n8n
vs MakeFree to self-host and cheapest at scale; billed per full run, not per credit.
alternatives
The cheapest alternative to Make is n8n (€20/mo). If you want to self-host, n8n can run on your own infrastructure. Below: the strongest alternatives, ranked, with the real reason to switch.
Pricing decoded and verified 2026-05-30 against each vendor's live page; volatile figures flagged "verify live".
Make is visual no-code automation with the cheapest cloud entry; pay per operation. The drawback: Operations are counted per module, not per scenario, and AI/code modules cost several ops each. A 10-module flow burns 10+ ops every trigger.
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Ordered by how cleanly they replace Make.
Free to self-host and cheapest at scale; billed per full run, not per credit.
Biggest free tier (5,000 credits/mo) and strong for data-heavy flows.
The incumbent no-code automation platform with the widest app coverage (8,000+ integrations), priced per task (each successful action step). Now layering on AI via Zapier Agents, Copilot, and Chatbots.
The baseline against every option, decoded.
| tool | entry price | pricing model | free tier | self-host | mcp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Make baseline | ~$9/mo | per-operation | 1,000 ops/mo | No | Both |
| €20/mo | per-execution | self-host free | Yes | Both | |
| $37/mo | per-credit | 5,000 credits/mo | No | Both | |
| ~$20/mo | per-task | 100 tasks/mo | No | Both |
Dirr is independent and not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Make. Tool names and logos are the property of their respective owners. Figures are decoded from public pricing and dated; verify volatile prices on the vendor site before buying.
The cheapest alternative to Make is n8n (€20/mo). For self-hosting, n8n can run on your own infrastructure. The right pick depends on whether you optimize for price, control, or hands-off automation.
Yes. n8n is free if self-hosted, and Gumloop's free tier gives 5,000 credits/mo. Most listed tools have a free plan to test before paying.
Common reasons: Operations are counted per module, not per scenario, and AI/code modules cost several ops each. A 10-module flow burns 10+ ops every trigger.