The summary: Make is 60–80% cheaper and far more powerful for complex workflows. Zapier is simpler and has more integrations. Most creative agencies should use Make.
Try Make FreeThe Core Philosophical Difference
Zapier was designed for business users who need to connect apps quickly. The interface is linear and wizard-like. You set up “Zaps” (if trigger, then action) in minutes. No visual representation of the workflow.
Make was designed for users who need genuine automation power. The visual canvas shows your entire workflow as a flowchart. Data flows through branches, loops, and transformations that aren’t possible in Zapier’s simpler model.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Make | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Visual workflow canvas | Full graph | Linear only |
| Branching logic | Native (Routers) | Paths (paid plans) |
| Data transformation | Advanced functions | Basic |
| Loop/iterate arrays | Iterators, Aggregators | Limited |
| Error handling | Per-module routes | Basic |
| HTTP (custom APIs) | Full REST support | Webhooks + HTTP |
| Data Stores (mini DB) | Included | Requires Tables (add-on) |
| Number of apps | ~1,400 | ~6,000 |
| Free plan | 1,000 ops/mo | 100 tasks/mo |
| Execution speed | 1 min (paid) | Near-instant (paid) |
Pricing: Make Wins Decisively
For equivalent capability, Make is dramatically cheaper:
| Monthly usage | Make | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 automations/mo | Free | $29/mo (Starter) |
| 10,000 automations/mo | $9–16/mo | $73/mo |
| 50,000 automations/mo | $29/mo (Teams) | $299/mo |
For an agency running significant automation, switching from Zapier to Make can save $100–300/month.
When Zapier Wins
1. You need a specific app only on Zapier.
Zapier has ~6,000 integrations vs Make’s ~1,400. Some niche tools (industry-specific SaaS, etc.) may only exist on Zapier. Check both platforms before deciding.
2. You want to set up simple automations in 5 minutes.
Zapier’s wizard-style setup is genuinely faster for simple 2-step automations. If you just need “new Typeform submission → create Notion page,” Zapier is faster to configure.
3. Non-technical team members will manage the automations.
Zapier is more accessible to non-technical users. Make requires understanding concepts like iterators, routers, and operations.
When Make Wins
1. You need complex multi-step workflows.
Anything with branching, looping, data transformation, or error recovery is far better in Make.
2. You’re price-sensitive.
Make’s free plan (1,000 ops/month) is 10× more generous than Zapier’s (100 tasks/month).
3. You need to connect to custom/internal APIs.
Make’s HTTP module is full-featured. You can connect to any REST API without waiting for Make to add a native integration.
4. You want to visualize and debug complex workflows.
Make’s visual canvas makes it easy to trace exactly where a workflow failed and what data was in each module at the time of failure.
Migration from Zapier to Make
If you’re considering switching, Make offers a Zapier migration guide and can often replicate your existing Zaps in Make scenarios. Expect 1–2 hours of reconfiguration time per complex Zap.
FAQ
Can I use both Make and Zapier?
Yes. Some teams use Zapier for quick, simple automations and Make for complex workflows. This is pragmatic but adds complexity.
Does Make have an enterprise option?
Yes. Make Enterprise supports custom operations limits, dedicated infrastructure, SSO, and priority support. Contact Make for pricing.
What’s the difference between Make “operations” and Zapier “tasks”?
They’re similar but not identical. In Make, each module execution counts as one operation. In Zapier, each “action” step in a Zap counts as one task (the trigger is free). For equivalent workflows, they’re roughly comparable.
Our Recommendation
Use Make if you’re starting fresh or willing to migrate. The price advantage and power advantage are clear.
Stay on Zapier if you have deeply embedded Zapier workflows, rely on integrations not available in Make, or your team is very non-technical.
Try Make Free — 1,000 ops/month