Make vs Zapier 2026: Visual Builder vs Quick Automations
Quick Verdict
Choose Make.com if you need complex workflows with branching logic and want better value per operation. Choose Zapier if you need the widest app coverage and fastest setup.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Make.com | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Builder | ✅ Full visual canvas | ⚠️ Linear steps |
| App Integrations | ✅ 1000+ | ✅ 6000+ (largest) |
| Conditional Logic | ✅ Routers, filters, loops | ⚠️ Paths (limited) |
| Error Handling | ✅ Built-in retry + routes | ⚠️ Basic retry |
| Data Transform | ✅ Native functions | ⚠️ Formatter steps |
| Webhooks | ✅ Full support | ✅ Full support |
| API Calls | ✅ HTTP module | ✅ Webhooks by Zapier |
| Speed | ✅ Real-time capable | ⚠️ 1-15 min polling |
| Team Features | ✅ Collaboration | ✅ Team plans |
| Free Tier | ✅ 1000 ops/mo | ✅ 100 tasks/mo |
Make.com
Visual automation platform for complex workflows
Strengths
- Visual scenario builder (drag & drop)
- 10K operations free on Pro trial
- Complex logic (routers, loops, filters)
- 1000+ app integrations
- Data transformation built-in
Weaknesses
- Steeper learning curve than Zapier
- Fewer native integrations (1000 vs 6000)
- Less documentation/community content
Best for: Teams building complex, multi-step automations with conditional logic
Zapier
The simplest way to automate work between apps
Strengths
- 6000+ app integrations (largest)
- 5-minute setup for simple automations
- Excellent documentation
- Multi-step zaps
- Most established automation platform
Weaknesses
- Expensive at scale ($69/mo for 750 tasks)
- Limited visual workflow design
- Complex automations feel hacky
- Task-based pricing gets costly
Best for: Non-technical users who need simple 'if this then that' automations quickly
Pricing
| Tier | Make.com | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Free | 1,000 ops/mo | 100 tasks/mo |
| Core/Starter | $10.59/mo (10K ops) | $29.99/mo (750 tasks) |
| Pro | $18.82/mo (10K ops) | $73.50/mo (2K tasks) |
| Teams | $34.12/mo (10K ops) | $103.50/mo (2K tasks) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Make.com cheaper than Zapier?
Yes, significantly. Make.com's Pro plan gives you 10,000 operations for $18.82/mo. Zapier's comparable plan costs $73.50/mo for just 2,000 tasks. For high-volume automations, Make is 5-10x cheaper.
Is Make.com harder to learn?
The visual builder has a steeper initial learning curve, but once you understand it, building complex automations is actually easier than in Zapier. Budget 2-3 hours to learn the basics.
Can I migrate from Zapier to Make?
Yes, but you'll need to rebuild your automations manually. There's no one-click migration. Most teams migrate over 2-4 weeks, replacing zaps one by one.
Which has better reliability?
Both are reliable. Make.com has better built-in error handling with error routes and automatic retries. Zapier relies on basic retry logic.
Does Make.com have enough integrations?
For most use cases, yes. Make has 1000+ integrations covering major apps. If you need a niche integration, check their app directory first. Zapier's 6000+ count includes many obscure apps.
Not sure which to pick?
Run our free Stack Audit — answer 6 questions and get a personalized recommendation with cost analysis.
Try Stack AdvisorEnjoyed this?
One email per week with fresh thinking on tools, systems, and engineering decisions. No spam.