If you run a small business in the US, you are likely looking for a Zapier vs Make comparison to save money on automation.
For the last decade, Zapier has been the default choice for connecting apps like Gmail, Slack, and QuickBooks. It is famous for being easy to use, but that convenience comes with a high price tag.
Enter Make (formerly Integromat). It is the cheaper, more powerful challenger that is rapidly stealing market share from Zapier.
So, which one should you trust with your business data in 2026?
- The Verdict Upfront: If you want simple, “set-and-forget” tasks and have a budget, stick with Zapier. If you want to save 80% on costs and build complex workflows, switch to Make.
Here is the deep dive comparison.
Zapier vs Make: At a Glance
Before we get into the details, here is how they stack up for the average American business owner:
| Feature | Zapier | Make (formerly Integromat) |
| Best For | Beginners & Simple Tasks | Budget-Conscious & Complex Flows |
| Pricing | Expensive (Starts ~$19.99/mo) | Affordable (Starts ~$9/mo) |
| Pricing Model | Per “Task” (Action only) | Per “Operation” (Action + Trigger) |
| Ease of Use | Very Easy (Linear List) | Medium (Visual Drag-and-Drop) |
| AI Features | Excellent (Zapier Central/Canvas) | Good (AI Assistant) |
| Support | Email & Chat | Ticket-based |
Zapier vs Make Pricing: The “Make” Advantage
This is usually the deciding factor for small businesses. Zapier is significantly more expensive than Make.
Zapier’s Pricing
Zapier charges you per “Task.” A task is counted every time an action is successfully completed.
- Starter Plan: ~$19.99/month for 750 tasks.
- Cost per Task: Approx $0.026.
Make’s Pricing
Make charges you per “Operation.”
- Core Plan: ~$9/month for 10,000 operations.
- Cost per Operation: Approx $0.0009.
The Math: For $20 on Zapier, you get 750 actions. For $9 on Make, you get 10,000 actions.
Even though Make counts “triggers” as operations (which Zapier does not), Make is still roughly 10x cheaper for the average user. If you are bootstrapping a startup, Make is the clear winner.
2. Ease of Use: The “Zapier” Advantage
While Make wins on price, Zapier wins on simplicity.
Zapier uses a “Linear” Editor.
It looks like a simple to-do list:
- Trigger: New Email in Gmail.
- Action: Send message to Slack.This is perfect for business owners who are not “tech-savvy.” You generally cannot “break” a Zap; the system guides you through every step.
Make uses a “Visual Canvas.”
It looks like a mind map or a flowchart with bubbles floating on a screen. You can drag bubbles around, connect them with lines, and watch the data flow in real-time.
- Pro: You can visualize complex logic (e.g., “If the email has an invoice, go Up; if it has a complaint, go Down”).
- Con: It has a steeper learning curve. If you are scared of flowcharts, Make might feel overwhelming at first.
3. The 2026 Factor: AI & Automation
In 2026, you shouldn’t just be connecting apps—you should be using AI to do the work for you.
Zapier is currently leading the AI race with two key features:
- Zapier Canvas: This tool lets you diagram your business process, and then uses AI to automatically build the Zaps for you. It solves the “blank page” problem.
- Zapier Central: An AI assistant that can act as a “brain” across your apps, capable of executing tasks just by you chatting with it.
Make has AI capabilities (like an AI assistant to help configure modules), but it is more focused on being a “builder’s tool” rather than an “AI assistant.”
Zapier vs Make: Final Recommendation
Which one should you sign up for today?
Choose Zapier If:
- You have a flexible budget and time is your most valuable asset.
- You only need simple, one-step automations (e.g., “Send Facebook Lead to Email”).
- You want excellent customer support and the easiest interface on the market.
Choose Make If:
- You are price-sensitive and want to lower your monthly software bills.
- You need to process “bulk” data (e.g., uploading 500 rows from a spreadsheet to a database).
- You want to build advanced logic (loops, routers, and complex filters) without paying for an Enterprise plan.
For most US small businesses starting out in 2026, Make offers the best value for money. However, if you want the “Apple” experience of automation—premium, easy, and polished—Zapier is still the king. Ultimately, the Zapier vs Make decision comes down to your budget.
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