Make
Visual workflow automation with real power — more capable than Zapier, more approachable than n8n.
By Shaun · Co-founder
Make (formerly Integromat) is a visual automation platform that connects apps, APIs, and services into multi-step workflows using a drag-and-drop canvas. Where Zapier handles simple linear automations, Make handles complex branching logic — conditional routes, iterators, error handling, and data transformation — all visually without code. Its operations-based pricing model is significantly cheaper than Zapier at scale: workflows that would cost $50/mo on Zapier often run under $10 on Make. The platform integrates with 3,000+ apps including Google Workspace, Slack, HubSpot, Airtable, Shopify, and webhook-compatible APIs. Make occupies the middle ground between Zapier (simpler, pricier) and n8n (more powerful, self-hosted) — it is the go-to choice for automation consultants who want to build sophisticated workflows without the infrastructure overhead of running n8n.
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Our Rating
8.5/10
Pricing
Free (1,000 ops/mo) · Core from $9/mo
Best For
Small businesses and consultants running multi-step automations without writing code
Category
SaaS
Quick Verdict
Make is the best-value automation platform for users who need more than Zapier but aren't ready for n8n's technical demands. The operations model means workflows that cost $50/mo on Zapier can run for $9 on Make — that pricing advantage compounds fast as automation complexity grows. The learning curve is real but surmountable, and the visual canvas pays dividends once you understand it. For automation consultants building client workflows and small businesses running multi-step processes, Make is the most cost-effective professional-grade option available.
Key Facts
| Tool | Make (formerly Integromat) |
| Founded | 2012 · Prague, Czech Republic (rebranded to Make in 2022) |
| Best for | Automation consultants, small business ops, multi-step complex workflows |
| Free tier | 1,000 operations/mo, 2 active scenarios |
| App integrations | 3,000+ including HTTP module for any REST API |
| Last verified | May 14, 2026 |
Pros & Cons
What works
- Operations-based pricing makes complex multi-step workflows dramatically cheaper than Zapier's per-task model
- 3,000+ app integrations including HTTP/Webhook modules for connecting to any REST API without an official integration
- Visual canvas handles complex logic: parallel branches, iterators, routers, error handlers, and data aggregators
- Built-in error handling with automatic retry, error routes, and execution logs for debugging failures
- Free tier includes 1,000 operations/month — enough to test and build automations before committing
- Strong community with thousands of pre-built scenario templates for common use cases
What doesn't
- Steeper learning curve than Zapier — the visual canvas is powerful but takes time to master for non-technical users
- Free tier limits to 2 active scenarios, which restricts how much you can run in production without upgrading
- "Operations" as a pricing unit is less intuitive than Zapier's per-task model — budgeting can be unclear for new users
- Support response times vary on lower tiers; priority support requires Pro or higher
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0/mo | Testing and learning — 1,000 operations/mo, 2 active scenarios |
| Core | $9/mo | Individual automators and freelancers — 10,000 operations/mo, unlimited scenarios, minimum 5-minute interval |
| Pro | $16/mo | Power users and consultants — 10,000 operations/mo, 1-minute intervals, priority execution, full history |
| Teams | $29/mo | Small teams needing shared workspaces and team management features |
| Enterprise | Custom | Large organisations with SSO, SLA guarantees, and dedicated support requirements |
Who It's For
The combination of visual power, cheap operations pricing, and 3,000+ integrations makes Make the preferred tool for building client automations that are too complex for Zapier but don't need n8n's full technical depth
Handles the real-world complexity of business workflows — multi-step sequences, conditional logic, error recovery — at a price that fits small business budgets
Strong for reporting automation, client data pipelines, and social media workflows. CRM integrations (HubSpot, Salesforce) are solid though not as deep as dedicated marketing automation tools
Make is learnable without code, but requires more investment than Zapier to get started. For users wanting the simplest possible setup, Zapier is the easier entry point
Make can handle enterprise workflows but lacks the self-hosting option, compliance certifications, and deep IT admin controls that large enterprises typically require — n8n or dedicated iPaaS platforms are usually a better fit
How It Compares
| Dimension | Make | Zapier | n8n |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Operations-based | Per-task | Execution-based (cloud) / Free (self-hosted) |
| Complexity handled | High (branching, iterators) | Low-medium (linear flows) | Very high (code + visual) |
| Learning curve | Moderate | Low | High |
| Free tier | 1,000 ops/mo, 2 scenarios | 100 tasks/mo, 5 Zaps | Self-hosted: free |
| Entry price | $9/mo (Core) | $19.99/mo (Starter) | €20/mo (cloud) |
| App integrations | 3,000+ | 6,000+ | 500+ native |
Our Rating
Our Verdict
Make earns its 8.5 by being the most honest middle ground in automation: meaningfully more powerful than Zapier, meaningfully more accessible than n8n, and priced in a way that makes complex workflows economically sensible. The 9.5 on Value is the standout — the operations model genuinely undercuts Zapier by 3–5× for workflows that run frequently or process large data volumes. The 8.0 on Ease of Use is honest: it rewards investment in learning, but that investment is not optional. For automation consultants, the combination of power and price is unmatched. For businesses already running profitably on Zapier, the switching cost may not be worth it unless your automation volume is high. For new builders starting fresh, Make is the right starting platform.
Try Make FreeAffiliate Disclosure: ToolNav earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial rating or recommendation. Pricing verified May 14, 2026 — may vary by region; always confirm at Make's official site before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an "operation" in Make pricing?
Each time a module (app connection) processes data in a scenario run counts as one operation. A scenario that runs once and passes through 5 modules uses 5 operations. Simple linear automations use few operations; complex scenarios with iterators, aggregators, or large data sets can use many per run. The Core plan's 10,000 operations cover moderate-complexity automations run a few hundred times per month.
Make vs Zapier — when should I choose each?
Zapier for simplicity and the largest app library — it supports 6,000+ apps and has the gentlest learning curve. Make for value and complexity — workflows that need branching logic, error handling, or run more than a few hundred times per month are dramatically cheaper on Make. If your workflow is simple and you value setup speed over long-term cost, Zapier wins. If you're building for a client or running automations at volume, Make usually wins on cost.
Can Make.com connect to any app or API?
Yes. Beyond its 3,000+ native app integrations, Make's HTTP module lets you connect to any REST API by configuring requests manually. This means if your specific app isn't on the native integration list, you can usually still connect it — though it requires reading the API documentation and setting up authentication manually.
Is Make suitable for non-technical users?
It is learnable without code — most of Make's functionality is visual. However, users coming from Zapier should expect a 2–4 week learning curve before the canvas feels natural. The scenario templates in the Make community help significantly. If you want the simplest possible automation setup with minimal learning, Zapier remains the easier entry point.
Can I use Make for AI-powered automations?
Yes — Make has native modules for Claude, ChatGPT, and other AI services that you can connect within visual scenarios. This makes it well-suited for building AI-enhanced workflows: classify incoming emails with Claude, generate content, summarize documents, and route based on AI output — all without code. This AI integration capability is a strong selling point for the Make.com automation consultancy playbook.
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