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If you're looking at automation tools in 2026, the zapier vs make debate is almost certainly on your radar. Both platforms connect your apps and automate workflows. Both have loyal users who'll swear theirs is better. And both have genuine strengths worth understanding before you commit.
This isn't a rehash of feature lists. This comparison covers what actually matters for business owners: cost, complexity, reliability and which tool fits which type of business. If you're evaluating a zapier alternative, this is the guide you need.
Zapier is better for simple automations, non-technical teams and businesses that want to move fast without learning a new interface.
Make (formerly Integromat) is better for complex workflows, cost-sensitive businesses and teams with some technical aptitude who want more control.
Now let's unpack why.
Zapier uses a trigger → action model. Something happens in App A, Zapier does something in App B. You can chain multiple steps together, add filters and conditional logic, but the mental model is always linear: step 1, step 2, step 3.
This makes Zapier incredibly easy to learn. If you can follow a recipe, you can build a Zap.
Make uses a visual scenario builder. You see your entire workflow as a flowchart — triggers, routers, iterators, aggregators, error handlers. You can build branching logic, parallel processing and loops visually.
This gives you far more power but comes with a steeper learning curve. Make's interface assumes you understand concepts like data mapping and array processing.
This is often the deciding factor, and rightfully so.
A "task" is each action in a Zap. A 5-step Zap that runs once uses 5 tasks.
An "operation" is roughly equivalent to a Zapier task, but Make's free tier and paid tiers are significantly more generous.
For a business running 5,000 automations per month:
That's a 5x price difference for equivalent usage. At scale, the gap widens. Businesses running tens of thousands of automations monthly can save hundreds of pounds by choosing Make as their zapier alternative.
Verdict: Zapier has more integrations. Make covers all the popular apps and lets you connect to anything via HTTP. Unless you need a very niche app that only Zapier supports, this difference is shrinking.
Both handle these identically. Pick whichever you prefer.
Zapier can do this with Paths and Filters. Make handles it more elegantly with visual routers. Make's approach is clearer when you have multiple branches.
Make is significantly more capable. Features like:
Zapier can approximate some of these with workarounds, but it's fighting its own architecture. Make was built for this complexity.
Verdict: For anything beyond basic automations, Make gives you more tools. Zapier prioritises simplicity, which is a strength until it becomes a limitation.
Verdict: Zapier is easier to learn. If your team includes people who aren't comfortable with technology, Zapier reduces the friction significantly.
Verdict: Make. When automations fail (and they will), Make gives you far better tools to understand why and fix it. Zapier's error handling is rudimentary by comparison.
Verdict: Make is more flexible on timing. Zapier's 15-minute polling on lower plans can be a genuine issue for time-sensitive automations.
Both platforms have added AI capabilities:
Verdict: Roughly equivalent. Both are integrating AI features aggressively. Zapier's natural language builder is slightly more polished; Make's AI modules offer more control.
Choose Zapier if:
Choose Make if:
Some businesses use Zapier for simple, quick automations and Make for complex workflows. There's no rule saying you can only pick one.
However, managing automations across two platforms adds overhead. For most businesses, committing to one platform and learning it properly yields better results than splitting attention.
For small businesses with non-technical teams doing straightforward automations: Zapier. The ease of use justifies the higher cost.
For growing businesses with any technical capability doing complex workflows: Make. The power and cost savings compound over time.
For businesses that aren't sure: start with Zapier on the free plan, build a few automations, and see if you hit its limitations. If you do, test Make. The free tiers on both are generous enough for a proper evaluation.
Whether you choose Zapier, Make or both, getting your automations set up properly from the start saves money and headaches down the line.
At zapierconsultant.co.uk, we specialise in automation strategy and implementation. We'll audit your current setup, design workflows that actually make sense for your business, and build everything properly — for a flat £1,500.
Book a free discovery call with Blue Canvas AI and let's figure out which tool (and which automations) will make the biggest impact on your business.
Ready to get started? Book a free discovery call with Blue Canvas AI and let's discuss how we can help your business.
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