Make vs Zapier: Which One Should You Choose?
A straightforward comparison to help you pick the right automation platform. We break down pricing, features, ease of use, and where each tool fits best.
Quick Overview
Both platforms connect your apps and automate repetitive tasks. The difference is in pricing, workflow complexity, and how much control you want. Here is the short version before we dig into the details.
Make
Visual workflow builder with strong pricing. More power than Zapier at a fraction of the cost.
Zapier
The biggest name with the most integrations. Simple to use, but gets expensive fast.
Pricing Comparison
Pricing is where these two platforms differ the most. Zapier charges per task, Make charges per operation. The terminology is different, but the concept is similar: each time your automation does something, it counts against your limit.
One important note: a task in Zapier and an operation in Make are not exactly equivalent. A multi-step Zapier workflow counts multiple tasks (one per step), while Make counts each module as one operation. For a 5-step workflow running 100 times per month, Zapier would count 500 tasks while Make would count 500 operations. The numbers are roughly comparable, but Make costs less per unit.
| Plan | Make | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 1,000 ops/mo 2 active scenarios | 100 tasks/mo 5 zaps, single-step only |
| Starter / Core | $9/mo 10,000 ops, 5 scenarios | $19.99/mo 1,000 tasks, multi-step |
| Professional / Pro | $16/mo 50,000 ops, 25 scenarios | $49.99/mo 3,000 tasks, paths and filters |
| Team / Business | $49/mo 250,000 ops, 50 scenarios | $599.99/mo 10,000 tasks, 5 users |
| Enterprise | $299/mo 1M ops, unlimited scenarios | $1,499.99/mo 50,000 tasks, unlimited users |
The pricing gap is massive
At the team level, Zapier costs $599.99/mo for 10,000 tasks. Make gives you 250,000 operations for $49/mo. Even accounting for differences in how tasks and operations are counted, Make is dramatically cheaper for medium and high volume usage.
Feature Comparison
Beyond pricing, each platform has different strengths when it comes to what you can build. Here is how they stack up across the features that matter most.
| Feature | Make | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| App integrations | 2,000+ | 7,000+ |
| Visual workflow builder | Full visual canvas | Linear only |
| Branching and conditional logic | Built-in routers | Paths (paid) |
| Error handling | Advanced | Basic |
| Loops and iteration | Yes | Limited |
| Custom code nodes | JavaScript | Python/JS (paid) |
| Webhooks | Yes (all plans) | Yes (paid) |
| Data transformation | Rich data mapping | Basic formatting |
| Ease of use | Moderate | Easiest |
| Free tier quality | Excellent (1,000 ops) | Very limited (100 tasks) |
| Team collaboration | Team plan ($49/mo) | Team plan ($600/mo) |
The pattern is clear: Zapier wins on ease of use and sheer number of integrations. Make wins on workflow complexity, pricing, and value. If you are building anything beyond basic two-app connections, Make gives you more flexibility without the premium price tag.
Make: Detailed Look
Make (formerly Integromat) is where most people should land. It combines a powerful visual workflow builder with pricing that actually makes sense for small businesses. You get a drag-and-drop canvas where you build workflows as flowcharts, with branches, filters, and loops built right into the visual interface.
The visual approach is not just pretty. It makes debugging dramatically easier. When a workflow breaks, you can see exactly which module failed and what data was passing through at that point. Compare that to Zapier, where you often have to click through multiple steps to find the problem.
Make has about 2,000 integrations, which covers most popular business apps (Google Workspace, Slack, Shopify, HubSpot, Airtable, and so on). If an app is not natively supported, the HTTP module lets you connect to any API.
Pros
- ✓ Significantly cheaper than Zapier
- ✓ Powerful visual workflow canvas
- ✓ Built-in branching, loops, and error handling
- ✓ Strong free tier (1,000 ops/mo)
- ✓ Rich data transformation tools
Cons
- ✗ Steeper learning curve than Zapier
- ✗ Fewer integrations (2,000 vs 7,000)
- ✗ Interface can feel complex for simple tasks
- ✗ Some integrations less polished than Zapiers
Try Make for free
Make offers a generous free plan with 1,000 operations per month. No credit card required. Build your first scenario in minutes and see why it is our top recommendation for most users.
Start with Make free planZapier: Detailed Look
Zapier has been the default automation platform for years, and that reputation is well earned. It is the easiest tool to get started with, it has more integrations than anyone else, and its interface walks you through every step. If you have never built an automation before, Zapier will feel comfortable from day one.
The problem is pricing. Zapiers task-based model gets expensive quickly once you start running workflows at any real volume. The free plans 100 tasks per month disappears fast, and the jump to paid plans feels steep compared to what Make offers at the same price points.
Zapier also lags behind on workflow complexity. The linear trigger then action model works great for simple automations but becomes limiting when you need branching logic, loops, or complex data transformations. Paths and filters are available on paid plans, but they feel bolted on rather than native to the platform.
Pros
- ✓ Easiest learning curve
- ✓ 7,000+ app integrations
- ✓ Excellent pre-built templates
- ✓ Strong documentation and support
- ✓ AI-powered automation builder
Cons
- ✗ Most expensive at every tier
- ✗ Limited to linear workflows
- ✗ Free plan is very restrictive
- ✗ Advanced features locked behind higher tiers
Our Verdict
Here is our straightforward recommendation based on your situation:
For most small businesses: Choose Make
Make gives you the best balance of power, usability, and price. Its visual builder is intuitive enough for non-technical users while being capable enough for complex multi-step workflows. And the pricing is fair. You will pay a fraction of what Zapier charges for the same volume of work.
If you are not sure which platform to try first, start with Make. The free tier is generous enough to build real automations and see if the platform fits your needs before spending anything.
Try Make freeFor complete beginners with simple needs: Consider Zapier
Zapier still has the smoothest onboarding experience and the widest selection of pre-built integrations. If you need a specific niche app connected and you want the easiest possible setup, Zapier might be worth the premium. Just watch your task usage closely. Costs can creep up fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Make really cheaper than Zapier?
Yes, significantly. Make's Core plan at $9/month gives you 10,000 operations. Zapier's comparable Starter plan is $19.99/month for only 1,000 tasks. For the same volume of automation work, Make typically costs 50-80% less than Zapier.
Can I migrate from Zapier to Make easily?
There is no automatic migration tool between platforms. You will need to rebuild your workflows manually. However, Make has import features and templates that speed things up. Most simple automations can be recreated in an afternoon.
Which platform has more integrations?
Zapier leads with over 7,000 app integrations. Make has around 2,000. For most common business apps (Google Workspace, Slack, Shopify, HubSpot, etc.), both platforms have you covered. If you need a niche app, Zapier is more likely to have a pre-built connector.
Do I need coding skills to use Make?
No. Make is fully no-code. You can build automations using the visual drag-and-drop builder without writing any code. However, Make does offer JavaScript code nodes that developers can use for advanced data transformations.
What happens if I go over my plan limits?
Zapier pauses your automations until the next billing cycle or you upgrade. Make pauses scenarios when you hit your operation limit. Both platforms let you buy additional capacity or upgrade mid-cycle.
Which platform is better for complex workflows?
Make is better for complex workflows. Its visual canvas lets you see the entire workflow as a flowchart with branches, loops, and error handling. Zapier's trigger-action model works for simple automations but becomes limiting when you need conditional logic or multi-step processing.
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