Automation tools connect the apps you already use, so leads, orders and messages move between them without anyone copying and pasting. The three names that come up most often are Zapier, Make and n8n. All three are good. They are built for different kinds of users.
Quick overview
- Zapier: the easiest to start with and the largest library of ready-made app integrations.
- Make (formerly Integromat): a visual canvas for more complex, branching workflows at a lower cost per action.
- n8n: a developer-friendly tool you can self-host, with code steps and strong AI agent features.
Zapier
Zapier works with “Zaps”: a trigger in one app followed by one or more actions in others. It connects to thousands of apps, and most popular tools can be connected in minutes without technical knowledge.
Best for: small teams that want simple, reliable automations fast, such as sending new form leads to a CRM and a Slack channel.
Watch out for: pricing is based on tasks, so high-volume or many-step workflows can become expensive.
Make
Make shows each workflow (a “scenario”) as a visual map of connected modules. Routers, filters, iterators and error handlers make it easy to build workflows with many branches and conditions.
Best for: operations teams and agencies that need complex logic and want to handle more volume for their money.
Watch out for: the learning curve is steeper than Zapier, and every module run counts towards your usage.
n8n
n8n uses a node-based editor similar to Make, but it is source-available and can be self-hosted on your own server, or used through n8n Cloud. You can add JavaScript or Python code steps anywhere, and it has built-in nodes for building AI agents with large language models.
Best for: technical teams, data-sensitive businesses that want to keep data on their own servers, and advanced AI automation.
Watch out for: self-hosting means you are responsible for the server, updates, backups and security.
Side-by-side comparison
- Ease of use: Zapier is the easiest, Make is in the middle, n8n is the most technical.
- Complex logic: Make and n8n handle branching and loops better than Zapier.
- Cost at scale: Make and self-hosted n8n are usually cheaper than Zapier for high volumes.
- Data control: only n8n can run fully on your own infrastructure.
- AI agents: all three offer AI features; n8n gives the most control over custom AI agents.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Zapier if you want quick wins with minimal setup.
- Choose Make if your workflows have many steps and conditions and you want lower running costs.
- Choose n8n if you have technical support, need self-hosting, or want custom AI agents.
Many businesses use more than one. If you already run your sales on GoHighLevel, its built-in workflows can handle a lot of this, with Zapier, Make or n8n connecting the tools GoHighLevel does not cover.
Popular automations for small businesses
- New website lead: add to CRM, send an instant SMS reply and notify the sales team
- New order: create an invoice, update a spreadsheet and send a review request after delivery
- Missed call: send an automatic text back
- Appointment booked: send reminders and follow-ups
- AI assistant: answer common questions and qualify leads before a human takes over
Get your automations built
Our AI automation services design and build workflows on Zapier, Make and n8n, including AI agents that reply to leads instantly. Using GoHighLevel? Our GoHighLevel team can connect everything to your CRM.
Tell us what you want to automate.
Frequently asked questions
Is n8n free?
The self-hosted community edition can be used without a licence fee, but you pay for your own server and maintenance. n8n Cloud and enterprise plans are paid.
Is Make cheaper than Zapier?
For workflows with many steps or high volume, Make is usually cheaper. For a few simple automations, the difference is small.
Do I need to know how to code?
Not for Zapier or Make. n8n can also be used without code, but its real power comes from code steps and self-hosting.
Can these tools connect to WordPress?
Yes. All three can work with WordPress, WooCommerce and popular form plugins, directly or through webhooks.
Need help with your website?
TechArizon designs, builds and grows websites for businesses in the US, UK and Europe: WordPress, Shopify, SEO, GoHighLevel and AI automation. Tell us what you need and get a free, fixed quote.
