In the world of workflow automation, choosing the right platform can mean the difference between efficiency and frustration. With Integromat transitioning into Make.com and n8n steadily growing in popularity, many users are now comparing the two more closely. If you're stuck deciding between the two, or you're wondering whether it's time to migrate your old Integromat scenarios, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about n8n vs Integromat.
Why Users Are Rethinking Their Automation Platform
Integromat’s Transition to Make.com
In early 2022, Integromat rebranded to Make.com, introducing a completely revamped interface and pricing structure. While the new platform is powerful, many users have expressed concerns about:
- Higher pricing tiers
- Steeper learning curve due to interface changes
- Losing access to the "classic" Integromat features they loved
This shift has left many teams exploring alternative automation tools that can offer flexibility, transparency, and affordability—enter n8n.
What Is n8n?
n8n (short for "node-node") is an open-source workflow automation tool that empowers users to build complex integrations with complete control over their data. Unlike Make.com, n8n can be self-hosted entirely for free, or used through managed cloud hosting plans.
Not only that, but n8n offers:
- Unlimited workflows
- No strict limits on operations (especially when self-hosted)
- Full customization with JavaScript functions
- A vibrant, growing community
When discussing n8n vs Integromat, understanding these core differences is vital to choosing the right tool for your needs.
n8n vs Integromat: A Feature Comparison
To make it easier, here’s a simple table comparing n8n and Integromat/Make.com based on key factors:
| Feature | n8n | Integromat/Make.com |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting Options | Self-hosted or Cloud | Cloud only |
| Pricing | Free (Self-hosted); Paid (Cloud) | Paid Only (Starts Free with Limits) |
| Number of Workflows | Unlimited | Limited by pricing plan |
| Complexity Handling | High (custom functions, logic) | High (visual scenarios) |
| Community | Strong open-source community | Growing but centralized |
| Vendor Lock-in Risk | Low (self-hosting) | High (hosted infrastructure) |
Note: You can visualize this table easily in a blog.
As you can see, while both tools are capable, if you value flexibility, cost control, and ownership of your automations, n8n might be the clear winner.
Why You Should Migrate Your Old Integromat Scenarios Now
If you've built complex or mission-critical automations in Integromat (now Make.com), delaying your migration could lead to several issues down the line:
- Pricing Changes: New pricing tiers could make existing setups costly.
- API Deprecation: If a service updates its API, older Make scenarios might break.
- Loss of Compatibility: Legacy setups may not be fully compatible with future Make.com updates.
- Control over Data: With n8n, you manage where your data is hosted and processed—especially important for GDPR compliance.
Mini Use Case: Event Registration Workflow
Imagine you have an Integromat setup that connects a Typeform registration form to a Google Sheets document, while also sending a confirmation email via Gmail.
Migrating this to n8n would allow you to:
- Add custom logic (e.g., validate responses before saving)
- Host sensitive data securely
- Introduce automated reminders without additional costs
In short, n8n gives you control beyond what standard visual scenario builders offer.
How to Migrate from Integromat to n8n: A Step-By-Step Guide
If you’re ready to make the switch, here’s a simplified step-by-step process:
Step 1: List Your Existing Scenarios
First, create a list of all your current scenarios in Make/Integromat. Identify:
- What services are connected
- The triggers and actions involved
- Any special conditions or filters
- How often the scenario runs
This step ensures nothing gets left behind.
Step 2: Set Up Your n8n Environment
You have two options:
- Self-hosting: Deploy n8n on a server (like DigitalOcean, AWS, or even Raspberry Pi)
- Cloud hosting: Use n8n.cloud for an easy, managed experience
Self-hosting may require basic knowledge of Docker or Linux, but numerous guides make the setup painless.
Step 3: Recreate Scenarios in n8n
Using your documentation from Step 1:
- Identify triggers first (Webhook, Cron, etc.)
- Rebuild the workflows using n8n’s node-based interface
- Add any built-in functions or custom JavaScript if needed
Many popular services like Google Sheets, Typeform, Gmail, and Slack already have built-in n8n nodes.
Step 4: Test Thoroughly
Testing is crucial. Use dummy data to simulate real conditions and verify that:
- Data flows correctly between services
- Conditions and filters work as expected
- Error-handling is in place (use n8n’s "Catch Errors" node)
Step 5: Deactivate Old Scenarios
Once confident that everything works in n8n, safely deactivate your old Integromat/Make.com scenarios. It's a good idea to monitor both systems for a few days to ensure there’s no unexpected downtime.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Migration
- Start with simple workflows first to get familiar with n8n.
- Use sub-workflows (called "Execute Workflow" nodes) to modularize complex processes.
- Leverage community templates and GitHub repositories. Others might have already built scenarios similar to yours.
- Backup your n8n workflows regularly, especially if self-hosting.
Final Thoughts on n8n vs Integromat
In the ongoing debate of n8n vs Integromat, the clear conclusion is that n8n offers a more powerful, flexible, and affordable solution, especially if you want full control over your automation workflows. Migrating now also protects you from future headaches related to pricing, compatibility, or access restrictions.
If you take the time to plan your migration carefully, the more open and scalable future of automation with n8n awaits you.
FAQ
Is n8n free to use?
Yes! n8n is open-source and free if you choose to self-host. They also offer a managed cloud hosting version at competitive prices.
How hard is it to migrate from Integromat to n8n?
It depends on the complexity of your workflows. Basic automations can be rebuilt within a few minutes, while more advanced ones may take a few hours to replicate and test.
Does n8n have all the same integrations as Integromat?
n8n supports hundreds of native integrations and allows you to create custom API calls easily. If a native node doesn’t exist, you can usually connect any service via HTTP Request nodes or custom functions.
Can I run n8n on my own server?
Absolutely! In fact, many users choose to self-host n8n on a VPS provider like DigitalOcean, AWS, or even locally using Docker.
What are the main advantages of n8n over Make.com?
The main advantages are cost-effectiveness (especially for power users), open-source flexibility, unlimited operations, and the ability to self-host without vendor lock-in.