The Ultimate Automation Battle: Make vs. Zapier
Want to save time and money while automating your business with AI tools like ChatGPT or Claude? If you're looking to streamline your workflows, integrate AI seamlessly, and maximize efficiency, then two names dominate the automation space: Make (formerly Integromat) and Zapier.
But which one should you choose? The cost, ease of use, and scalability of your automation tool can significantly impact your business. Whether you’re a budget-conscious entrepreneur or a time-strapped executive, knowing the differences can save you thousands.
⚡ The Short Version: Make vs. Zapier at a Glance
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick breakdown of the key differences:
🏆 Make vs. Zapier: Breaking Down the Costs
The price tag is only the beginning. Many automation users get blindsided by hidden costs—and those fees can add up quickly.
💸 Hidden Costs That Sting:
Make (Integromat) Hidden Fees:
You pay for every API polling request, even when no data changes.
Example: Checking a CRM every 5 minutes for updates can cost $5+ per month, even if no data updates.
Complex workflows with multiple branches consume more operations, raising your costs.
Zapier’s Costly Limits:
AI features like OpenAI integrations cost extra.
The $24.99/month starter plan limits you to 750 tasks—which disappear quickly.
To remove 15-minute trigger delays (critical for real-time AI), you must upgrade to the $61/month Pro plan.
🤖 Real-World Cost Comparison: AI-Powered Automations
Let’s say you run three daily AI-driven workflows:
Lead enrichment: Pulls data from LinkedIn, scores leads, and adds them to a CRM.
Support emails: Automates AI-powered customer service responses.
Data sync: Updates Google Sheets with AI-analyzed reports.
Cost Breakdown:
With Make, you save nearly 80% compared to Zapier—assuming you optimize your workflows and avoid excessive API polling.
🔥 Pro Tip: Budget-Friendly Alternatives
Want even more savings? Here are two lesser-known automation tools worth checking out:
Integrately: $29.99/month for 50,000 actions (better pricing than Zapier!).
Relay.app: $29/month for 200 workflow steps + 500 AI credits (great for AI-driven automations!).
🏆 Choosing the Right Tool for Your Business
Now, let’s match your business needs to the right automation platform:
👉 Team "Pinch Pennies" – If you’re focused on cost-efficiency and don’t mind a learning curve, Make is the better choice.
👉 Team "Time > Money" – If you value simplicity and reliability over costs, Zapier’s plug-and-play approach is best.
👉 Team "Why Not Both?" – Not sure which to choose? Test both tools with their free tiers before committing.
🚀 The Future of AI Automation: Who Wins?
Both Make and Zapier have strengths and weaknesses, but AI-powered workflows are the future. Choosing the right automation tool can save you time, money, and frustration.
At the end of the day, the winner is the one that best fits your needs. So, which side are you on?
👇 Drop a 🙋 in the comments if you've battled these tools and share your experience!
