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Zapier vs. Make: Which Automation Tool Is Best for Your Business?

Discover the key differences between Zapier and Make (formerly Integromat). Learn which automation tool is best for your business with this in-depth comparison of features, pricing, and use cases.

January 1, 2025

Automation tools have become essential for businesses of all sizes, helping to save time, reduce errors, and scale operations efficiently. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the rise of automation is revolutionizing industries such as real estate, healthcare, and e-commerce, enabling organizations to focus on growth while streamlining their processes.

Among the leading platforms, Zapier and Make (formerly Integromat) are two heavyweights often compared for their capabilities and ease of use. But which one is right for your business? Let’s break it down in simple, actionable terms you can use right away.

What Are Zapier and Make?

Zapier

Zapier is the Swiss Army knife of automation tools. It’s designed to connect your favorite apps and automate workflows without needing any coding knowledge. This makes it a go-to choice for small business owners and non-technical teams who want to save time without a steep learning curve. With over 5,000 app integrations, Zapier empowers you to set up quick and simple automations (called “Zaps”) that work like magic.

Here’s how people typically use Zapier:

✔️ Automatically send a Slack notification when a new lead is added to your CRM.

✔️ Post social media updates straight from Google Sheets.

✔️ Back up important files to Dropbox or Google Drive, hands-free.

✔️ Trigger personalized email sequences when new signups are received.

Make (formerly Integromat)

Make is like the Tesla of automation tools—powerful, sleek, and built for complex workflows. It features a drag-and-drop interface that makes visualizing intricate processes intuitive. Whether you’re syncing data across platforms or automating recurring tasks with advanced logic, Make gives you complete control over your automation needs.

Here’s where Make shines:

✔️ Pull data from multiple APIs and aggregate it for detailed analytics.

✔️ Create workflows with branching logic, such as assigning tasks based on lead scores.

✔️ Transform messy data into usable formats in real-time.

✔️ Build multi-step approval processes for complex organizational needs.

Zapier vs. Make

Use Cases: When to Choose Zapier

Zapier is a lifesaver for businesses that value simplicity and speed. If you’re looking to automate common tasks without pulling your hair out, Zapier is the way to go.

Here’s when you should pick Zapier:

  1. You’re New to Automation: Need to get started fast? Zapier’s interface is so easy, you’ll be automating workflows in minutes.
  2. You Use Niche Apps: With over 5,000 integrations, Zapier likely supports that obscure app you love.
  3. Quick Wins: Automate notifications, lead follow-ups, or data transfers without overthinking it.
  4. Fast Scaling for Small Teams: If you’re scaling fast and need operational support, Zapier can set up workflows that grow alongside you.

Use Cases: When to Choose Make

Make is for the detail-oriented power user. If your business runs on complex systems or you need granular control, this tool is your best friend.

Here’s when Make is the better choice:

  1. Advanced Data Handling: Sync multiple CRMs, apply filters, and ensure accuracy without breaking a sweat.
  2. Complex Workflows: Need to onboard employees or manage intricate processes? Make’s branching logic has you covered.
  3. Budget-Friendly Scalability: Run large-scale automations at a lower price point compared to Zapier.
  4. Custom API Integrations: If your workflows involve unique or proprietary APIs, Make’s flexibility is unparalleled.

Pros and Cons

Zapier Pros

✅ Incredibly user-friendly—no tech skills required.

✅ Integrates with more apps than any competitor.

✅ Ideal for quick, everyday automations.

✅ Intuitive templates that jumpstart your workflows.

Zapier Cons

❌ Advanced workflows are limited.

❌ Can get pricey for high-volume tasks.

Make Pros

✅ Handles complex workflows like a pro.

✅ Visual interface makes advanced setups intuitive.

✅ Affordable plans for heavy users.

✅ Superior flexibility for tailoring workflows.

Make Cons

❌ Learning curve can be steep for new users.

❌ Fewer pre-built integrations compared to Zapier.

Pricing Comparison

When it comes to pricing, both Zapier and Make offer free plans with limitations, but their paid tiers differ significantly based on the volume of tasks and complexity required.

Zapier Pricing

  • Free Plan: Limited to 100 tasks per month and single-step workflows.
  • Starter Plan: $19.99/month for 750 tasks and multi-step workflows.
  • Professional Plan: $49/month for 2,000 tasks with advanced features.
  • Team and Company Plans: Scaled pricing for larger organizations needing custom solutions.

Make Pricing

  • Free Plan: Includes 1,000 operations per month but with fewer integrations.
  • Core Plan: $9/month for 10,000 operations and unlimited active scenarios.
  • Pro Plan: $16/month for 10,000 operations with priority support.
  • Custom Plans: Tailored for businesses requiring higher limits and advanced tools.

Key Takeaway: Zapier’s plans are more expensive but cater to users with simpler needs. Make offers cost-effective plans for businesses running complex, high-volume automations.

Real-World Scenarios: Which One Should You Choose?

Scenario 1: Small Business Owner with Minimal Tech Experience

You run a small boutique and need to automate simple tasks like syncing email signups with Mailchimp. Zapier’s plug-and-play simplicity is perfect for you. You can also set up automations for order tracking or customer feedback collection with minimal setup time.

Scenario 2: Tech Startup Handling Data Across Platforms

Your team processes massive amounts of data from multiple APIs. Make’s advanced customization options and cost-efficiency make it the clear winner. For instance, you could automate real-time dashboards that pull analytics from various sources to ensure every department stays on track.

Scenario 3: Marketing Agency Juggling Client Campaigns

You’re managing campaigns across 10+ platforms. Use Zapier for its broad integrations but switch to Make when you need intricate reporting or cross-platform data syncing. For example, you could streamline ad spend data across platforms and automate client reporting.

Conclusion

Choosing between Zapier and Make comes down to your specific needs. Zapier is perfect for businesses looking for ease and speed, while Make excels with complexity and customization. Here’s your next step: Try them both! Both platforms offer free plans, so you can test drive them before making a commitment.

Ready to streamline your operations and save time? Contact us today, and we’ll help you set up automations that fit your business like a glove.

Bonus Tip: Combine Zapier and Make

Sometimes, the best solution isn’t one or the other—it’s both. For example, you can use Zapier for simple, quick automations while leveraging Make for complex, customized workflows. This hybrid approach can help you get the best of both worlds, ensuring your business runs smoothly at every level.

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