You’re probably automating tasks right now — whether that’s syncing customer data, posting social updates, or moving files between apps. The question isn’t whether you need automation. It’s whether Zapier is the tool that should be doing it, or if you’re better off with Make (formerly Integromat).
I’ve deployed both tools across small business clients. Here’s what actually matters when you’re choosing between them.
What You’re Actually Paying For
Zapier starts at $29.99/month for 750 tasks. Make starts at $10.59/month for 10,000 operations. That pricing gap looks dramatic, but it’s not apples-to-apples. Zapier counts each action in a workflow as one task. Make counts data operations differently — you’ll burn through operations faster than you expect if you’re processing large datasets or using loops.
For most small businesses running simple automations — new lead goes into CRM, invoice gets sent to accounting software, form submission triggers email — Zapier’s task model is clearer. You know exactly how many automations you can run per month. Make’s operation model becomes cost-effective when you’re running complex workflows with conditional logic, but you need to understand data flow to predict your bill.
I’ve seen a consulting client spend three hours trying to understand why their Make scenario ate 4,000 operations in a week. The same workflow in Zapier would have consumed 200 tasks and been completely predictable.
Where Each Tool Actually Wins
Zapier wins on app integrations. As of mid-2026, it supports over 6,000 apps. Make supports around 1,500. If you’re connecting mainstream tools — Gmail, Slack, Google Sheets, HubSpot, QuickBooks — both platforms cover you. But if you’re using a niche industry tool or a newer SaaS product, Zapier usually has the connector first.
Make wins when workflows get complicated. It offers built-in data transformation, error handling routes, and visual scenario mapping that makes complex logic readable. Zapier’s multi-step Zaps work fine for linear processes, but once you need “if this, then that, unless this other thing, then route here” logic, Make’s interface is built for it. Zapier requires workarounds or additional steps that burn tasks.
Make also wins on transparency. You can see exactly what data moved through each module, test individual components, and troubleshoot without running the entire workflow. Zapier’s testing requires you to trigger the whole Zap, which wastes tasks during setup.
| Feature | Zapier | Make |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $29.99/mo (750 tasks) | $10.59/mo (10,000 ops) |
| App Integrations | 6,000+ | 1,500+ |
| Learning Curve | Easy | Moderate |
| Complex Logic | Possible, clunky | Native, visual |
| Best For | Simple automations, broad app needs | Complex workflows, data transformation |
The Verdict for Small Businesses
If you’re automating straightforward tasks and need reliable connections to popular apps, Zapier is worth the premium. It works immediately, the interface is self-explanatory, and you won’t spend billable hours debugging scenarios. [CTA: Try Zapier]
If you’re comfortable with a learning curve and your workflows involve conditional logic, data formatting, or high-volume operations, Make delivers better value once you’re past the setup phase. [CTA: Try Make]
For most StackSmall readers — small teams without dedicated automation specialists — Zapier’s clarity beats Make’s power. You’ll pay more per month, but you’ll actually use it instead of abandoning half-built workflows.
Key takeaways
- Zapier’s task-based pricing is predictable for simple automations; Make’s operation model only makes financial sense when you understand data flow and need complex logic
- Zapier integrates with 6,000+ apps versus Make’s 1,500, which matters if you use niche or newer SaaS tools
- Make wins on power and transparency for complex workflows, but most small teams waste more money learning it than they save on the monthly bill
StackSmall – June 2026