Why automation tools will be indispensable in 2026
Today's businesses work with an ever-increasing number of tools, data sources and digital processes. Without automation, media discontinuity, manual errors and unnecessary time loss occur. Modern automation tools connect systems, synchronise data and perform recurring tasks in the background – reliably, scalably and transparently.
Whether CRM integration, marketing automation, project management or data processing: no-code and low-code tools allow workflows to be automated without traditional software development. This is exactly where Make, n8n and Zapier come in. Three of the best-known platforms for workflow automation.
In this article, we compare Make vs n8n vs Zapier and show which tool is best suited to which requirements in 2026.
Overview: What do Make, n8n and Zapier actually do?
All three platforms pursue the same goal: automating processes and connecting systems. The difference lies in complexity, control and target group.
Three tools – three philosophies
Make vs n8n vs Zapier: A direct comparison
Brief summary
- Make impresses with its visual strength, scalability and enterprise functionality, ideal for growing businesses.
- n8n offers maximum freedom and data sovereignty, but is more suitable for technically savvy teams.
- Zapier is the fastest way to get started with automation, but quickly reaches its limits when it comes to complex processes.
Make in detail: Visual power for professionals
Make (formerly Integromat) is one of the most powerful no-code automation tools on the market. The platform combines an intuitive drag-and-drop interface with deep technical capabilities, making it perfect for teams looking to implement complex processes without traditional development. Make allows you to connect tools such as monday.com, HubSpot, Slack, Google Sheets, SAP, and Salesforce using ready-made modules or direct API connections.
Benefits of Make at a glance
- Visual creation of workflows with complete transparency across all data flows.
- Enterprise-ready features such as multi-user access, versioning and API management.
- High scalability – from individual automations to complete business processes. G
- DPR-compliant EU cloud infrastructure.
- Fair pricing structure based on operations rather than tasks.
Another plus point: Make is not only no-code, but also low-code. This means that developers can integrate their own modules or HTTP requests as needed without business users losing track of the big picture. This makes the platform particularly attractive for companies that want to work agilely and scale up without setting up complex IT projects.
Practical example from the Blinno world
At Blinno, we use Make every day to integrate CRM, ERP and project management systems.
For example, we developed a workflow for an industrial customer that automatically synchronises orders between MOCO, monday.com and SharePoint – including document uploads and notifications in the event of errors.
The result: 20 hours of time saved per month and an error rate close to zero.
n8n in detail: open source and maximum control
n8n is aimed at teams that prioritise independence and data sovereignty. As an open-source tool, n8n can be self-hosted and expanded as desired.
n8n is particularly suitable if:
- sensitive data is processed.
- Cloud solutions are excluded.
- Technical expertise is available.
Strengths of n8n:
- Open source: No dependence on proprietary platforms or pricing models.
- Self-hosting: Full data control and GDPR compliance.
- Extensibility: Own nodes, custom logic and API connections.
- Cost control: The self-hosted version is free, the cloud version is usage-based.
- Community-driven: Active developer community with constant updates.
The disadvantage: setup, maintenance and operation are entirely the responsibility of the company.
A typical use case
A company wants to synchronise sensitive customer data between CRM, internal database and analysis tool, but without a cloud service provider. With n8n, this process can run on the company's own server, including API authentication, error handling and notifications, in full compliance with internal compliance requirements.
When n8n is the right choice
- If you require full data sovereignty (e.g. in regulated industries such as finance or healthcare).
- If your team has technical expertise and custom code is not an obstacle.
- If you want to build an independent automation framework for the long term.
We at Blinno also use n8n. Contact us now for a no-obligation quote for your project!
Zapier in detail: Easy to get started, quick to automate
Zapier is ideal for getting started quickly with automation. Simple workflows can be implemented in just a few minutes, without any technical knowledge.
Typical use cases
- Transfer leads from forms to CRM.
- Notifications in Slack or email.
- Simple marketing and admin processes.
Limitations of Zapier
- Hardly any complex logic possible.
- High costs with growing volume.
- US hosting, limited GDPR compliance.
Zapier is particularly suitable for small, simple automations, not for scaling business processes.
Conclusion: Which tool is right for whom?
All three tools have their place. The choice depends on how complex your processes are, what technical expertise you have, and how important data protection and scalability are to you.
- Make is the right choice for companies that want to automate in a structured way, plan for scaling and manage processes professionally.
- n8n is the best choice when independence and adaptability are key priorities.
- Zapier is the ideal starting point if you want to see quick results and automate simple tasks.
Ultimately, the following applies:
👉 The greater your automation needs, the more worthwhile a tool such as Make or n8n becomes.
👉 The simpler your setup, the better Zapier is as a starting point.
BAt Blinno, we work with Make and n8n every day because they enable us to visually map complex processes, intelligently connect systems and make companies in the DACH region more efficient.
But we also know that the best tool is always the one that fits your process, your team and your IT structure.
Automate your processes with the right tool and the right partner!
Whether you're building your first simple workflows with Zapier, want full data control with n8n, or want to connect complex business processes with Make, the goal remains the same: save time, create transparency, and scale your business. But even the best automation tool can only reach its full potential when it is strategically planned and technically implemented.
This is precisely where Blinno comes in.
As Switzerland's leading no-code and low-code company, we support businesses in setting up, integrating and optimising their digital workflows with tools such as Make, monday.com, Xano, WeWeb and more. Our experts advise you from process analysis to technical implementation, ensuring that your automation solutions not only work, but also deliver real added value.
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