Zapier vs Make: The Complete 2026 Comparison
Zapier and Make (formerly Integromat) are the two leading no-code automation platforms. Both let you connect apps and automate workflows without writing code—but they have very different approaches, pricing, and capabilities.
This guide compares every aspect to help you choose the right platform for your automation needs.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Zapier | Make |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Beginners, simple automations | Complex workflows, power users |
| Integrations | 6,000+ apps | 1,500+ apps |
| Free Plan | 100 tasks/month, 5 Zaps | 1,000 ops/month, unlimited scenarios |
| Starting Price | $19.99/month | $9/month |
| Workflow Complexity | Basic branching | Advanced visual workflows |
| Learning Curve | Easy | Moderate |
| Execution Model | Linear | Visual/parallel paths |
What is Zapier?
Zapier was founded in 2011 and pioneered no-code automation. It's the most popular platform with 6,000+ integrations and a focus on simplicity.
How Zapier Works:
- Create "Zaps" (automated workflows)
- Each Zap has a Trigger (starts the automation) and Actions (what happens)
- Linear, step-by-step execution
- If-then logic with Paths (Pro plan)
Key Features:
- 6,000+ integrations (largest ecosystem)
- Zap templates for common workflows
- Filters to control when Zaps run
- Paths for branching logic (Pro+)
- Schedules for time-based triggers
- Formatter for data transformation
What is Make?
Make (formerly Integromat) launched in 2012 and focuses on visual, complex workflows. It's the power user's choice.
How Make Works:
- Create "Scenarios" (visual workflows)
- Drag and drop modules on a canvas
- Connect with visual lines
- Support for loops, branches, and parallel paths
Key Features:
- Visual scenario builder (flowchart-style)
- 1,500+ integrations (growing fast)
- Routers for branching and parallel execution
- Iterators and aggregators for array handling
- Error handling built into each module
- Data stores for persistent storage
Pricing Comparison
Zapier Pricing (January 2026)
| Plan | Price | Tasks/Month | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 100 | 5 Zaps, single-step only |
| Starter | $19.99 | 750 | Multi-step Zaps, filters |
| Professional | $49 | 2,000 | Paths, auto-replay, custom logic |
| Team | $69 | 2,000 | Shared workspaces, permissions |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom | SSO, admin controls, SLA |
Make Pricing (January 2026)
| Plan | Price | Operations/Month | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 1,000 | 2 active scenarios |
| Core | $9 | 10,000 | Unlimited scenarios |
| Pro | $16 | 10,000 | Custom variables, priority execution |
| Teams | $29 | 10,000 | Team features, shared folders |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom | SSO, enhanced support |
Price Comparison for Common Usage
| Usage Level | Zapier | Make | Savings with Make |
|---|---|---|---|
| 750 tasks/ops | $20/mo | $9/mo | 55% |
| 2,000 tasks/ops | $49/mo | $9/mo | 82% |
| 10,000 tasks/ops | $299/mo | $9/mo | 97% |
| 25,000 tasks/ops | $599/mo | $29/mo | 95% |
Make is dramatically cheaper at scale. The difference is because Zapier counts "tasks" (each action) while Make counts "operations" more generously.
Feature Comparison
1. Ease of Use
Zapier:
- ✅ Simpler interface, less overwhelming
- ✅ Guided setup with autofill
- ✅ Better for beginners
- ❌ Limited when workflows get complex
Make:
- ✅ Visual canvas is powerful once learned
- ✅ Better for complex logic
- ❌ Steeper learning curve
- ❌ Can feel overwhelming initially
Winner: Zapier for beginners; Make for power users
2. Integrations
Zapier: 6,000+ apps including nearly every SaaS tool
Make: 1,500+ apps with most popular tools covered
Winner: Zapier – more integrations overall
3. Workflow Complexity
Zapier:
- Linear workflows (step 1 → step 2 → step 3)
- Paths (branching) available on Pro ($49/mo)
- No loops natively (workarounds exist)
- Limited error handling
Make:
- Visual flowchart with branches and parallel paths
- Routers for unlimited branching
- Iterators for loop processing
- Built-in error handlers per module
- Aggregators for combining data
Winner: Make – far more capable for complex workflows
4. Error Handling
Zapier:
- Auto-replay on failures
- Basic error notifications
- Manual intervention often needed
Make:
- Error handlers on each module
- Resume from failure point
- Automatic retries
- Detailed error logs
Winner: Make – much better error handling
5. Data Transformation
Zapier:
- Formatter app for text/numbers/dates
- Code by Zapier (JavaScript/Python)
- Separate steps increase task count
Make:
- Built-in functions in every module
- Text, math, date functions included
- No extra operations consumed
Winner: Make – more efficient data handling
Real-World Comparisons
Scenario 1: Simple Email to Slack
Zapier: 2 steps (1 trigger + 1 action) = 1 task
Make: 2 modules = 2 operations
Winner: Similar cost
Scenario 2: Lead Scoring Workflow (5 steps with conditions)
Zapier:
- 5 steps = 5 tasks per run
- 100 runs/day = 500 tasks = $49+/month
Make:
- 5 modules = 5 operations per run
- 100 runs/day = 500 ops = Free tier (1000/mo)
Winner: Make (free vs $49/month)
Scenario 3: Complex E-commerce Order Processing (15 steps, branching)
Zapier:
- Multiple Zaps needed
- Paths require Pro plan
- High task consumption
Make:
- Single scenario with routers
- Visual overview of entire flow
- Efficient operation usage
Winner: Make – designed for this complexity
When to Choose Each
Choose Zapier If:
- You're new to automation
- You need a specific integration only Zapier has
- Your workflows are simple (under 5 steps)
- You want the fastest setup time
- Budget isn't a constraint
Choose Make If:
- You're comfortable with visual tools
- You need complex branching or loops
- You want better pricing at scale
- You need robust error handling
- You're building advanced automations
Migration Considerations
Moving from Zapier to Make:
- Map your Zaps to Make scenarios
- Find equivalent modules (most exist)
- Rebuild workflows on Make's canvas
- Test thoroughly before turning off Zaps
Moving from Make to Zapier:
- Simplify complex scenarios into linear flows
- May need multiple Zaps for one scenario
- Test integrations work the same way
The Verdict
Zapier is the easiest option with the most integrations. It's perfect for simple automations and users who value quick setup over cost optimization.
Make is the power user's choice with dramatically better pricing, visual workflows, and advanced features. It requires learning but pays off for anything beyond basic automations.
For most users: Start with Make. The learning curve is worth the 3-10x cost savings and better capabilities.
Data sources: Official Zapier and Make pricing pages. Last verified: January 2026.