Make vs Zapier

At-a-glance comparison

Pricing model and value

Pricing influences how organizations adopt automation, set usage limits, and calculate return on investment. It also determines how you architect and batch your workflow automations.

Make

Make’s pricing model primarily focuses on the number of operations carried out, not just the end results. Each step, whether it’s a data transfer, transformation, or branching action, counts as an operation. As a result, Make is exceptionally cost-effective for handling bulk updates and intricate, multi-step automation scenarios, though heavy use of loops or extensive branching will consume more operations.

• Pros: Extremely cost-effective when running high-volume, multi-step automations.

• Cons: Forecasting costs can become difficult if automation scenarios branch extensively.

• Advice: Batch write actions, place filters earlier in flows, and use iterators judiciously.

Zapier

Zapier’s pricing is based on the number of tasks executed per action within its automation processes. Each action, whether simple or part of a branching logic, counts as a task. This straightforward pricing suits organizations deploying numerous simple automations across various teams, though the cost can escalate with complex workflows involving multiple actions per trigger.

• Pros: Straightforward to forecast and easy to report cost metrics to stakeholders.

• Cons: Costs rise quickly with multi-action or complex automations.

• Advice: Minimize unnecessary steps, compress actions where possible, and leverage native integrations to avoid excessive polling.

Integration coverage and connectors

The speed and ease of automation depend on the breadth and depth of available connectors. Broad coverage means quick setup, while deep configurability means fewer workarounds and less custom code.

Make

Make provides advanced integration modules with highly detailed field mapping and data handling capabilities. This is particularly powerful when automating with nested objects, arrays, or when working with large bulk endpoints. Webhooks and a mature SDK ensure even less common apps can be included in automations.

• Pros: Fine-tuned control over data structures, especially in CRM, project management, and support scenarios.

• Cons: Fewer out-of-the-box templates compared to some competitors.

• Advice: When official connectors come up short, start with raw API modules.

Zapier

Zapier boasts a broad catalog of integrations familiar to most SaaS users. Its turnkey templates let non-technical teams set up working automations in just minutes, and developer tools plus webhooks help fill any integration gaps.

• Pros: Extensive app catalog and rapid deployment with templates.

• Cons: Some app connectors are limited in exposing more advanced functionality.

• Advice: Use templates as a base and supplement with code steps when advanced field mapping is needed.

Ease of use and learning curve

If the platform is difficult to pick up, automation initiatives stall. The right user experience lowers both training requirements and the risks associated with handovers.

Make

The visual interface provided by Make is ideal for users with a more technical background, allowing for intuitive, graphical construction and visualization of automation flows. Users can clearly see where branches split, how data maps, and inspect the flow at every step. However, business-focused users may need training to use advanced features like routers, variables, and arrays effectively.

• Pros: Provides strong visual clarity and powerful data mapping capabilities.

• Cons: Can present a steep learning curve to non-technical users.

• Advice: Adopt naming conventions and create brief walkthrough videos to ease onboarding.

Zapier

Zapier’s guided automation builder walks users through each trigger and action, keeping even branching features accessible. Many business users can set up and manage multiple automations after one introductory session.

• Pros: User-friendly builder and easily understandable steps.

• Cons: Complex flows can become harder to understand and maintain.

• Advice: Break up lengthy automations, utilize shared folders, and leave notes at each step.

Workflow sophistication and developer features

Support, sales, and project workflows often require branching, looping, and data transformation without resorting to custom code or microservices.

Make

Make features a range of advanced tools, including routers, iterators, aggregators, and rich array functions, enabling automation of deeply nested data or ongoing syncs. Custom app modules and HTTP integrations allow for unique business requirements or edge-case APIs.

• Pros: Deep data operations and strong visual flow management.

• Cons: Advanced features can be challenging to debug if not well documented.

• Advice: Consider isolating complex logic in sub-scenarios and documenting interface contracts.

Zapier

Zapier provides options for paths, loop steps, and code modules. Its Tables and Interfaces features enable light internal databases and input forms, allowing teams to create simple internal tools and run multi-step automations without heavy IT intervention.

• Pros: Well-rounded feature set for teams with mixed technical backgrounds.

• Cons: State management for complex automations can get complicated.

• Advice: Keep custom code steps concise and manage extended logic in your CRM or database systems.

Reliability, monitoring, and error handling

Automation failures risk both revenue and reputation. Clear visibility, effective retries, and customizable error handling are essential.

Make

Make’s execution logs let users inspect data payloads for each automation step, and its replay functionality allows failed runs to be reprocessed. Errors can be routed to specialized handlers, with customizable alerting to quickly resolve incident disruptions.

• Pros: Comprehensive observability and flexible error handling.

• Cons: Large volumes of logs may be overwhelming to new operators.

• Advice: Categorize scenarios, standardize error log outputs, and set up on-call alert procedures.

Zapier

Zapier tracks every task’s run history with clear status indicators and auto-retry for failed steps. Owners receive email alerts on failures, and managers can monitor automation health through centralized dashboards.

• Pros: Easy-to-understand task history and straightforward alerting.

• Cons: Some complex automations offer limited insight into payload details for troubleshooting.

• Advice: Tag each run with unique request IDs and connect logs to your CRM or ticketing platform for traceability.

Collaboration and governance controls

Scaling automation requires controls over access, reviews, and implementation changes to minimize risk.

Make

Make features, like assigning roles and creating folders, allow for effective team management and separation of duties. For higher subscription plans, there is an option to create separate environments which can be utilized to stage and thoroughly test automation changes prior to going live. Audit trails support compliance and change reviews.

• Pros: Structured workspaces and granular team management for specialist and cross-functional teams.

• Cons: Advanced governance features vary depending on the plan tier.

• Advice: Integrate mandatory peer reviews before shifting workflows into active production environments.

Zapier

Zapier enables collaboration through shared folders and user-level permissions, suitable for cross-departmental automation building. Enterprise plans unlock powerful administrative controls and provisioning, ideal for large organizations with extensive automation needs.

• Pros: Strong support for collaborative project management.

• Cons: Shared environments may become disorganized without enforced naming and documentation standards.

• Advice: Use naming prefixes, set clear ownership for each automation, and establish lifecycle rules for folder contents.

Security and compliance posture

Security and regulatory compliance, such as data handling requirements and access controls, are crucial for passing business audits and satisfying legal teams.

Make

Make offers strong security features for enterprise needs, including configurable controls, Single Sign-On (SSO), and Data Processing Agreements (DPAs). Flexible data routing and retention settings ensure compliance with common internal policies, but always verify the latest regional options with your security team.

• Pros: Customizable compliance controls, suitable for regulated industries and sensitive data management.

• Cons: Specific security options may differ by region and subscription plan.

• Advice: Always review current compliance documents and validate data residency requirements.

Zapier

Zapier provides a comprehensive suite of compliance options and supports Single Sign-On (SSO) for secure user access. Its enterprise features allow for simplified user provisioning and detailed audit trails, streamlining the approval process in most vendor security evaluations.

• Pros: Recognized and robust compliance posture for enterprise environments.

• Cons: Some granular controls are accessible only on higher-tier plans.

• Advice: Align Zapier’s retention and compliance settings with your organization’s CRM and ticketing systems.

Support, documentation, and community

When automations stall, responsive support and an active community make troubleshooting and upskilling faster and more effective.

Make

Make’s community of builders actively shares automation blueprints for CRM, project management, and other use cases. Implementation partners can assist with custom deployments, and documentation covers complex mapping topics well, helping technical users go further.

• Pros: In-depth guides and support for advanced configurations.

• Cons: Limited beginner templates for those new to automation.

• Advice: Develop internal templates and starter guides for the most common workflows your teams encounter.

Zapier

Zapier’s abundant tutorials and certified experts make it easy for users at all levels to quickly resolve common issues. Its template library covers scenarios across sales, marketing, and operations, enabling even new hires to self-serve and find answers rapidly.

• Pros: Extensive knowledge base and easy-to-follow documentation.

• Cons: Best practices often focus on straightforward automations, leaving advanced scenarios less covered.

• Advice: Supplement publicly available documentation with internal standards to prevent siloed or ad hoc approaches.

Practical examples for CRM, projects, and knowledge

Here are some common B2B workflow patterns and how each platform supports them:

• Sales handoff: Capture leads from web forms, enrich them, create CRM deals, and post to project boards.

• Support escalations: Convert high-priority tickets into engineering tasks, with status updates syncing both ways.

• Revenue operations: Sync invoice statuses to your CRM and notify account owners to trigger dunning tasks.

• Knowledge updates: Publish product updates to internal knowledge hubs and tag related support tickets for reference.

For more adaptable automation ideas, see essential B2B sales automation strategies that maintain pipeline hygiene.

Conclusion

Choose Make if your automation needs are complex, involve significant data processing, or operate at high volume; its visual tools and powerful mapping reduce the need for custom coding while keeping per-unit costs low.

Opt for Zapier if your teams need to roll out a wide variety of simple automations and value rapid onboarding; its extensive integration catalog and ready-made templates make it easy to realize value immediately.

FAQ

What is the primary difference in the pricing models of Make and Zapier?

Make charges based on operations, which can be beneficial for complex workflows but hard to predict costs. Zapier, on the other hand, charges per task, making its expenses more predictable for straightforward automations but costly for complex ones.

How does the integration coverage differ between Make and Zapier?

Make offers advanced modules with precise data handling, especially valuable for complex tasks, but lacks many ready-to-use templates. Zapier boasts a vast array of integrations and templates, ideal for quick setups but less suited for deep customizations.

Which platform is easier for non-technical users to adopt?

Zapier is generally more user-friendly for non-technical users due to its guided builder and accessible templates. While Make's visual interface is powerful, it requires a technical background to effectively utilize its advanced features.

How do Make and Zapier handle workflow sophistication and developer features?

Make excels with advanced data operations like routers and iterators, catering to technical users. In contrast, Zapier provides easier tools for mixed teams but can struggle with state management in complex workflows.

What are the reliability and monitoring capabilities of the two platforms?

Make offers comprehensive observability with detailed logs and customizable error handling. Zapier, however, provides straightforward task tracking and alerting, but may lack depth in troubleshooting detailed payloads.

What collaboration and governance controls do Make and Zapier provide?

Make’s role assignments and folder creation support structured team management, though features vary by plan. Zapier's collaborative tools, like shared folders, are intuitive but require disciplined organization to prevent clutter.

Which platform offers better security and compliance features?

Make provides customizable compliance controls and DPAs suitable for regulated industries. Zapier is known for its robust compliance settings, though granular controls are more accessible in higher-tier plans.

How does the community support differ between Make and Zapier?

Make has a focused community around complex configurations but offers fewer beginner templates. Zapier, in contrast, boasts an abundant knowledge base and tutorials, making it easier for users to troubleshoot and learn.

Which platform is better for complex and high-volume automation needs?

Make is more suited for complex, high-volume workflows due to its advanced visual tools and cost-effectiveness. Zapier is advantageous for simple automations needing quick deployment but becomes costly with complexity.