Make vs Zapier: What are the differences?

No-code automation via Make and Zapier

As the world of no-code technology grows rapidly, no-code automation tools like Zapier and Make are getting a lot of attention. These two tools are at the top of this movement, each with unique properties that are meant to improve work processes. Whether you're a self-employed person looking for greater efficiency or a company that wants to simplify its workflows, Zapier and Make have a lot to offer. In this blog, we'll dive into what makes Zapier and Make unique, look at the benefits and possible bumps, and help you determine which tool best suits your specific needs.

What is Make?

Make, formerly known as Integromat, is a platform that excels at connecting various tools and applications. It stands out with a user-friendly platform that puts automation at the heart. Make's main functions focus on creating integrated systems that streamline processes and increase efficiency. Make goes beyond the typical trigger action workflows that many other platforms use, by allowing users to create more complex automation scenarios. One of Make's most remarkable features is its ability to develop deep integrations. This offers users almost limitless opportunities to optimize and expand their workflows, making Make a powerful tool for anyone looking for advanced automation solutions.

What is Zapier?

Zapier is known for its strength and versatility in easily connecting various tools and services. It makes it possible for users to make different applications work seamlessly together, which was previously complex or time-consuming. At the heart of Zapier are the “Zaps”, intelligent workflows that consist of a “trigger” and a subsequent “action”. For example, when a new email arrives, Zapier can automatically add a task to your to-do list. With support for thousands of apps, including popular ones like Gmail, Slack, Trello, and Dropbox, Zapier opens the door to a wide range of integration options.

The differences between Zapier and Make

When exploring automation tools, many people come across the choice between Zapier and Make. At first glance, they may look alike, but there are important differences that distinguish them. Both tools aim to connect applications and services, but how they do this, their approach and capabilities vary considerably.

1. Ease of use

Zapier offers an intuitive interface that many users appreciate, especially those who are new to the world of automation. The tool places a strong emphasis on simplicity and step-by-step guidance, making setting up processes easy, even for beginners.

Make, on the other hand, is going deeper into its offerings with a unique approach that may offer more customization and flexibility. While this may take some getting used to at first, it offers opportunities for more sophisticated scenarios in the long term. What both tools share is their desire to make automation accessible to everyone, so that both large enterprises and individuals can benefit.

2. Flexibility and strength

Zapier offers users numerous ready-to-use integrations that make it easy to set up automatic processes. This method is useful for common tasks. However, Make excels in providing customized solutions. With a wide range of features, Make gives users the opportunity to work even more flexibly and powerfully, especially for complex automation tasks. While Zapier is ideal for direct and standard connections, Make seems perfect for those who need more customization and power.

3. Pricing

When choosing between Zapier and Make based on price, it's important to know how each platform counts their actions, as this can affect overall costs.

Zapier offers a free plan that supports up to 100 tasks per month, which can be a great start for beginners or those who just need a few automations. For more comprehensive needs, paid plans start at around $19.99 per month, paying for 750 tasks

Zapier counts every successful action in a workflow as a “tasks,” without counting the triggers. This means that you only pay for the actions that actually perform something.

Make, on the other hand, start with a free plan with 1,000 operations per month and a starting rate of just $9 per month for 10,000 operations, making it an affordable option for those just starting out with automation.

Make uses a concept called “ops” that includes both triggers and actions. This can lead to a higher number of operations within a workflow, which is something to consider if you're planning complex automations that are often triggered or are processing a large number of records.

These differences in how tasks and operations are counted can affect costs, especially for extensive or frequent workflows. So it's essential to include these factors in your decision, in addition to the starting price and package options that each platform offers. A thorough assessment of your needs and how you want to use the automations will help you make an informed choice between Zapier and Make, and choose the tool that best suits your budget and workflow requirements.

4. Number of integrations

Zapier and Make are both top performers in offering integration options, but they each approach it in their own way. Zapier stands out for its huge range of more than 5000 ready-to-use products integrations. This makes it easy for users, even without a technical background, to quickly link different tools together. These ready-to-use connections are ideal for those who want to quickly connect popular online tools.

Make, with its range of around 1,500 standard integrations, focuses on the ability to work via API links. This offers users the flexibility to create customized connections and integrations to create for more complex tasks. While this may require more technical knowledge, it opens the doors to a deeper level of personalization. A key advantage of Make is the ability to connect to any API, even services that are not official partners, making customization options almost limitless.

5. Speed and reliability

When it comes to speed and reliability, Zapier and Make are two leading parties, each excelling in their own way. Zapier is known for its fast response times, especially when it comes to running ready-to-use integrations, allowing users to work without delay. Make, on the other hand, may not always be the fastest in terms of processing speed, but it compensates for this with its power and reliability, especially with more complex API links. Both tools offer a high level of reliability, which is essential in the world of automation.

6. Customer service and community

Over the years, Zapier has proven to be a platform with reliable customer service, backed by a wealth of resources and an active community who is ready to help with any questions or problems. These aspects contribute significantly to the user experience and the ease with which problems can be solved.

On the other hand, Make, formerly known as Integromat, can sometimes be a bit more difficult for new users to navigate due to the name change. This can cause the community and troubleshooting opportunities to feel a little less immediately accessible and close-knit. Nevertheless, Make has an expert community who is often willing to provide comprehensive technical support, which is especially valuable for those who dive deeper into complex automations.

Conclusion

As we take stock at the end of our exploration of no-code automation tools, it's clear that both Zapier and Make offer their own unique benefits depending on what you need and how you plan to use them. Here's a quick summary to help you make your choice:

Choose Make if you:

• are looking for an affordable online automation platform,
• want to create more complex workflows,
• already have a good knowledge of automation.

Choose Zapier if you:

• are new to automation and want to try out some common applications,
• must build integrations with lesser-known apps,
• enough of what the free plan offers for your needs.

In conclusion, choosing between Zapier and Make comes down to your personal needs, your level of experience with automation, and the specific requirements of your workflows. Both platforms have their strength and can have a significant impact on your productivity and efficiency. By taking the time to consider your options and weighing the features each platform offers, you can choose the tool that best suits your situation and help you streamline your work processes.