The Quick Answer
Zapier: Easiest to use, largest app library, best for simple automations. Make: More powerful, visual builder, better for complex workflows. n8n: Self-hosted, cheapest at scale, most flexible.
Zapier
Zapier connects over 7,000 apps with a simple "if this, then that" interface. No code needed. Build a "Zap" in minutes. It handles most common business automations: new form submission creates CRM contact, new email triggers Slack notification, new sale updates spreadsheet.
Strengths: Easiest learning curve, biggest app library, AI-powered suggestions. Weaknesses: Gets expensive at scale (per-task pricing adds up), limited for complex multi-step logic. Pricing: Free (100 tasks/month), from £16/month for more.
Make (formerly Integromat)
Make uses a visual canvas where you drag, drop, and connect modules. Each module represents an action, and you can build complex branching logic, error handling, and data transformation. It's more powerful than Zapier for anything beyond simple connections.
Strengths: Visual builder, complex logic handling, better pricing at volume, powerful data manipulation. Weaknesses: Steeper learning curve, slightly smaller app library. Pricing: Free (1,000 operations/month), from £8/month.
n8n
n8n is open-source and can be self-hosted. This means no per-operation costs, your data stays on your servers, and you have full control over everything. The trade-off is that you need to set it up and maintain it yourself (or have someone do it for you).
Strengths: No per-operation costs, self-hosted option, extremely flexible, great for developers. Weaknesses: Requires technical setup, smaller community than Zapier. Pricing: Free (self-hosted), cloud from £18/month.
Which Should You Choose
Under 500 automations/month: Zapier. The simplicity justifies the cost. 500-5,000 automations/month with complex logic: Make. Better value and more powerful. 5,000+ automations/month or data sensitivity requirements: n8n. Self-host and save.
Beyond Off-the-Shelf Automation
OrcaScale builds custom automation systems that go beyond what Zapier, Make, or n8n can do alone. Purpose-built for your workflow.