Make (Integromat) vs. Zapier: Which Automation Tool is Right for Your Startup?
Introduction: The Automation Showdown
When it comes to no-code automation, two platforms dominate the conversation: Zapier and Make (formerly Integromat). Both promise to eliminate repetitive tasks and connect your favorite apps, but they take fundamentally different approaches.
After using both platforms extensively across multiple startups, I can tell you that choosing between them isn’t about which is “better” – it’s about which is better for you.
In this comprehensive comparison, I’ll break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Quick Comparison Overview
| Feature | Zapier | Make (Integromat) |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2011 | 2012 |
| App Integrations | 6,000+ | 1,500+ |
| Learning Curve | Easy | Moderate |
| Visual Builder | Linear | Visual flowchart |
| Free Plan | 100 tasks/mo | 1,000 ops/mo |
| Starting Price | $19.99/mo | $9/mo |
| Best For | Beginners, quick setups | Complex workflows, developers |
Interface and User Experience
Zapier: Simplicity First
Zapier’s interface follows a linear, step-by-step approach. You start with a trigger, add actions one after another, and your workflow reads like a checklist.
Pros:
- Intuitive for beginners
- Guided setup process
- Clean, uncluttered design
- Quick to build simple automations
Cons:
- Complex workflows get unwieldy
- Limited visual overview
- Harder to see the big picture
Make: Visual Power
Make uses a visual flowchart builder where you drag, drop, and connect modules. You can see your entire workflow as a diagram, branch logic visually, and understand complex processes at a glance.
Pros:
- Visual representation of workflows
- Easy to understand complex logic
- More intuitive for branching
- Better for debugging
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve
- Can feel overwhelming initially
- Takes longer to build simple automations
Verdict: Interface
Choose Zapier if you want to build automations quickly without much learning.
Choose Make if you prefer visual thinking and plan to build complex workflows.
App Integrations and Ecosystem
Zapier: The Integration King
With over 6,000+ app integrations, Zapier has the largest ecosystem in the automation space. If an app exists, there’s a good chance Zapier connects to it.
Popular integrations include:
- All major CRMs (Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive)
- Project management (Asana, Monday, ClickUp)
- Marketing tools (Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign)
- Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal, Square)
- Communication (Slack, Teams, Discord)
Make: Quality Over Quantity
Make offers around 1,500+ integrations – fewer than Zapier, but covers most essential business tools. What Make lacks in quantity, it makes up in depth of integration.
Make’s modules often provide:
- More API endpoints per app
- Advanced configuration options
- Better handling of complex data structures
- Native support for HTTP/webhooks
Verdict: Integrations
Choose Zapier if you use niche tools or need maximum compatibility.
Choose Make if your tech stack includes mainstream apps and you need deeper integration.
Pricing: The Real Cost Breakdown
Zapier Pricing (2025)
| Plan | Tasks/Month | Price | Per Task Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | 100 | $0 | $0 |
| Starter | 750 | $19.99 | $0.027 |
| Professional | 2,000 | $49 | $0.025 |
| Team | 50,000 | $69 | $0.001 |
Make Pricing (2025)
| Plan | Operations/Month | Price | Per Op Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | 1,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Core | 10,000 | $9 | $0.0009 |
| Pro | 10,000 | $16 | $0.0016 |
| Teams | 10,000 | $29 | $0.0029 |
Understanding the Difference
Here’s where it gets interesting. Zapier counts tasks (each action in a Zap), while Make counts operations (similar concept, but more granular).
Example Workflow: New lead → Enrich data → Add to CRM → Send email → Notify Slack
- Zapier: 4 tasks
- Make: 5 operations
The True Cost Comparison
Let’s say you need 5,000 automations per month:
| Platform | Plan Needed | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Zapier | Professional | $49+ |
| Make | Core | $9 |
Make is significantly cheaper for high-volume automation. The difference becomes more dramatic as you scale.
Verdict: Pricing
Make wins on pricing, especially for startups watching their budget. You get 10x more operations for less money.
Advanced Features Comparison
Multi-Step Workflows
Zapier: Linear approach with sequential steps. Paths feature allows branching, but it can get messy with complex logic.
Make: Visual branching, parallel processing, and loops. You can run multiple actions simultaneously and use iterators for array processing.
Winner: Make
Error Handling
Zapier: Basic retry options. When a Zap fails, you get an email notification and can replay failed tasks.
Make: Robust error handling with:
- Custom error routes
- Break/resume functionality
- Ignore errors option
- Rollback capabilities
Winner: Make
Data Manipulation
Zapier: Built-in Formatter tool for basic transformations. Works for simple cases but limited for complex data.
Make: Advanced functions including:
- Array manipulation
- Text parsing
- Mathematical operations
- Date/time transformations
- Custom JavaScript execution
Winner: Make
Scheduling and Timing
Zapier: Zaps run instantly when triggered or on a schedule (minimum 15-minute intervals on paid plans).
Make: More flexible scheduling with:
- Custom cron expressions
- Time-based filters
- Delay modules
- Execution windows
Winner: Make
Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: E-commerce Order Processing
Requirement: When order placed, update inventory, notify warehouse, send confirmation email.
Zapier Implementation:
- Easy to set up in 15 minutes
- Uses 3 tasks per order
- Cost: ~$0.08 per order (Professional plan)
Make Implementation:
- Takes 25 minutes to set up
- Uses 4 operations per order
- Cost: ~$0.004 per order (Core plan)
For 1,000 orders/month:
- Zapier: ~$80
- Make: ~$4
Scenario 2: Simple Slack Notifications
Requirement: Send Slack message when form submitted.
Zapier Implementation:
- 5 minutes to set up
- Clear, guided process
- Perfect for this use case
Make Implementation:
- 10 minutes to set up
- More configuration options
- Overkill for simple workflows
Scenario 3: Complex CRM Automation
Requirement: Route leads based on 10+ criteria, enrich data, score leads, assign to reps, create custom follow-up sequences.
Zapier Implementation:
- Possible but complicated
- Multiple paths become hard to manage
- May need multiple Zaps
Make Implementation:
- Built for this complexity
- Visual overview of all branches
- Single scenario handles everything
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Zapier If:
- ✅ You’re new to automation
- ✅ You need quick, simple workflows
- ✅ You use niche apps not found in Make
- ✅ You value ease of use over flexibility
- ✅ Your automation needs are modest (<500 tasks/month)
- ✅ You prefer a gentler learning curve
Choose Make If:
- ✅ You’re comfortable with technical tools
- ✅ You need complex, branching workflows
- ✅ Budget is a primary concern
- ✅ You process high volumes of data
- ✅ You need advanced error handling
- ✅ You want visual workflow design
My Personal Recommendation
After years of using both platforms, here’s my honest advice:
For Solo Founders and Small Teams: Start with Zapier. The faster learning curve means you’ll actually build automations instead of getting stuck in tutorials. The cost difference only matters when you scale.
For Growing Startups (10+ employees): Consider Make seriously. The cost savings compound significantly, and your team will appreciate the visual workflow builder for complex processes.
Hybrid Approach: Many businesses use both. Zapier for quick integrations and Make for complex, high-volume workflows. The platforms can even connect to each other.
Migration: Switching Between Platforms
Zapier to Make
Make offers an import tool for Zapier workflows, but expect:
- Manual adjustments for complex Zaps
- Learning the new interface
- Rebuilding some integrations
Make to Zapier
No automated migration exists. You’ll need to:
- Document existing scenarios
- Rebuild in Zapier
- Test thoroughly before switching
Tip: Don’t migrate everything at once. Move one workflow at a time.
Conclusion: There’s No Wrong Choice
Both Zapier and Make are excellent automation platforms. Your choice depends on:
- Technical comfort level: Zapier for beginners, Make for power users
- Budget sensitivity: Make for cost-conscious teams
- Complexity needs: Make for intricate workflows, Zapier for simple ones
- Integration requirements: Zapier for niche apps, Make for mainstream tools
My suggestion: Sign up for free accounts on both platforms. Build the same workflow on each and see which feels right. Your hands-on experience will tell you more than any comparison article.
The best automation tool is the one you’ll actually use. Start automating today.
Already using one of these platforms? Share your experience in the comments – I’d love to hear which works best for your business.
