Workflow Automation AI Tools
- n8n
- What it offers: n8n is an open-source, low-code workflow automation platform which lets users visually build and automate complex workflows by connecting various apps, services, and APIs through an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. It combines no-code simplicity with the power to run custom JavaScript or Python code, supporting scalable, multi-step automation processes with over 1,000 pre-built workflow templates and hundreds of native integrations. It can be self-hosted for full control or used via cloud hosting.
- Best for: Developers, data teams, and businesses wanting powerful open-source workflows with full control.
- Example use cases: An e-commerce store wants to automate inventory updates, order processing; and a recruitment company wants to streamline its own employee onboarding by automating paperwork, training schedule notifications, and equipment requests.
- Paid plans: Starter Plan: £20/month. Pro Plan: £50/month. Enterprise Plan: Custom .
- Pro tip: Leverage n8n’s hybrid approach by combining its visual node-based editor with custom JavaScript or Python code nodes. This empowers you to build workflows tailored precisely to your unique business logic without limits, making it ideal for automations that exceed typical no-code capabilities.
- Make
- What it offers: Make is a powerful visual automation platform which connects your business apps and services into seamless workflows with no coding required. With drag-and-drop tools, you can automate everything from email marketing to invoicing.
- Best for: SMEs and freelancers who want flexible, affordable automation across tools like Gmail, Xero, Notion, Trello, and Shopify.
- Example use cases: A consultancy business wants to auto-post new blog articles to LinkedIn and route web form submissions to multiple platforms (Google Sheets, email, Slack); and an accountancy business wants to automate invoice generation between Xero and Stripe.
- Paid plans: Core plan: $9/month. Pro plan: $16/month. Teams plan: $29/month. Enterprise plan: Custom. (Can be accessed by UK businesses)*
- Pro tip: Start with one core workflow (like lead capture to CRM) and use Make’s templates to scale easily.
- *How To Save On Foreign Transactions
Comparison table
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| n8n | Make | |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Developers, data teams, and businesses wanting powerful open-source workflows with full control | Visual, logic-based workflows for complex automation |
| Integrations | ✅ 700+ native nodes; powerful API & webhook handling; community-contributed custom integrations | ✅ 1,500+ apps with custom API support |
| AI Features | ✅ Native OpenAI node; expandable via HTTP modules, API calls, and custom nodes | ✅ AI model integrations via HTTP modules |
| Scalability & Support | ✅ Highly scalable (self-hosted or cloud); open-source with enterprise/support options; large DevOps community | ✅ Powerful for scale with detailed tutorials |
| Ease of Use | ✅ More technical setup (especially for self-hosted); visual editor for power users and devs | 🟡 Slightly steeper learning curve but flexible UI |
| Paid Plans | Starter Plan: £20/month Pro Plan: £50/month Enterprise Plan: Custom |
Core Plan: $9/month Pro Plan: $16/month Teams Plan: $29/month Enterprise: Custom (UK accessible) |
| Visit n8n | Visit Make |