Alternative
Best Make Alternatives in 2026: Zapier, n8n & Gumloop Compared
Compare Make alternatives including Zapier, n8n and Gumloop by pricing, usage model, integrations, AI agents, self-hosting and best-fit teams. Review plans.
Make is a powerful visual automation platform, but the best alternative depends on how a team wants to build and pay for automation. Zapier offers a larger app ecosystem and a simpler mainstream no-code experience. n8n gives technical teams code, self-hosting and execution-based billing. Gumloop is more AI-native, with unlimited seats on Pro and a usage model tied to models, tools and compute.
For this comparison, we selected Zapier, n8n and Gumloop because all three are already approved SearchSagar Tool records and each offers a credible alternative to Make's combination of workflows, AI and integrations.
Quick verdict
Choose Zapier when you want the broadest mainstream app ecosystem, straightforward no-code automation and one platform spanning Zaps, Tables, Forms, MCP and AI tools. Choose n8n when you need technical control, code, self-hosting and pricing based on complete workflow executions instead of every step. Choose Gumloop when the main goal is AI agents and AI-heavy workflows with unlimited team seats and a more explicit usage-cost model. Stay with Make when the visual scenario canvas, routers, integrations and transparent AI-agent reasoning are the most important combination.
Key takeaways
- Make Core costs $12/month at 10,000 credits and generally charges one credit per executed module action
- Zapier Professional starts at $19.99/month on annual billing, Team at $69, and the platform connects more than 9,000 apps
- Zapier now applies model-tier task multipliers to AI steps, with some MCP calls consuming two tasks per call
- n8n Cloud Starter costs €20/month billed annually for 2,500 complete workflow executions with unlimited steps
- n8n Pro costs €50/month billed annually for 10,000 executions and up to 13,700 AI Assistant credits
- Gumloop Pro starts at $37/month with 20,000 credits and unlimited seats, teams and agents
- Gumloop currently prices agent usage from model, tool and compute cost plus an 8% orchestration fee
- Make remains especially strong when visual inspectability and deterministic-plus-agentic automation need to live in one canvas
M
Make Tested
Visual automation platform for workflows, AI agents, integrations and MCP tools
Best for: Operations, marketing, sales and technical teams that need transparent visual automation across many SaaS apps, APIs and AI models.
Features and capabilities4.9
Usability and implementation4.6
Pricing and value transparency4.7
Integrations, security and trust4.9
Key features
- 9,000+ App Integrations
- Enterprise security and governance
- Make AI Agents
- Routers and Filters
- Execution Logs
Pros
- G2 reviewers consistently praise Make's broad automation capabilities and ability to connect many business applications in one visual workflow.
- The platform supports 3,000+ verified apps and can also connect custom systems through APIs, reducing the need for custom integration code.
- Make AI Agents combine adaptive AI reasoning with visible deterministic automation rather than hiding agent behavior in an opaque black box.
Cons
- G2 reviewers report a learning curve for more complex routers, iterators, data mapping and advanced multi-step scenarios.
- Credit consumption can become difficult to forecast because every module action in every scenario run contributes to usage.
Free plan(unverified)
Visit website
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission.
Why users may look for a Make alternative
The most common reason is pricing mechanics. Make charges credits per executed module action, so a long workflow can consume many credits per run. n8n's model can be attractive because one complete workflow execution counts once regardless of the number of steps. Zapier uses tasks, while Gumloop increasingly exposes AI-agent usage economics directly.
Another reason is operating style. Make is highly visual and flexible, but complex scenarios can require learning routers, iterators and mapping. Zapier can be easier for straightforward business automation, while n8n is better suited to technical builders who want code. Gumloop is more specialized around AI agents and model orchestration.
Testing methodology
This comparison is research-based and uses current official vendor pricing and product documentation plus approved SearchSagar Tool records. SearchSagar has not claimed hands-on benchmark testing for these platforms unless separately documented.
Make alternatives at a glance
| Criteria | Make | Zapier | n8n | Gumloop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Visual multi-step automation plus transparent AI Agents | Mainstream no-code automation across the widest app ecosystem | Technical automation, code and self-hosting | AI-first agents and workflow automation |
| Free plan | Yes, 1,000 credits/month | Yes, 100 tasks/month | No-card Cloud trial plus self-hosted Community Edition | Current Free access plus Pro trial options |
| Paid starting point | Core $12/month at 10k credits | Professional from $19.99/month annual billing | €20/month billed annually | Pro $37/month |
| Usage meter | Executed module actions | Tasks with variable rates for some AI/programmatic actions | Complete workflow executions | Model/tool/compute usage expressed in credits |
| Integrations | 3,000+ apps | 9,000+ apps | 2,000+ integrations | 180+ built-ins plus MCP ecosystem |
| Self-hosting | No | No | Yes | Enterprise/VPC options |
| Main advantage | Visual orchestration with reasoning visibility | Ecosystem breadth and accessibility | Execution pricing, code and infrastructure control | AI-native agents, BYOK and unlimited seats |
1. Zapier — Best for the broadest mainstream app ecosystem
Best for: Business teams that want a familiar no-code platform with extensive SaaS coverage and a large library of pre-built actions.
What differentiates Zapier?
Zapier currently advertises more than 9,000 apps. Its core plans now bundle Zap workflows, Tables, Forms and Zapier MCP as part of one AI-orchestration platform. Free includes 100 tasks per month, Professional starts at $19.99 per month on annual billing, Team starts at $69 and Enterprise is custom.
Zapier has also updated its task model for AI. AI by Zapier steps now use model tiers: Standard costs a 1x base task rate, Advanced 3x and Premium 5x, with tool calls adding usage. Zapier MCP tool calls currently use two tasks per call.
Z
Zapier Tested
AI orchestration and workflow automation platform connecting 9,000+ apps with Zaps, Tables, Forms, MCP, AI steps and developer tools.
Best for: Individuals and teams that need a broad app-integration catalog and want to automate cross-tool business processes without maintaining custom integration infrastructure.
Features and capabilities4.8
Usability and implementation4.5
Pricing and value transparency3.8
Integrations, security and trust4.9
Key features
- Zapier Tables
- Zapier MCP
- 9,000+ App Integrations
- Zapier Copilot
- Webhooks
Pros
- Zapier supports 9,000+ app integrations, giving teams one of the broadest prebuilt connector catalogs in the automation market.
- Current plans bundle Zap workflows, Tables, Forms and Zapier MCP, reducing the need to buy those core building blocks separately.
- The visual builder, Copilot and large template ecosystem make simple automations approachable for non-developers while webhooks and code extend advanced use cases.
Cons
- Task-based billing can become expensive or harder to predict as workflow volume and the number of billable action steps increase.
- AI model tiers, tool calls and extended code runtimes can consume multiple tasks, so advanced AI workflows require closer usage monitoring.
Free plan(unverified)
Visit website
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission.
Where Zapier may be better than Make
- Larger app ecosystem: Zapier advertises more than 9,000 apps compared with Make's 3,000+.
- Simpler mainstream UX: many business users find linear Zaps easier to understand than advanced visual scenarios.
- Tables and Forms: structured data and form collection are native parts of the platform bundle.
- Team plan includes 25 users: Zapier packages collaboration clearly for departments.
- MCP and SDK access: AI and developer systems can call Zapier actions programmatically.
Where Make may be better
- Lower paid entry price: Core starts at $12 versus Zapier Professional from $19.99 on annual billing.
- Visual branching: complex routes and transformations are easier to inspect spatially.
- AI-agent reasoning visibility: Make exposes agent decisions directly in the same scenario canvas.
- Module-level control: experienced builders can fine-tune data handling more explicitly.
Choose Zapier if app coverage and ease of adoption are the top priorities. Choose Make if complex visual orchestration and transparent agent logic matter more.
2. n8n — Best for technical flexibility and self-hosting
Best for: Developers, technical operations teams and automation engineers who want visual workflows plus code and deployment control.
What differentiates n8n?
n8n combines a node-based visual editor with JavaScript, Python, APIs, webhooks and self-hosting. Cloud Starter costs €20 per month billed annually and includes 2,500 workflow executions, unlimited steps, unlimited users and 2,300 AI Assistant credits. Pro is €50 per month billed annually for 10,000 executions and can include up to 13,700 AI Assistant credits depending on the tier.
The key billing difference is that n8n charges complete workflow executions rather than each step. A 50-step workflow still counts as one execution for the primary execution meter.
N
n8n Tested
Workflow automation and AI-agent platform combining visual orchestration, code and self-hosting
Best for: Technical operations, product and engineering teams that want flexible cross-app automation with AI, APIs and code while retaining the option to self-host.
Features and capabilities5.0
Usability and implementation4.5
Pricing and value transparency4.7
Integrations, security and trust4.9
Key features
- Enterprise security
- AI Assistant and AI Builder
- Git Version Control and Environments
- Visual Workflow Builder
- Self-Hosted Community Edition
Pros
- G2 reviewers strongly praise n8n for combining a visual workflow builder with custom JavaScript and Python when no-code nodes are not enough.
- n8n charges cloud plans by complete workflow execution rather than every individual workflow step, which can make complex automations more economical.
- Community Edition provides permanent free self-hosted access to core n8n capabilities with no time limit.
Cons
- G2 feedback indicates that advanced workflows can have a learning curve, especially around data mapping, custom code and production debugging.
- Community self-hosting is free software but still requires infrastructure, maintenance, backups, monitoring and security expertise.
Free plan(unverified)
Visit website
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission.
Where n8n may be better than Make
- Execution-based pricing: complex workflows do not multiply the primary meter simply because they contain many steps.
- Unlimited users: Cloud plans do not primarily price by collaborator count.
- Self-hosting: the Community Edition and paid self-hosted plans give organizations infrastructure control.
- Code: JavaScript and Python can be embedded directly into workflows.
- Developer orientation: APIs, custom nodes and technical debugging are first-class concepts.
Where Make may be better
- Lower cloud entry price: Core starts at $12 versus n8n Starter at €20 annual-equivalent.
- Broader pre-built SaaS catalog: Make advertises more than 3,000 apps compared with n8n's 2,000+ integrations.
- More approachable visual experience: non-developers may find Make easier than n8n's technical environment.
- Integrated AI-agent visualization: Make's Reasoning panel makes agent behavior visible in the same canvas.
Choose n8n when code, self-hosting and execution economics matter most. Choose Make when visual usability and SaaS breadth are more important.
3. Gumloop — Best for AI-first agents and unlimited seats
Best for: Companies building AI-heavy research, operations, marketing or support agents that need access to multiple models and shared organizational knowledge.
What differentiates Gumloop?
Gumloop is built specifically around AI agents and flows. Pro starts at $37 per month with 20,000 included credits, unlimited seats, unlimited teams and unlimited agents. It includes more than 35 models, BYOK support, Company Brain, hosted MCP and connector policies.
Gumloop's 2026 pricing change makes usage economics more explicit. One credit is currently defined as $0.005, and an agent run is based on model-token cost, tool calls and compute plus an 8 percent orchestration fee.
G
Gumloop Tested
No-code AI agent and workflow platform with models, connectors and enterprise governance
Best for: Operations, sales, marketing and technical teams that want to build AI agents and deterministic workflows across many SaaS tools without maintaining their own orchestration infrastructure.
Features and capabilities4.8
Usability and implementation4.6
Pricing and value transparency4.3
Integrations, security and trust4.8
Key features
- Company Brain
- Bring Your Own Key
- Enterprise security and governance
- CLI and Developer Tools
- 180+ Built-In Connectors
Pros
- G2 reviewers praise Gumloop's intuitive visual experience and the ability to move from an idea to a working automation without being a software engineer.
- Pro includes unlimited agents, seats and teams, reducing seat-based friction for organizations that want broad internal experimentation.
- The platform supports 35+ models and BYOK for OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini, xAI, Perplexity, DeepSeek and Fireworks, letting teams choose models by task.
Cons
- G2's current Gumloop review base is only seven reviews, so its 4.8/5 rating has much less evidence than mature automation platforms.
- The old permanent Free plan has been replaced by a 14-day Pro trial for new accounts, increasing the commitment required to keep using the platform.
unverified USD 37/month(unverified)
Visit website
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission.
Where Gumloop may be better than Make
- Unlimited seats on Pro: collaboration does not require a separate Teams plan.
- AI-first product design: agents, model routing, knowledge and tools are central rather than layered onto traditional automation.
- BYOK: teams can connect their own model-provider keys.
- Transparent AI usage model: model, tool and compute costs are exposed more explicitly.
- Company Brain and skill sync: shared organizational context is built into the agent platform.
Where Make may be better
- Lower starting price: Core is $12 versus Gumloop Pro at $37.
- More pre-built apps: Make's 3,000+ catalog is broader than Gumloop's built-in connector count.
- Deterministic workflow depth: routers, filters and transformations are mature for non-AI automation.
- Visual hybrid model: Make places agents and deterministic logic together in the same scenario.
Choose Gumloop when AI agents are the primary automation workload. Choose Make when AI is one component inside a wider automation estate.
Make vs Zapier vs n8n vs Gumloop: pricing perspective
Make has the lowest published paid starting price in this comparison at $12 for Core at 10,000 credits. Zapier Professional starts at $19.99 on annual billing, n8n Cloud Starter at €20 annual-equivalent, and Gumloop Pro at $37.
That does not mean Make is always cheapest. A long Make scenario can consume many module credits per run, while n8n counts the whole workflow as one execution. Zapier's task model applies different multipliers to some AI actions, and Gumloop's cost follows actual AI model, tool and compute consumption. The workflow itself determines the real winner.
Which Make alternative should you choose?
Choose Zapier if app coverage and ease of adoption are the main requirements. Choose n8n if technical flexibility, code and self-hosting matter most. Choose Gumloop if AI agents dominate the workload and unlimited seats are valuable. Stay with Make if you want sophisticated visual automation plus transparent AI-agent reasoning in one platform.
Who should use this
- Consider a Make alternative when a different pricing or operating model fits better: Zapier for app breadth and mainstream no-code adoption, n8n for execution pricing and self-hosting, or Gumloop for AI-first agents and unlimited Pro seats.
Who should avoid this
- Do not choose an automation platform from headline monthly price alone. Make, Zapier, n8n and Gumloop meter usage differently, so model the same workflow volume, step count, AI usage and collaborator count before comparing total cost.
Related Make articles
Final comparison
Make, Zapier, n8n and Gumloop all automate work, but they represent four different philosophies. Make prioritizes visual orchestration and control. Zapier prioritizes reach and accessibility. n8n prioritizes technical flexibility and infrastructure ownership. Gumloop prioritizes AI agents and model-driven workflows.
The best platform depends on the process portfolio. A marketing team with dozens of SaaS tools may value Zapier's ecosystem. A developer-led operations team may prefer n8n. An AI automation group may choose Gumloop. A cross-functional automation program that needs both deterministic processes and transparent agents can make a strong case for Make.
Expert tip
Prototype the same three workflows in every shortlisted platform: one simple two-app automation, one complex branching workflow and one AI-agent workflow. Measure setup time and monthly usage under each vendor's billing model. This reveals both operational fit and true cost.
— SearchSagar editorial team
What is the best alternative to Make?
It depends on the workflow. Zapier is strong for app breadth and mainstream no-code use, n8n for technical automation and self-hosting, and Gumloop for AI-first agents. Make remains strong for visual orchestration and transparent AI-agent workflows.
Is Zapier cheaper than Make?
Make Core starts at $12 per month at 10,000 credits, while Zapier Professional starts at $19.99 per month on annual billing. Actual cost depends on module actions versus Zapier task usage.
Is n8n cheaper than Make?
n8n Starter is €20 per month billed annually for 2,500 complete workflow executions. Make Core starts at $12 but charges module-action credits, so complex high-step workflows may have different economics.
Is Gumloop cheaper than Make?
Gumloop Pro starts at $37 per month, above Make Core's $12 entry price. Gumloop includes unlimited seats and is more specialized around AI-agent usage, so team size and AI workload can change the value comparison.
Which Make alternative is best for self-hosting?
n8n is the strongest self-hosting option in this comparison. It offers a Community Edition and paid self-hosted plans, while Make is a cloud service.