Geoff CuddAutomation tools are the key to success for businesses looking to streamline workflows and improve efficiency. Among the top contenders in the space are Make and Zapier, both offering powerful solutions to connect apps and automate different business processes.
While they share similar goals, these platforms differ in pricing, functionality, and usability.
We’re going to dive into the key features, pros, and cons of each, helping you choose the right tool for your needs.
We offer this website completely free to our visitors. To help pay the bills, we’ll often (but not always) set up affiliate relationships with the top providers after selecting our favorites. However, we do our best not to let this impact our choices. There are plenty of high-paying companies we’ve turned down because we didn’t like their product.
An added benefit of our relationships is that we always try to negotiate exclusive discounts for our visitors.
Platform name | Make | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | ||
| Star Rating | ||
| Price |
Make Overview
Make (formerly Integromat) is an automation platform that creates advanced workflows with a highly visual and flexible design.
It’s built for users who want complete control over their automation, offering customization options and scalability at an affordable price point.
With Make, you can design complex workflows, branch processes, and monitor tasks in real time. Its robust error-handling features guarantee smooth execution even for the most complex automations.
Key Features of Make:
- Visual drag-and-drop workflow builder.
- Free plan with 1,000 operations and budget-friendly paid plans.
- Advanced customization with APIs and webhooks.
- Real-time progress view for detailed monitoring.
- Built-in scheduling for automations to trigger workflows at specific times.
- Robust error-handling tools to ensure smooth execution.
- Detailed analytics and reporting features to monitor workflow performance.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing, especially for high-volume users.
- Highly flexible visual interface for complex workflows.
- Generous free plan with 1,000 operations.
- Excellent scalability for frequent or heavy automation tasks.
- Robust error-handling capabilities to minimize disruptions.
- Built-in scheduling features for precise control over automation timing.
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve for beginners.
- Fewer app integrations compared to Zapier.
Zapier Overview
Zapier is one of the most popular automation platforms, known for its simplicity and huge catalog of app integrations. It’s so popular, in fact, that you can hire a Zapier expert for your business. It’s especially well-suited for businesses needing quick and straightforward automation.
Zapier’s linear workflows make it accessible to beginners, while its extensive library of over 5,000 apps ensures compatibility with almost any tool you already use for your business. Its intuitive design allows users to set up automations in minutes, making it a go-to choice for business owners with limited technical expertise.
Key Features of Zapier:
- Simple, linear workflow builder.
- Supports over 5,000 apps, the largest among automation tools.
- Beginner-friendly interface.
- Extensive tutorials and documentation.
- Pre-built templates for common workflows to save time.
- Ability to set time-based triggers for automated actions.
- Multi-step workflow tracking to monitor progress and performance.
Pros:
- Easy to use for beginners.
- Industry-leading 5,000+ app integrations.
- Ideal for simple, small-scale workflows.
- Excellent support resources, including chat and email for paid plans.
- Seamless integration updates ensure compatibility with the latest app versions.
- Advanced filter options for fine-tuning automation triggers and actions.
Cons:
- Expensive pricing for multi-step workflows.
- Task-based pricing can add up quickly for frequent users.
- It’s been known to have some common problems.
Key Differences Between Make and Zapier
1. Pricing
When it comes to pricing, Make and Zapier have different approaches. Make is more budget-friendly with a free plan that includes generous limits, while Zapier’s free plan is more restrictive and its paid plans are pricier, especially for advanced workflows.
- Make: Offers a free plan with 1,000 operations and cost-effective paid plans based on operations. Best for users needing flexibility and budget-friendly solutions.
- Zapier: Free plan is limited to 100 tasks/month, with higher pricing tiers that can become costly for advanced or high-volume workflows.
Key takeaway: Make is more budget-friendly and scalable for users who want cost-effective automation.
2. Workflow Design
Workflow design is a major differentiator between Make and Zapier. Make offers a highly visual drag-and-drop interface for complex automations, whereas Zapier’s linear design focuses on simplicity, catering to users with straightforward needs.
- Make: Features a visual drag-and-drop editor that’s ideal for creating complex workflows with branches and conditions.
- Zapier: Uses a linear workflow design that’s simple but less intuitive for advanced automations.
Key takeaway: Make’s visual editor provides better flexibility for advanced automation, while Zapier is simpler for basic tasks.
3. Supported Integrations
Supported integrations are critical for automation, and both platforms excel in this area. Zapier leads with over 5,000 app integrations, while Make offers 1,200+ but compensates with robust customization options like APIs and webhooks.
- Make: Integrates with 1,200+ apps and allows robust customization through APIs and webhooks.
- Zapier: Integrates with over 5,000 apps, making it the leader in app compatibility.
Key takeaway: Zapier has more app integrations, but Make supports the most common apps and provides robust customization options.
4. Performance and Scalability
Performance and scalability are vital for users with high-volume needs. Make handles large workflows efficiently without additional costs, whereas Zapier’s task-based pricing can become expensive for frequent or advanced usage.
- Make: Handles high-volume workflows efficiently without additional costs.
- Zapier: Task-based pricing can quickly escalate, especially for frequent or complex automations.
Key takeaway: Make offers better scalability and value for heavy automation users.
5. Learning Curve
The learning curve for these platforms varies a lot. Make’s advanced features require more time to master, while Zapier’s straightforward interface allows for an easy start for beginners, albeit with fewer customization options.
- Make: Requires more time to master but offers way more specific control.
- Zapier: Beginner-friendly interface with limited advanced customization options.
Key takeaway: Zapier is beginner-friendly, while Make is better for users wanting advanced customization.
6. Support and Community
Support and community resources play a crucial role in helping users navigate these automation platforms. Both Make and Zapier provide strong support options, but they cater to their audiences differently, balancing community engagement, documentation, and direct assistance.
- Make: Active user community and robust documentation. Support via tickets with quick response times on higher plans.
- Zapier: Extensive support resources and tutorials. Support via chat and email, but only for paid plans.
Key takeaway: Both offer good support, but Make’s community focus makes it more approachable for collaborative problem-solving.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Make is the better choice for cost-conscious users, businesses managing complex workflows, and individuals who value flexibility and scalability. Its advanced features, visual workflow builder, and affordable pricing make it perfect for power users or teams with high automation needs.
- Zapier, on the other hand, is perfect for businesses that prioritize ease of use and require a broad range of app integrations. Its beginner-friendly design and extensive library of apps make it a solid choice for simple or small-scale workflows.
Both tools are excellent in their own right, but the best option depends on your specific requirements and budget. Evaluate your personal or business needs carefully to decide which platform aligns best with your automation goals.
Our Verdict
When it comes to automation platforms, Make stands out as the winner for its affordability, flexibility, and advanced workflow capabilities. It’s an ideal choice for cost-conscious users and those who require complex, scalable automation solutions. With its visual drag-and-drop interface and robust customization options, Make offers an incredible amount of control over workflows at a fraction of the cost of Zapier.
That said, Zapier is still a solid option, especially for businesses that prioritize ease of use and need access to a broader range of integrations.
If simplicity and app compatibility are your main requirements, Zapier is a solid choice. For those seeking advanced features and value, though, Make is the clear winner.
What Is an Automation Tool?
An automation tool is software designed to streamline repetitive business tasks and processes by connecting different applications and systems. It allows users to set up workflows that trigger actions automatically, reducing the need for manual intervention.
These tools are often used in businesses for tasks like data management, email notifications, and project updates, saving time and increasing overall efficiency. Popular automation tools like Make and Zapier make it easy for even non-technical users to create workflows, helping businesses focus on more strategic goals.
How Do Automation Tools Work?
Automation tools work by creating connections, often called “workflows” or “scenarios,” between different apps.
Users set up triggers (like receiving an email) that initiate specific actions (such as saving the attachment to cloud storage). These workflows are configured using visual interfaces or predefined templates, making them accessible to users of all skill levels.
The automation tools transfer data seamlessly between applications, ensuring consistent and accurate task execution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which platform is better for beginners, Make or Zapier?
Zapier is better for beginners due to its straightforward interface and simple linear workflow design.
Is Make more affordable than Zapier?
Yes, Make offers more budget-friendly plans, with generous free options and lower costs for high-volume workflows.
Which platform supports more app integrations?
Zapier leads with over 5,000 app integrations, while Make supports 1,200+ with robust customisation options.
Can Make handle complex workflows better than Zapier?
Yes, Make’s visual drag-and-drop editor is ideal for creating complex, branching workflows with advanced customisation.
Does Zapier or Make have a better free plan?
Make’s free plan is more generous, offering 1,000 operations compared to Zapier’s limited 100 tasks per month
Claire Fountain
