Zapier vs Make: what’s the difference (and which one should you choose?)
- Samir Kilani
- Apr 18
- 3 min read
A. Why this article?
You want to save time, reduce manual clicks, and automate repetitive tasks. Makes sense. But where do you start? Many entrepreneurs hesitate between Zapier and Make. They seem similar—but they’re very different once you dig in.
This article compares both tools on cost, usability, flexibility and AI features, so you can choose what fits your business best.
B. What are Zapier and Make?
Both tools let you connect apps and automate workflows—without writing code. For example:
Form submission → confirmation email → customer record
New lead → start email sequence
Appointment booked → send payment link → ask for review
Zapier works with “Zaps” – simple step-by-step flows.Make uses “scenarios” – visual workflows with logic, branches and more depth.
C. Ease of use vs flexibility
Feature | Zapier | Make |
Interface | Simple, linear | Visual, modular with routers and filters |
Learning curve | Very beginner-friendly | Slightly more technical, but more powerful |
Debugging | Limited visibility into steps | Full logs and step-by-step inspection |
Flexibility | Limited branching or conditions | Full logic control, iterations, routers |
Conclusion:Zapier is great for getting started.Make is better if your flows get more complex.
D. What does it actually cost?
It’s hard to compare 1-to-1. Zapier charges per task, Make charges per operation.A simple flow (e.g. form → email → CRM) might use 3–5 tasks per run in Zapier. In Make, that same flow might be 10 operations—but the free plan lets you run more.
Scenario | Zapier (Starter) | Make (Core) |
Simple flow (3 steps, 100 runs/mo) | ~300 tasks → €19.99/mo | ~1000 ops → €9/mo |
Complex flow (with branching) | 600–1200 tasks → €49+/mo | 2000–4000 ops → €9–16/mo |
Free plans:
Zapier: 100 tasks/month, max. 5 Zaps
Make: 1000 operations/month, 2 scenarios, includes webhooks
Conclusion:Make is more cost-effective as you scale. It offers more for free and stays cheaper long-term.
E. AI: Zapier Agents vs Make AI
Both tools now offer AI agents—automated flows that can respond, write, summarize or make decisions.
Zapier Agents: Easy to set up, works with standard prompts and fixed outputs. Less control.
Make AI Agents: More visual and customizable, can use your own models or APIs. Greater flexibility and reliability.
Our experience at FlowBuildr:Make gives you better control and more robust error handling. If you’re using AI for customer communication, content or logic—you want visibility. And Make gives you that.
F. So… which tool should you choose?
Choose Zapier if:
You’re just getting started with automation
Your flows are simple and linear
You don’t have time to learn another system
Choose Make if:
You need branching, filters, or complex logic
You want scalable, maintainable flows
You plan to use AI, APIs or custom triggers
G. Common mistakes
⚠️ “Zapier is easier, so it must be better”→ True for very small flows. But if you grow, you’ll hit limits fast.
⚠️ “Make is only for tech people”→ It looks technical at first, but is very logical once you start.
⚠️ “The free version will do for now”→ Until you use it daily. Then you need error handling and flexibility.
H. Final thoughts
Both tools help you save time and reduce manual work.Whether you choose Make or Zapier, you’re moving in the right direction.
But if you want automation that’s:
Scalable
Reliable
Easy to maintain
…FlowBuildr can build it for you.We translate your processes into clear, smart, no-nonsense automation.
[See examples] https://www.flowbuildr.nl/use-cases
or book a call
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