Latenode Vs. Make: Which One is Right for You?

Posted on January 21, 2025January 21, 2025 by Mark Harrell

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Latenode vs. Make: Which One is Right for You?

Many of you are already familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of popular automation platforms, while others are still learning the ropes.

My job is to help you navigate these details by providing clear comparisons and insights. While Latenode often proves to be an indispensable tool, there are times when combining it with other platforms is the best approach. Each tool brings something unique to the table, offering distinct advantages.

Today, we’ll break down the key differences between Latenode and Make.

Latenode Vs. Make: Which One is Right for You?

11 Reasons to Choose Latenode Over Make

Make is renowned for its user-friendly experience, especially for individuals new to automation. It offers a no-code platform with built-in tools for data transformation, parsing, and more. While Make is an excellent choice for basic automation, more complex use cases often reveal its limitations. In contrast, Latenode offers advanced features and a more cost-effective pricing model, making it the ideal choice for professionals seeking robust automation solutions. Here are 11 reasons why you should choose Latenode over Make.

1. Pricing Model Where You Don’t Pay for Operations

Make’s pricing model charges users for each module execution, incentivizing the platform to maximize the number of operations. This approach can quickly escalate costs, especially for scenarios involving large datasets or repetitive tasks. Additionally, Make’s lack of custom code functionality often necessitates using multiple pre-built tools, further increasing operational costs.

Latenode adopts a different approach. It charges based on execution time rather than operations. For instance, one credit on Latenode runs a scenario for 30 seconds at $0.0019 per credit, regardless of the number of operations executed within that time frame. During these 30 seconds, users can process large datasets, execute hundreds of API calls, and apply custom code without additional charges. This model significantly reduces costs, as demonstrated in a case study where Latenode was 7.67 times cheaper than Make for generating 2,000 GPT-created emails and transferring them to Google Sheets.

2. Custom Code with NPM Packages for Advanced Data Transformation

On Make, users are restricted to pre-built tools for data manipulation, which can be cumbersome and limited for complex tasks. Latenode, however, empowers users with a JavaScript module that runs in the cloud for up to three minutes. This module supports:

Integration with NPM packages
Utilization of local and global variables
Assistance from an AI-powered code assistant

For example, you can use an NPM package to translate an array of data into Spanish within minutes. This flexibility enables users to:

Manipulate strings
Aggregate, filter, and sort data
Perform statistical and textual analysis
Merge, split, and de-duplicate datasets

Such capabilities ensure that Latenode can handle even the most complex data transformation tasks efficiently.

3. Faster Custom Integrations with Parallel HTTP Requests

Both Make and Latenode allow custom HTTP requests for external API integration. However, Make limits users to executing one HTTP request at a time and charges for each call. This limitation can hinder scenarios requiring high-frequency requests.

Latenode’s JavaScript node, on the other hand, leverages the Axios library to execute parallel HTTP requests, enabling hundreds of API calls in one execution cycle. This capability not only accelerates workflows but also minimizes costs. Additionally, users can rely on Latenode’s AI assistant to build custom integrations with services not included in its no-code library.

4. AI-Powered Writing, Debugging, and Explaining Code

Latenode’s AI assistant simplifies custom code creation. Even users with no coding experience can:

Request the AI to write code
Receive explanations for the generated code
Debug errors directly within the node

For instance, if a bug arises during automation development, the AI can identify and fix the issue, ensuring seamless execution. This feature democratizes automation, making it accessible to non-technical users.

5. Non-API Automation with Headless Browser

Certain websites lack APIs but remain essential for automation scenarios. Latenode addresses this challenge with its Headless Browser integration. This feature enables users to:

Take screenshots
Complete forms
Perform other web-based actions

Although the AI assistant for the Headless Browser currently operates as a ChatGPT extension, this integration broadens the scope of automation possibilities.

6. Merging Branches of a Single Scenario

One of the most requested features by Make’s community is the ability to merge multiple scenario branches into a single node. Latenode fulfills this demand by allowing users to connect any node to any other, streamlining complex workflows.

Example: Processing Survey Results

Branch 1: Analyzes responses and categorizes them
Branch 2: Updates real-time statistics
Merged branch: Compiles the final report and sends it to the database or designated personnel

This feature simplifies scenarios, enhances efficiency, and reduces repetitive tasks.

7. Multiple Triggers in One Scenario

Make restricts users to a single trigger per workflow. In contrast, Latenode supports multiple triggers within a single scenario. For example:

A webhook trigger launches the workflow when a new user registers
A schedule trigger activates the workflow at a specified time

This flexibility allows users to create more dynamic and responsive automation workflows.

8. Comprehensive Data Enrichment Nodes

Latenode offers an extensive suite of data enrichment nodes, granting access to numerous services and APIs without requiring separate subscriptions. Users can:

Find LinkedIn profiles by email
Retrieve emails from website domains
Access dozens of other enrichment options

These plug-and-play nodes enhance data quality and provide valuable insights for automation scenarios.

9. Restart Requests from History

Latenode allows users to rerun scenarios with historical input data. This feature is particularly beneficial for:

Scenario development and debugging
Recovering from errors during execution

Example: Testing Complex Scenarios

Developers can avoid manual data entry during testing and debugging by restarting scenarios with the same input data. This capability accelerates the development process and ensures reliability.

10. Dev/Prod Versions of Workflows

Latenode supports separate development and production versions of workflows. Users can:

Test new features in development mode
Deploy stable versions in production mode

Switching between versions is seamless, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration or data re-entry.

11. Sub-Scenarios for Modular Automation

Latenode allows users to create sub-scenarios, which are standalone workflows that function as custom nodes. This modular approach simplifies complex setups and enables:

Reuse of sub-scenarios in multiple workflows
Creation of a custom node library

Additionally, Latenode plans to launch a public module library, enabling users to share and monetize their custom tools.

Integrating Latenode with Make

For users who want to combine the strengths of Make and Latenode, integration is straightforward:

Build a no-code scenario on Make.
Add an HTTP request to Latenode for complex data processing.
Create a Latenode scenario with a webhook to receive data from Make.
Process the data on Latenode and send the results back to Make.

This hybrid approach allows users to leverage the user-friendliness of Make alongside the advanced capabilities of Latenode.

Click To Sign Up for Latenode Free Trial

Conclusion

While Make excels in providing a user-friendly no-code experience, it falls short for complex and resource-intensive scenarios. Latenode bridges this gap with its cost-effective pricing model, advanced custom code functionality, and unique features such as multiple triggers, data enrichment nodes, and sub-scenarios.

By choosing Latenode, users can:

Reduce operational costs
Gain flexibility for complex workflows
Enhance their automation skills with AI-powered assistance

Whether you’re an automation novice or a seasoned professional, Latenode empowers you to automate like a pro.