Zapier vs Make (Integromat): Workflow Automation Compared

Overview

Zapier and Make (formerly Integromat) are the two leading no-code workflow automation platforms. Zapier pioneered the space with its simple interface, while Make offers more powerful features at lower prices. Both connect your apps and automate repetitive tasks without code.

The choice often comes down to complexity needs and budget. Simple automations favor Zapier; complex workflows favor Make.

Key Differences

Interface and Learning Curve

Zapier is famous for its simplicity. Build automations (called Zaps) by selecting a trigger app, choosing an action app, and mapping fields. Most people create their first automation in minutes. The linear step-by-step interface makes complex logic harder but simple tasks trivial.

Make uses a visual flowchart builder where you can see your entire automation as a diagram. This makes complex workflows clearer but requires more initial learning. Modules, routers, iterators, and error handlers are all visible in the canvas. The power comes with complexity.

Pricing Structure

Zapier counts "tasks" - each action in your workflow. A 5-step Zap that runs once uses 5 tasks. At $19.99/month for 750 tasks, costs add up quickly for multi-step automations that run frequently.

Make counts "operations" similarly but offers dramatically more. The free tier includes 1,000 operations vs Zapier's 100 tasks. Paid plans start at $9/month for 10,000 operations. For the same budget, Make provides 10-20x more automation capacity.

Complexity Handling

Zapier works best for straightforward automations: when X happens, do Y. Paths allow branching but add cost and complexity. Filters and formatters handle basic logic. For simple use cases, this limitation is actually a feature - there's less to learn.

Make excels at complex scenarios. Routers split data to multiple paths. Iterators loop through arrays. Aggregators combine results. Error handlers manage failures gracefully. You can build sophisticated business processes that would be impossible or prohibitively expensive in Zapier.

App Ecosystem

Zapier has the largest app directory with 7,000+ integrations. Popular apps have extensive triggers and actions. If an app exists, Zapier probably supports it. This breadth is Zapier's strongest advantage.

Make has fewer integrations (1,800+) but covers most popular tools. HTTP modules let you connect to any API, though this requires more technical knowledge. For mainstream apps, coverage is comparable.

Pricing Comparison

Make's pricing advantage is substantial. For high-volume automations, Make can cost 90% less than Zapier for equivalent capacity.

Who Should Choose What

Choose Zapier if:

• You want the simplest possible interface
• You need specific app integrations Make doesn't have
• Your automations are straightforward (trigger-action)
• Budget isn't your primary concern
• You value extensive documentation and community support

Choose Make if:

• You need complex workflows with branching and loops
• Budget matters - you want more automation for less money
• You're comfortable with a learning curve for more power
• You need advanced error handling
• You want to see your entire workflow visually

The Bottom Line

For simple automations with mainstream apps, Zapier remains the easiest choice. The interface is intuitive, documentation is excellent, and you'll find tutorials for almost any use case.

For complex automations or budget-conscious teams, Make delivers significantly more value. The visual builder, powerful features, and aggressive pricing make it the better choice for sophisticated workflows.

Many teams use both - Zapier for quick, simple automations and Make for complex processes. Start with whichever matches your immediate needs, knowing you can add the other later.