers for GDPR compliance. Self-hosting does require technical knowledge. All three tools support the most common SME use cases; the difference lies in budget, technical level and data governance.
Zapier, Make and n8n: what are the differences?
The three most popular no-code/low-code automation tools for SMEs differ on four dimensions: integrations, ease of use, price and data governance.
Zapier: easiest choice, highest price at scale
Zapier has more than 7,000 ready-made app integrations and is designed for users without a technical background. The interface is step-by-step and virtually anyone can get started within an hour. The free plan offers 100 tasks per month. Paid plans start indicatively from approximately €20-25/month for 750-2,000 tasks. At higher volumes, the price rises quickly. Zapier is the right choice if you want to start fast, are non-technical and run a smaller number of automations.
Make: visual flows, better price at scale
Make (formerly Integromat) uses a visual canvas interface. You connect modules with lines and see the flow in front of you. Make offers more advanced conditions, iterators and data transformations than Zapier, but requires more learning time. The free plan gives 1,000 operations per month. Paid plans start indicatively from approximately €10/month for 10,000 operations. That makes Make more attractive than Zapier as your workflow volume grows. Indicative; check current prices at make.com.
n8n: open source, data on your own server
n8n is open source and available as a self-hosted installation (free, excluding server costs) or as a cloud version (indicatively from approximately €20/month). The main advantage of self-hosting: all your data stays on your server, with no dependency on an external cloud service. That makes n8n the strongest choice if you process client personal data. n8n has more than 400 integrations (fewer than Zapier, but the most commonly used ones are present) and a JavaScript editor for custom logic. Self-hosting requires technical knowledge for installation, updates and security.
Three selection criteria for SMEs
The right tool depends on three factors. Work through them before making a decision.
Technical level
Non-technical and want to start without configuration: choose Zapier. Willing to invest a day in a steeper learning curve: choose Make. Have a developer or DevOps person available: consider n8n for maximum control and lower running costs.
Budget at scale
Below 500 tasks per month, all three tools are affordable. Above 5,000 to 10,000 operations per month, Zapier costs become significantly higher than Make or n8n. At high volumes, Make or n8n self-hosted is almost always more cost-effective.
GDPR and data governance
Do you process client personal data through the automation (contact forms, CRM data, invoices)? Then choose n8n self-hosted (data on your own server) or verify that the chosen tool offers a data processing agreement (DPA). Zapier and Make offer a DPA in their Business and Enterprise plans. Consult your privacy policy or a legal adviser if in doubt.
Automation and GDPR: what do you need to sort out?
If you build automations that process client personal data, you are required to document this in your GDPR processing register (Article 30 GDPR). You must also be able to demonstrate that the processing has a valid legal basis and that the data is stored securely. With Zapier and Make, personal data that flows through the tool is stored on the provider's servers. Check whether the provider offers a data processing agreement (DPA) for your subscription level and whether the servers are located in the EU. With n8n self-hosted, data stays on your own server in your chosen data centre. That provides the most control, but shifts security responsibility to you.
Frequently asked questions about Make, Zapier and n8n
What is the difference between Make and Zapier?
Is n8n free?
Which tool is best for GDPR compliance?
Can I start automating without technical knowledge?
When is custom development better than a no-code tool?
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