Staying productive and ahead of the competition requires more than just hard work; it demands efficiency. Automation tools like Zapier and Make (formerly known as Integromat) have become essential for businesses, enabling users to automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows effortlessly.
But which tool is the better fit for your needs? This blog compares Zapier vs Make based on features, ease of use, pricing, pros and cons, and more to help you decide which automation solution suits your business goals best.
What Are Automation Tools?
Automation tools are software platforms that connect different apps, allowing them to work together seamlessly. By setting automated workflows, users can save time and eliminate repetitive or manual actions, improving overall efficiency. Automation is now a must-have across industries, from marketing and customer service to finance and e-commerce.
Two leaders in the automation landscape are Zapier and Make. Both platforms simplify complex workflows, cater to a broad range of industries, and offer scalable solutions. But how do they compare? Let’s start by exploring each one.
What Is Zapier?
Zapier is one of the most popular automation platforms, known for its user-friendly design and extensive app integrations.
Key Features
- Connects 6,000+ Apps: Zapier offers an impressive library of integrations, including Google Workspace, Slack, Shopify, and Salesforce.
- No-Code Interface: With Zapier, you don’t need technical skills to create workflows, or “Zaps.” Its point-and-click setup ensures accessibility for all.
- Multi-Step Zaps: Zapier enables multi-step workflows for users who want more complexity.
- Time-Based Triggers: Automate tasks based on schedules, such as sending daily summary emails or scheduling social media posts.
- Pre-built Templates: Zapier offers thousands of templates to speed up workflow creation.
Who Is Zapier Best For?
Zapier is ideal for businesses of all sizes, but it shines for startups, solopreneurs, and non-technical users. It works particularly well in industries like e-commerce, content marketing, and customer support, where connecting multiple apps is crucial.
Use Cases
- Syncing leads between your CRM and email marketing platform.
- Auto-saving email attachments to a cloud drive.
- Sending notifications to Slack channels when new tasks are created.
What Is Make (formerly Integromat)?
Make is a powerful automation tool designed for users seeking more flexibility and control over their workflows. Rebranding from “Integromat” to “Make,” the platform brings a modernized focus to visual and advanced automation.
Key Features
- Drag-and-Drop Visual Editor: Make’s intuitive interface makes it easy to build complex, multi-step workflows using drag-and-drop tools.
- Advanced Logic: Use functions, conditions, and custom code for greater flexibility.
- 3,000+ Pre-Built Integrations: While fewer than Zapier, Make still covers a wide range of apps, including Gmail, Dropbox, and Airtable.
- Scenario Logs: Detailed execution logs provide insights into what’s happening behind the scenes.
- Custom API Integration: Advanced users can connect apps not natively supported by Make using APIs.
Who Is Make Best For?
Make is a great choice for developers, tech-savvy users, and businesses that require intricate workflows. It’s particularly useful in industries like software development, data analytics, and operational logistics.
Use Cases
- Creating data pipelines between multiple apps.
- Managing inventory updates automatically for e-commerce platforms.
- Syncing real-time data across your services.
Feature Comparison: Zapier vs Make
To determine the ideal tool for your needs, let’s compare the key features of Zapier and Make side by side.
Ease of Use/User Interface
- Zapier features a simple dashboard and a no-code setup, making it highly accessible to non-technical users.
- Make offers a slightly steeper learning curve, but its drag-and-drop interface provides more flexibility for advanced workflows.
Workflow Complexity and Customization
- Zapier supports complex workflows with multi-step Zaps, but customization options are somewhat limited.
- Make excels in customization, allowing users to build highly detailed workflows with advanced logic.
Integration Options
- Zapier connects to over 6,000 apps, giving it an edge when it comes to versatility.
- Make integrates with around 3,000 apps but provides custom APIs for unique needs.
Speed and Reliability
- Zapier delivers instant triggers, ensuring tasks are executed as soon as they’re triggered.
- Make sometimes experiences delays for heavy workflows but offers robust error handling and scenario logs for troubleshooting.
Visual Editor Comparison
- Zapier keeps things simple with a sequential list-based view.
- Make offers a powerful visual editor where users can see how apps interact in one workflow map.
Pricing Comparison
Pricing is a critical factor, especially for startups and small businesses. Here’s how Zapier and Make stack up.
Zapier Pricing
- Free Plan: Up to 5 single-step Zaps.
- Starter Plan ($19.99/month): Includes multi-step Zaps and 750 tasks/month.
- Professional Plan ($49/month): Offers conditional logic and unlimited premium app integrations.
- Team & Enterprise Plans ($299+): Ideal for organizations needing advanced team functionality.
Make Pricing
- Free Plan: Access all features with up to 1,000 operations.
- Core Plan ($10/month): 10,000 operations with priority support.
- Pro Plan ($18/month): Advanced features and 50,000 operations.
- Enterprise Plans ($custom): Tailored options for large-scale use cases.
Which Offers Better Value?
- For freelancers and small businesses, Make offers excellent affordability with more features in its lower-tier plans.
- Larger businesses and teams may find Zapier’s scalability and extensive app library more beneficial.
Pros and Cons
Zapier
Pros:
- Extremely user-friendly.
- Broadest selection of apps.
- Great for quick setup and smaller workflows.
Cons:
- Limited customization.
- Higher cost for large-scale use.
Make
Pros:
- Highly customizable workflows.
- Affordable entry-level plans.
- Powerful integrations for advanced users.
Cons:
- Smaller app library.
- Steeper learning curve for beginners.
Which Tool Is Better for You?
Choosing between Zapier and Make largely depends on your specific needs and technical skills. Here’s how they compare for different scenarios:
Small Businesses
Zapier wins for its simplicity and ease of use. Small business owners can quickly automate tasks without requiring technical expertise.
Large Enterprises
Make edges out for larger organizations needing advanced automations with detailed customization options.
Developers/Technical Users
Make is the clear choice for its flexibility, custom API integrations, and ability to handle complex logic.
Non-Technical Users
Zapier’s intuitive interface and vast app library make it the better option for those without coding knowledge.
When to Choose Zapier: If you value simplicity and need quick, reliable automation for a broad range of apps.
When to Choose Make: If you’re tech-savvy and want the ability to create more intricate workflows at a lower cost.
Why Choosing the Right Tool Matters
Automation is no longer optional in today’s fast-moving business landscape. The right tool can save valuable time, reduce costs, and optimize your operations for efficiency.
Whether you opt for Zapier’s ease of use or Make’s flexibility, both tools offer free trials, so you can test them out to discover your perfect fit.
