Zapier vs Make (Integromat): Which Automation Tool Should You Use?

Workflow automation has become essential for modern businesses looking to increase efficiency and reduce manual work. Two platforms dominate this space: Zapier and Make (formerly Integromat). This detailed comparison will help you choose the right tool for your automation needs.

Overview: Zapier vs Make

Zapier at a Glance

Founded in 2011, Zapier pioneered the "if this, then that" approach to automation. It's known for:

• Extremely user-friendly interface
• Largest app integration library (6,000+ apps)
• Quick setup for simple automations
• Strong brand recognition and community

Make (Integromat) at a Glance

Make (rebranded from Integromat in 2022) offers:

• Visual scenario builder with flowchart interface
• More complex logic and data manipulation
• Better pricing for high-volume users
• Greater flexibility for advanced users

Interface & Ease of Use

Zapier's Linear Approach

Zapier uses a step-by-step, linear workflow called "Zaps":

• Pros: Intuitive for beginners, fast to set up simple automations
• Cons: Can become unwieldy for complex workflows with many branches

Make's Visual Canvas

Make uses a visual flowchart-style builder:

• Pros: Easy to visualize complex workflows, better for branching logic
• Cons: Steeper learning curve for beginners

Our recommendation: If you're new to automation and need simple workflows, start with Zapier. If you anticipate complex logic or have technical aptitude, Make may serve you better long-term.

Features Comparison

Triggers & Actions

Feature	Zapier	Make
App integrations	6,000+	1,500+
Multi-step workflows	Yes	Yes
Conditional logic	Paths (paid)	Routers (all plans)
Loops/iterations	Limited	Full support

Data Processing

Zapier:

• Basic data formatting
• Formatter tool for text, numbers, dates
• Limited array handling

Make:

• Powerful built-in functions
• Full array and JSON manipulation
• Aggregators and iterators
• Complex data transformations

Error Handling

Zapier:

• Basic error notifications
• Autoreplay for failed tasks
• Task history for debugging

Make:

• Advanced error handlers per module
• Break, resume, rollback options
• More granular control over failures

Pricing Comparison

Zapier Pricing (as of 2024)

• Free: 100 tasks/month, 5 Zaps
• Starter ($19.99/mo): 750 tasks, 20 Zaps
• Professional ($49/mo): 2,000 tasks, unlimited Zaps
• Team ($69/mo/user): 2,000 tasks, shared folders
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

Make Pricing (as of 2024)

• Free: 1,000 operations/month
• Core ($9/mo): 10,000 operations
• Pro ($16/mo): 10,000 operations + advanced features
• Teams ($29/mo): 10,000 operations + team features
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

Understanding "Tasks" vs "Operations"

This is where pricing gets tricky:

Zapier counts "tasks" — each action in a Zap uses one task. A 5-step Zap uses 5 tasks per run.

Make counts "operations" — each module execution uses one operation. Similar to Zapier.

At high volumes, Make is typically 2-5x cheaper than Zapier for equivalent functionality.

Best Use Cases

Choose Zapier When:

• You need a specific integration only Zapier has
• You're new to automation
• Your workflows are straightforward
• You value simplicity over power
• You need quick setup without a learning curve

Choose Make When:

• You need complex conditional logic
• You're processing large amounts of data
• Budget is a concern at scale
• You need advanced error handling
• You're comfortable with slightly more technical tools

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Simple CRM Sync

Scenario: Sync new contacts from a form to your CRM

Winner: Zapier — simple workflow, many integrations, quick setup

Example 2: E-commerce Order Processing

Scenario: Process orders with multiple conditions, update inventory, send notifications

Winner: Make — complex logic, loops for line items, better data handling

Example 3: Marketing Automation

Scenario: Sync data between marketing tools based on user behavior

Winner: Tie — both handle this well, depends on specific tools needed

Example 4: Data Migration

Scenario: Move and transform thousands of records between systems

Winner: Make — better bulk processing, lower cost at volume

Can You Use Both?

Yes! Many businesses use both platforms strategically:

• Zapier for quick, simple automations where specific integrations are needed
• Make for complex workflows requiring advanced logic or high-volume processing

Migration Considerations

If you're switching between platforms:

• Both offer import/export features, but direct migration isn't supported
• Plan for manual recreation of workflows
• Test thoroughly before switching production automations
• Consider running both in parallel during transition

Our Recommendation

For most businesses starting with automation, we recommend:

1. Start with Zapier if you need quick wins and simple workflows
2. Move to Make as your automation needs grow more complex
3. Use both if you have specific use cases that favor each platform

Conclusion

Both Zapier and Make are excellent automation platforms. Zapier wins on ease of use and integrations; Make wins on power and pricing. The best choice depends on your specific needs, technical comfort level, and budget.

At Sommo, we implement automation solutions using both platforms, choosing the right tool for each client's specific requirements. Contact us if you need help setting up or optimizing your workflow automations.