Why AIAgentCycle · Why n8n
Your data stays yours. You get your time back.
Self-hosted n8n is a workflow platform that runs on your own server. I build your automation in it, on infrastructure that belongs to you. That way you can hand over the workflows and you do not pay per executed task. External services, such as an AI model or your CRM, I record separately.
Free · 30 minutes online · you always get a short advice report
The facts
n8n vs Zapier vs Make, side by side
| Criterion | n8n (self-hosted) | Zapier | Make |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where is your data? | n8n on the chosen infrastructure; assess external integrations separately | Cloud platform; check current data locations and transfer agreements | Cloud platform; EU or US region per organisation, external services separately |
| Cost as volume grows | Budget setup, maintenance, infrastructure and usage separately | Tasks for Zaps; activities for Agents, depending on usage and plan | Credits; consumption depends on modules, AI and connection type |
| AI agents | Built-in agent nodes and MCP | Zapier Agents; assess features and limits per plan | Make AI Agents; assess model, tools and limits per setup |
| Vendor lock-in | Workflows can be exported; moving accounts, integrations and licences can take work | Switching means rebuilding and checking integrations | Switching means rebuilding and checking integrations |
Checked on 10 September 2026 against the official documentation on Zapier tasks, Zapier Agents, Make credits, Make AI Agents and Make regions.
The honest downsides
And how I deal with them
"n8n requires technical knowledge."
True. That is why I build it, and you stay in control. You do not have to touch a single node.
"Who keeps that server running?"
You choose to manage it yourself or take a maintenance package. Technical Maintenance costs €250 per month: upkeep, monitoring, updates and backups within the package limits. Hosting and licences stay separate.
Pricing and package limits →"What if something goes wrong?"
During the build I agree on input validation, logging, safe retries, alerts and stop routes. Shortcomings of my own I fix without charging extra labour.
Preventing silent failures →
Security
Secured the way it should be
I agree on security measures that suit your environment, including access control, updates and tested backups. Cloudflare can shield the admin screen; public webhooks get their own appropriate protection. No single measure makes an environment risk-free, so I also tell you what risk remains.
When Zapier or Make is the better fit
n8n on your own server is not always the best choice. A cloud platform is often the better fit if:
- you have a few simple integrations between two apps, with little volume;
- your team builds itself and is already familiar with Zapier or Make;
- no sensitive data passes through;
- nobody wants to manage the server and a maintenance package is out of proportion.
Frequently asked questions
About n8n and self-hosting
I already use Zapier or Make. Should I switch to n8n?
Not necessarily. If your current setup works, I leave it in place and only build new processes in n8n where that fits better. Switching usually only pays off with growing volume, with sensitive data, or when the cost per task starts to pinch.
Am I dependent on you once my automation runs in n8n?
No. You manage the agreed n8n environment and the workflows are transferable. If you end the collaboration, another party or your own administrator can take over. You choose between managing it yourself and a maintenance package.
Is n8n open source?
Not according to the OSI definition. n8n falls under the Sustainable Use License: the source code is public and you may self-host n8n for your own business. Reselling it as a service is not allowed without a separate licence.
Next
Read on
Software integration
Get your systems talking in n8n, on your own server.
n8n, Zapier or Make?
The full comparison in the knowledge base.
Pricing and maintenance
Build, maintenance and external costs shown separately.