Is Make.com too expensive? Unlimited free automations??? The comparison for self-hosting N8N

In this article, I will share my experience of transitioning from Make.com to N8N to automate my clients' tasks. I will also discuss the different hosting solutions for N8N, with a particular focus on self-hosting using Cloudron. For those who wish to discover these tools, feel free to take advantage of the offers via our affiliate links:

• Make: One month of free subscription to automate your processes.
• Hosting Mindmap: Discover the general outline of my thoughts.
• Cloudron: 30 euros offered to get you started with self-hosting.

Why Switch from Make to N8N?

My Experience with Make.com

I have long used Make.com, a powerful platform for automating my workflows. Its ease of use and integration capabilities make automation accessible to everyone. For many, Make remains a solution of choice thanks to its intuitive interface and numerous possibilities for connecting with other services via API.

The Pricing Limitations of Make

However, I encountered a pricing issue with a client needing to synchronize large CSV catalogs via FTP with the eBay API. This type of synchronization requires a large number of operations. With pricing based on the number of operations, scaling up to a million operations per month could reach exorbitant costs, up to $600. Optimizing scenarios to reduce the number of operations was no longer sufficient.

Discovery of N8N

N8N, the third major player in the automation scene after Zapier and Make, has emerged as a serious alternative. It offers flexibility and lower operating costs, especially for users handling large amounts of data. N8N stands out particularly for its ability to be self-hosted, adding an extra layer of customization and cost control.

Hosting N8N: Cloud or Self-Hosting?

N8N Cloud: A First Step

To begin, I chose N8N Cloud, a simple solution at $20 per month. Although initially cost-effective, this solution had memory limitations, causing problems with large files, leading to workflow interruptions.

The Transition to Self-Hosting

Faced with these limitations, self-hosting emerged as a viable solution. Self-hosting N8N allows you to manage and adjust resources according to the specific needs of workflows, thus ensuring their stability even under intense loads.

Advantages of Self-Hosting

Self-hosting gives total control over resources and data management. This is crucial for massive synchronization scenarios where interruptions can lead to loss of time and money. Moreover, it offers increased security, as data remains on servers controlled by the user.

Self-Hosting Solutions for N8N

Three main solutions are available to host N8N:

1. Local Hosting

Installation via Node.js or Docker: This method allows you to install N8N directly on a PC. Node.js facilitates quick installation and immediate access to creating workflows. Docker, on the other hand, allows for the creation of isolated environments to run multiple instances without conflict.

Limitations: However, this option limits remote access, and is recommended only for testing or development environments, as it requires the PC to stay on permanently for the workflows to remain active.

2. Platforms as a Service (PaaS)

RailwayApp and Render: These platforms manage self-hosting for you. They provide a highly optimized server infrastructure without requiring system administration skills. However, they impose lower resource limits for basic configurations.

Ideal for: Users looking to avoid server management may find an adequate solution here as long as their power needs remain quite modest.

3. VPS and Containerized Applications

Cloudron: Why Choose It?

Easy Installation and Security: Cloudron simplifies self-hosting by combining a simplified administration interface and automated update management. I discovered Cloudron thanks to influencers like MiCode and Korben. With Cloudron, I could easily manage multiple applications and ensure they stay up to date without direct intervention.

Flexibility and Cost:

• Operating Costs: Although Cloudron requires the purchase of a VPS and a domain, it proves cost-effective in the long term. Cloudron is free for two applications, perfect for individual users or SMEs.
• Multiple Users: It allows the creation of users with differentiated access, crucial for collaborative teams.

N8N: Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of N8N

• Developer Logic: A system that speaks to developers with capabilities to integrate JavaScript and Python code.
• AI Growth: Cutting-edge AI integration for creating advanced chatbots, often surpassing the native capabilities of make.com.

Potential Drawbacks

• Learning Curve: More complex and sometimes less intuitive than Make, requiring a deeper understanding.
• Documentation: Fewer resources and assistance available compared to Make.

When to Choose N8N?

For Personal Use

N8N lends itself well to personal projects where the user seeks to reduce costs and is willing to invest personally in configuration and maintenance.

For Professional Use

Although N8N can be integrated into professional environments, especially when self-hosted, it is crucial to assess users' ability to manage this operating mode and the accessibility of technical support.

Conclusion

The transition to N8N and its self-hosting offers complete control and a significant reduction in costs. However, it comes with a learning curve and requires a certain level of technical management. By weighing the pros and cons, choose N8N especially if you manage large data flows or complex scenarios.

I encourage you to explore this path via my Cloudron affiliate links and Make, discovering the wealth of open-source tools they support. Whether you're looking to replace your existing tools or explore new integrations, there is a solution suited to your needs.

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