Make vs Zapier: How Are We Different?
There is no doubt that Zapier has been a pioneer in the workflow automation space.
However, as the novelty fades out, the need for a powerful automation tool with extended capabilities and features becomes more evident than, say, a couple of years ago.
This represents one of the main reasons why Zapier users start considering Make, as our platform allows you to:
Create complex integrations and automate larger workflows.
Get access to exclusive, unique features that are not available on Zapier.
Expand automation capabilities for a fraction of what Zapier costs.
If you are reading this, you might be in the process of switching from Zapier to Make, or at least looking for alternatives to Zapier.
In this article, we will address some of the most pressing questions you have, including:
What are the differences between Make and Zapier?
How to transition from Zapier to Make?
We understand the factors that come into play during these moments, and this is why we'll provide you with a clear view of why Make is the best Zapier alternative out there.
What are the differences between Make and Zapier?
The first difference you will notice is how both platforms look and feel.
Make features a visual automation builder - the scenario editor - that is easier to use when compared to Zapier's linear, table-like builder.
Our drag-and-drop scenario editor allows you to visually create, edit, and expand your automations in a logical, game-like manner.
Aside from being more user-friendly, the scenario editor also shows processes executing in real-time:
This looks pretty slick but also happens to be a quite powerful aspect of Make.
Scenarios can grow in size and complexity, and being able to visualize every module at a glance provides:
Clarity: Getting a clear view of scenarios is key to understanding processes and improving them over time (when necessary). This is a strong visual aid for grasping data flows and results.
Error handling: Seeing and locating errors where they happen is not only important but also vital to addressing issues on a granular level.
Flexibility: Our scenario editor makes it easy to rearrange, duplicate, share, copy and maintain workflows. There's a lot less guesswork involved when everything is clearly displayed in front of you.
On top of the interface, there are several differences between Make and Zapier. Let's go over them one by one.
Apps and API endpoints
It is well-known that Zapier features thousands of apps (5,000+), but it's not the only platform to do so, as Make features 1,600+ apps itself (and counting).
However, the number of apps doesn't tell the whole story in regard to possibilities. This is where API endpoints come into play.
Make currently features 2x more API endpoints per app than Zapier. Simply put, Make allows you to automate more actions within your apps.
On top of this, you can connect to any app that has an API by using Make's HTTP module.
This means that even if an app is not officially available on Make but there's an available API for that app, you can connect that API to other apps with the HTTP module.
Features, tools, and capabilities
This is where Make takes the cake, as it provides a series of features that are unique and native to the platform.
These are:
Multi-step workflows and instant webhook execution in all pricing plans. There's no waiting for an "update time" for simple 1-1 integrations.
Multiple workspaces, custom user roles, and teams. One company = one Make account where you determine who gets access to what.
Unlimited use of all tools including filters, functions, and routers (paths) on all plans.
Re-arrange your workflows however you want - change the order of the apps at will.
Scenario inputs to trigger automations.
On-demand scheduling to trigger scenarios via authorized API calls.
The option to disable logging of transmitted data (useful for when you work with sensitive data!).
Advanced error handling. Make allows you to be proactive and define the actions that will be taken when your scenarios fail. A very important part of running mission-critical processes!
Aggregators to merge data as you need.
Users can choose where to start processing the data in their scenarios.
Encode and decode URLs within text and binary functions.
Array manipulation, JSON/XML parsing and serialization, cycles, and transactions.
While Zapier is a functional tool for simple integrations, Make offers a range of features that is unparalleled.
Using Make represents a serious upgrade in light of the challenges users and businesses face on a recurring basis.
Features that are present in Zapier, but improved by Make
Uniqueness aside, there are also a handful of features that Zapier has, and that Make has mastered. These are:
An unlimited number of routes in a scenario. Zapier allows for a maximum of five "paths" in each zap, while Make doesn't put a cap on how many routes you want to use.
Working with files, including manipulation and archiving. Zapier does provide some file manipulation capabilities, but not as advanced as Make.
Terminology
You will also notice that the terminology between Make and Zapier is different. From “zaps” to “scenarios”, Make’s basic terms differ from Zapier’s.
You can refer to the following list to avoid getting lost in translation:
Plans and pricing
In Make, you get charged per operation, while in Zapier you get charged per zap.
What's the difference?
By charging users per operation, Make provides a full-service platform at a more affordable price point than Zapier (depending on your usage). See more on our pricing page.
Also, it's important to mention that you have to keep upgrading your Zapier plan to get access to more features.
In turn, all the features you need to create complex and scalable scenarios are available in all Make plans.
If more bang for your buck is the factor that tilts the scales for you, Make is the best alternative to Zapier you will find.
The smooth transition from Zapier to Make
Based on Zapier's recent pricing changes and Make's continued growth as a platform, switching from Zapier to Make is the logical step for many users.
Moreover, building scenarios in Make is a fun activity, and spending time doing so is a great way to get accustomed to how the platform works.
As you do so, we invite you to explore our plans and sign up for a free Make account to get a first-hand impression of what our platform can do for you and your business.
If still in doubt, feel free to visit the Make Community and find out why thousands of people love Make.
We'd be happy to have you on our side, and provide you with the best automation platform there is!
This post was originally published in October 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness in December, 2022.
