AI automation compared: Make, n8n, Zapier and Gumloop

The four platforms in brief

| Platform | Core according to vendor | AI features | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Make | Visual workflows and AI agents | Agents with goals, tools and boundaries | Free plan without time limit |
| n8n | Workflows you can track | Agents within workflows | Human approval steps |
| Zapier | Workflows between apps (Zaps) | Zapier MCP for Claude, ChatGPT and Cursor | Broad app catalogue |
| Gumloop | Build, share and manage agents | Agents with connectors and skills | Insight into AI spend per user |

Make

Make lets you build workflows with drag and drop, with a prompt or via MCP. According to the homepage, there are 3,500+ app integrations, you can use your own code in JavaScript or Python, and there's a free plan without a credit card.

n8n

n8n positions itself as "the platform for agents and workflows you can track". You open each step to see what it does. Examples on the site show an approval request via Slack before anything is reimbursed.

Zapier

Zapier executes workflows between apps and mentions 9,000+ apps and 66,000+ triggers and actions. With Zapier MCP you start a workflow from an AI tool such as Claude, ChatGPT or Cursor. The renewed "Next Gen Zaps" are still in early access.

Gumloop

Gumloop targets organisations running many agents: build with instructions, connectors (such as Slack, HubSpot, Gmail and Salesforce) and skills, plus oversight of AI spend and adoption.

How to choose

1. Start with one process that currently requires manual work, such as processing leads or sorting invoices.
2. Determine how much control you need. Does a human need to approve decisions? Then look at approval steps, such as with n8n.
3. Check whether your apps can be connected in each platform's catalogue.
4. Look at costs as you scale: count tasks, credits or AI usage through the current pricing page.
5. Arrange GDPR compliance: where is your data stored, and is there a data processing agreement?

Limitations

• Integration numbers and usage figures are vendor claims.
• AI agents can make mistakes; build in controls and logging.
• Prices aren't fully listed on homepages.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a workflow and an AI agent?
A workflow follows fixed steps. An agent chooses which step or tool to use within boundaries.

Which platform is free?
Make and Zapier mention free entry on their homepage. Check the limits on the pricing page.

Can I use AI automation without programming?
Yes, all four offer visual or chat-driven setup. Make also mentions custom code in JavaScript or Python.

See also: Comparing AI app builders and the AI tools directory.