Make vs Zapier: Which Automation Tool Wins?
Published
December 12, 2024
16
min read
In the world of automation, Make and Zapier stand out as top tools, each catering to different needs. Make offers a flowchart-style interface for designing complex workflows, while Zapier focuses on simplicity and ease of use with its trigger-action model. Here's what you need to know:
| Feature | Make | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Visual, flowchart-style | Step-by-step, form-based |
| Ease of Use | Steeper learning curve | Beginner-friendly |
| App Integrations | 2,400+ | 7,000+ |
| Workflow Type | Complex, multi-branching | Simple, linear |
| Pricing Model | Operation-based | Task-based |
For simple setups, Zapier is the go-to. For handling intricate workflows, Make is the better choice. Your decision boils down to your technical expertise and the complexity of your automation needs.
Both Make and Zapier aim to simplify workflows by automating manual tasks, but they take different approaches tailored to distinct user needs. Below is a closer look at what each platform brings to the table.
Make uses a visual, flowchart-style interface to design intricate, multi-step workflows. It’s built for handling complex processes and offers tools like conditional logic to streamline business operations.
With its visual scenario builder, users can orchestrate workflows that manage multiple data streams at once. Unlike basic trigger-action setups, Make allows for advanced configurations using routers, filters, aggregators, and iterators. This flexibility makes it ideal for scenarios requiring detailed data manipulation and decision-making.
For businesses with custom software or unique integration needs, Make’s HTTP modules and webhook capabilities provide direct API access. It also features granular error handling, enabling users to define specific fallback actions for failed steps without disrupting the entire automation.
When it comes to data transformation, Make offers built-in tools for text manipulation, date formatting, mathematical operations, and JSON parsing, reducing the need for external solutions. Scheduling is another strong suit, with options for recurring patterns and timezone-specific execution, giving users precise control over when workflows run.
Collaboration is a key focus, with features like shared scenarios, role-based access controls, and detailed execution logs. These tools help teams maintain centralized automation libraries and control who can edit or manage workflows.
Zapier takes a more straightforward approach with its trigger-action model, making it a favorite among non-technical users and businesses seeking quick, user-friendly solutions.
Its Zap editor walks users through the setup process step-by-step, using a linear structure. Each Zap starts with a trigger, followed by optional filters or formatting steps, and ends with one or more actions. This simplicity allows most users to create automations in just minutes.
Zapier supports multi-step Zaps for sequential actions across apps, and its Paths feature adds conditional logic for more tailored workflows. Built-in tools for tasks like text formatting, date manipulation, and basic calculations make it easy to handle straightforward workflows without relying on external apps.
For those needing lightweight data management, Zapier Tables acts as a simple database solution, bridging app integrations with basic organizational needs.
The platform prioritizes ease of use with features like automatic field mapping, helpful suggestions, and extensive documentation. Its mobile app lets users manage automations on the go, complete with push notifications for updates or errors.
Zapier also caters to business users with shared workspaces, approval workflows, and detailed usage analytics. For enterprise customers, its Premier Support includes dedicated success managers and priority assistance to ensure smooth operations.
While both platforms excel at automation, they cater to different audiences. Make is perfect for users who need granular control and advanced logic, while Zapier appeals to those who value simplicity and quick setup. Each platform brings unique strengths, ensuring there’s an option for a wide range of automation needs.
US businesses often evaluate Make and Zapier based on their interface design, ability to handle complex workflows, and integration options.
The key difference between these platforms lies in how they approach user interface design. Zapier opts for a straightforward, step-by-step builder with a clean, form-based layout. This simplicity makes it easy for users to create automations without prior technical expertise.
"What I appreciate most about Zapier is its ease of use and intuitive interface. The most remarkable aspect is that you can build even very complex automation scenarios without any coding or development skills. This makes it a true game-changer for anyone looking to automate their workflows, regardless of their technical background."
- G2 reviewer
Make, however, takes a more visual route with a drag-and-drop canvas that lays out workflows as flowcharts. While this offers more control and flexibility, it can feel overwhelming for beginners due to its steeper learning curve.
"Make's extensive features may overwhelm beginners. Compared to other platforms, the Make interface may seem more daunting and the setup time-consuming."
Interestingly, many users find Make’s interface more intuitive for managing intricate workflows once they’ve spent time learning it. As one expert put it:
"In practice, I found Zapier's interface simpler to start with, while Make's canvas felt more natural and flexible once I learned it."
- Sagar Joshi, Former Content Marketing Specialist at G2
The ratings on G2 highlight this contrast. Make scores 4.7/5 stars overall with 88% for ease of use and 85% for ease of setup, while Zapier scores 4.5/5 stars with 89% for ease of use and 88% for ease of setup. For small businesses in the US with limited technical resources, Zapier’s guided design is ideal for quick automation setups. On the other hand, enterprises with complex needs often lean toward Make’s visual approach, provided they’re willing to invest time in mastering it.
Next, let’s explore how these platforms handle workflow complexity and customization.
When it comes to managing complex workflows, the two platforms take distinctly different approaches. Zapier is best for straightforward, linear automations where one trigger leads to sequential actions. Its Paths feature adds some conditional logic, but the overall structure remains simple and easy to follow.
Make, on the other hand, excels at handling intricate workflows with multiple branches, advanced logic, and robust error handling. Its visual canvas allows users to map out workflows involving several data streams and conditional branches, offering a clearer view of complex processes.
"Make.com is a fantastic platform for building automations and no-code solutions… The number of features it offers is astonishing - significantly more than most competitors. It's a dream tool for developers, as it allows deep customization and flexibility."
- G2 reviewer
While marketing teams often find Zapier sufficient for basic tasks, operations teams managing complex processes typically prefer Make’s advanced capabilities. For instance, Zapier works well for a simple CRM-to-email automation, but Make shines in scenarios where workflows need to branch based on lead scores, transform data formats, and handle errors effectively.
Zapier takes the lead in app integrations, offering connections to over 7,000 apps compared to Make’s 2,400+ integrations. This makes Zapier particularly appealing to businesses using popular software like Salesforce, HubSpot, Slack, and Google Workspace.
In contrast, Make stands out with its deeper API access and customization options. Its HTTP modules and webhook capabilities enable seamless integration with custom software and proprietary systems, which is invaluable for US companies with unique tech stacks or specific integration needs.
| Feature | Make | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| App Integrations | 2,400+ apps | 7,000+ apps |
| API Access | Advanced HTTP modules, webhooks | Standard API connections |
| Custom Integrations | Extensive customization options | Limited customization |
| Learning Curve | Steeper, requires initial investment | Quick setup, beginner-friendly |
| Workflow Complexity | Advanced logic, multi-branching | Linear, sequential actions |
| Visual Design | Flowchart canvas | Step-by-step forms |
For businesses in the US, the choice between Make and Zapier often depends on their integration needs. Companies relying heavily on mainstream SaaS tools may benefit from Zapier’s vast app library. Meanwhile, organizations with custom software or more specific requirements might find Make’s technical flexibility better suited to their needs. Ultimately, the decision boils down to balancing ease of use with the ability to scale and handle complex workflows over time.
For US businesses, understanding the pricing structures of automation platforms is crucial. Both Zapier and Make offer free plans alongside tiered paid options, but they differ in how they measure and scale usage.
Both platforms provide free plans, giving businesses a chance to explore automation without any upfront cost. Zapier’s free plan is suitable for basic automation needs, offering a limited number of tasks. On the other hand, Make’s free plan stands out for allowing more complex, multi-step workflows, making it a better choice for exploring advanced automation.
When it comes to paid plans, the two platforms take different approaches. Zapier uses a task-based pricing model, where costs rise with the number of tasks executed. Make, however, employs an operation-based model, which measures individual actions within workflows. This distinction means that the cost-effectiveness of each platform depends on whether your automation needs are better suited to task or operation-based pricing.
Selecting the right platform requires aligning pricing models with specific automation goals. For smaller businesses with limited automation needs, the free plans or lower-tier subscriptions from either platform may suffice. However, as workflows grow in complexity and volume, the costs can vary significantly.
Some users report that Make’s operation-based pricing offers more predictable scaling, making it easier to plan for future growth. This model provides extra flexibility for businesses with intricate workflows. In contrast, Zapier’s task-based pricing can work well for simpler automations, but costs may rise quickly as task volumes increase. For larger enterprises requiring custom pricing, many find that Make’s operation-based model simplifies expense forecasting, especially when estimating long-term usage.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your business’s workflow complexity, anticipated growth, and budget. Take the time to assess your current needs and future goals to determine which pricing structure aligns best with your automation strategy.
When deciding between Make and Zapier, understanding their strengths and weaknesses can help you choose the right tool for your business needs. Both platforms excel in specific areas, catering to different types of users and use cases.
Make stands out for its visual workflow design and ability to handle complex automation scenarios. Its flowchart-style interface provides a clear view of how data flows through workflows, making it particularly useful for tasks involving multiple branches or conditional logic. Additionally, Make offers detailed control over data manipulation, enabling users to transform information in ways that simpler tools can't match.
However, Make's advanced capabilities come with a learning curve. It has fewer pre-built templates, so you'll often need to create workflows from scratch. This can be time-consuming, especially for beginners. The interface, while powerful, can feel overwhelming at first.
On the other hand, Zapier emphasizes ease of use and quick setup. Its intuitive interface allows even non-technical users to set up basic automations in minutes. With a vast library of pre-built templates and Zaps, Zapier simplifies common automation tasks, making it easy to get started.
That said, Zapier's simplicity comes at the cost of flexibility. It struggles with complex workflows that require advanced logic or data transformations. Additionally, its task-based pricing can become expensive as automation needs grow.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the platforms' pros and cons:
| Make | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Flowchart-style interface for complex workflows | Steeper learning curve for new users | |
| Advanced data transformation capabilities | Fewer pre-built templates available | |
| Predictable operation-based pricing | Requires more time to set up workflows | |
| Handles branching and conditional logic well | Initial interface can feel overwhelming | |
| Fine-tuned control over execution | Limited customer support options |
| Zapier | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| User-friendly and easy to navigate | Limited flexibility for complex workflows | |
| Large library of pre-built templates | Higher costs as usage scales up | |
| Quick and simple setup | Fewer options for advanced data manipulation | |
| Strong customer support and resources | Lacks robust multi-step conditional logic | |
| Active community and third-party tools | Error handling could be more transparent |
Cost and scalability are also important factors to consider. Make's operation-based pricing model is often more predictable for businesses planning to scale their automation efforts. This model allows companies to estimate their monthly costs more accurately as their usage grows. In contrast, Zapier's task-based pricing is better suited for smaller-scale operations but can lead to unexpected expenses as automation needs increase.
For businesses seeking simplicity and quick results with low automation volumes, Zapier is a great fit. However, for complex, high-volume workflows, Make's predictable pricing and advanced capabilities make it the more efficient choice. Ultimately, your decision should align with your specific automation requirements and budget. Accurately assessing your needs upfront can help you choose the platform that best supports your goals.
Deciding between Make and Zapier comes down to your business size, technical know-how, and the complexity of your workflows. Each platform has its strengths, making them better suited for different needs. Here’s a closer look at how each serves small businesses and enterprises.
Zapier tends to be a go-to for small businesses with straightforward automation needs and limited technical expertise. Its intuitive interface makes it easy for smaller teams to set up workflows without requiring advanced training.
For example, small businesses can take advantage of Zapier’s extensive library of pre-built templates. A local marketing agency might link Mailchimp with Google Sheets to automatically track new subscribers. Similarly, an e-commerce store could connect Shopify to QuickBooks Online to generate invoices whenever a new order is placed.
The platform’s task-based pricing is a natural fit for businesses with predictable, low-volume automation needs. For instance, a small consulting firm using 500-1,000 tasks per month could automate client onboarding, create invoices, and update CRM records - all while keeping costs manageable.
On the other hand, Make is better suited for small businesses that have technical expertise and need more complex workflows. A SaaS startup, for instance, might use Make to design intricate customer journey automations, incorporating multiple decision points based on user behavior.
Larger organizations often have more intricate needs, making Make the stronger choice for enterprise-level automation. While both platforms can scale, Make stands out when workflows involve advanced logic, detailed data manipulation, or integration with specialized software.
For example, enterprises using Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, or custom APIs often require workflows with conditional branches, data transformations, and precise integrations. Make’s visual workflow builder is ideal for connecting multiple CRM systems, applying business rules, reformatting data, and distributing it to dashboards.
Make also excels in advanced data processing, which is crucial for companies managing large datasets from tools like Snowflake, Amazon S3, or Google BigQuery. Its ability to handle complex JSON parsing, data filtering, and multi-step enrichment makes it a natural fit for these scenarios - tasks that might overwhelm Zapier.
That said, Zapier can still be valuable for enterprises, especially for department-specific automations. Marketing teams, for example, could use Zapier to link HubSpot with Slack for lead notifications. Similarly, HR could automate BambooHR and Microsoft Teams to announce new hires. These workflows, however, are typically simpler and less integrated into company-wide systems.
For compliance-heavy industries, Make offers detailed audit trails, custom error handling, and tools for implementing data governance policies. Its granular control over workflows ensures that enterprises can meet strict compliance requirements.
Ultimately, your decision should align with your organization’s workflow complexity and technical resources. Small businesses looking for quick and simple solutions will likely find Zapier a better fit. Meanwhile, enterprises or teams with advanced technical needs and long-term scalability goals will benefit more from Make.
2V Automation AI uses Make to design tailored, AI-powered workflow automations for businesses across the United States. By combining Make's visual builder with AI tools and essential platforms, they deliver solutions that tackle operational hurdles and integrate seamlessly with existing systems.
What sets 2V Automation AI apart is their focus on low-code/no-code solutions. This approach empowers businesses to manage and tweak their own automations without needing constant help from developers. It’s a practical way to ensure that automations can grow alongside the company. Their services are ideal for organizations that have big automation goals but lack the technical skills to bring them to life.
By tapping into Make's powerful features, 2V Automation AI creates solutions tailored to each client’s specific challenges. Here's a closer look at how they work and the results they deliver.
2V Automation AI uses a clear four-step process to build effective workflows:
This structured approach has delivered measurable results for their clients. Businesses report fewer manual tasks and major boosts in efficiency. These AI-driven workflows not only streamline day-to-day operations but also open doors to new ways of increasing productivity. Because Make’s visual interface is so intuitive, internal teams can make updates to workflows without needing a dedicated developer - an especially valuable feature for mid-sized companies.
2V Automation AI’s commitment to long-term success is reflected in their pricing. The Unlimited Plan is available for $3,890 per month and covers comprehensive automation services. For businesses with more complex needs or tighter timelines, the Enterprise Plan offers custom pricing to accommodate those requirements.
Deciding between Make and Zapier comes down to the complexity of your workflows and your technical needs. Make shines when you require intricate, visual workflows with detailed customization and advanced logic. On the other hand, Zapier is perfect for those who value simplicity and quick setup, making it a great fit for straightforward automation tasks.
For small businesses and startups, Zapier offers an intuitive interface and a vast app library, making it a fantastic starting point for diving into automation. Meanwhile, mid-sized and enterprise-level companies often find Make better suited for their needs, thanks to its visual scenario builder, support for complex workflows, and operation-based pricing model, which can be a cost-effective option for high-volume automation. Zapier's task-based pricing, however, works well for businesses with steady, predictable automation requirements.
2V Automation AI takes automation to the next level by leveraging Make's powerful features to create tailored solutions for complex enterprise needs. Their structured process helps U.S. companies navigate the decision-making process through in-depth workflow assessments and strategic planning. By integrating seamlessly with existing systems, they provide scalable solutions that remain flexible as businesses grow.
Strategic automation choices like these allow businesses to scale efficiently. With 2V Automation AI’s expertise in low-code and no-code platforms, businesses can independently maintain and expand their automations, ensuring long-term efficiency and adaptability as their operations evolve.
Choosing between Make and Zapier comes down to what your business needs and how intricate your workflows are. If you’re dealing with multi-step automations that require features like conditional logic or data transformations, Make could be the better option. It’s also a more budget-friendly choice for managing complex processes. On the flip side, if you need a simple, user-friendly tool to set up basic automations quickly, Zapier might be the way to go.
Think about your team’s technical skills, the integrations you rely on, and how much you’re willing to spend. Make is great for businesses that need more flexibility and customization, while Zapier shines when you’re after quick, straightforward solutions. By weighing these factors, you’ll be able to choose the tool that best supports your workflow and efficiency goals.
Make and Zapier offer different pricing models that can greatly influence your automation budget, depending on your business's size and specific needs.
Make tends to be a more budget-friendly choice for businesses that deal with intricate workflows or require a high volume of automations. Starting at just $6 per month, Make includes up to 10,000 operations, making it an appealing option for medium to large businesses aiming to scale their automation efforts without breaking the bank.
In contrast, Zapier begins at $19.99 per month for 750 tasks. While this might be suitable for smaller businesses with minimal automation needs, costs can climb quickly for larger organizations as their task volumes increase. For businesses with plans to grow their automation capabilities, Make's pricing structure offers a scalable solution that can help keep long-term costs in check.
Make is known for its intuitive visual, drag-and-drop interface, which makes designing and managing complex workflows much simpler. This setup allows users to visually map out even the most intricate automation processes, making them easier to grasp and refine.
What sets Make apart even further is its advanced customization options and strong file management capabilities. These tools are perfect for handling multi-step workflows with a high level of precision. Compared to Zapier's more linear and straightforward style, Make provides users with greater flexibility and control over their automation setups.