Comparison
Make vs Zapier: which fits your first automation?
Start with the job, then choose the tool.
Documentation-based Facts checked on official pages Oct 21, 2026. Interface labels can change.
Heads up: if you sign up for Make through our links, we may earn a commission. It costs you nothing, and some tools come with free trials or perks. Read the affiliate disclosure
Decision summary
Choose Zapier if your first automation is a simple two-step “when this, do that” and you value a very large app directory. Choose Make if you want branching and filters in a visual builder and a larger free monthly allowance (1,000 credits vs 100 tasks). Both have renewing free plans, so test your real task on both. Neither choice is ranked by commission: we earn from Make’s program and not from Zapier’s.
Which one for your use case?
- Form to CRM, one step: either works; Zapier’s free plan covers it if under 100 tasks a month.
- New row → filter → two destinations: Make’s free plan allows multiple modules; Zapier needs Professional.
- Many niche apps: check each platform’s directory for your exact apps before deciding.
Product details, plans and pricing
The how-to comes first. Below are the product facts, plan limits and prices, taken from official vendor pages. Each fact shows the date it was checked; vendors change plans, so confirm on the official page before you buy.
Side by side
| Make | Zapier | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Renewing 1,000 credits/month | Renewing 100 tasks/month; two-step Zaps |
| How usage is counted | Credits: most module actions use 1; routers and error handlers use 0 | Tasks: each successful action step |
| Multi-step workflows on free | Yes (scenarios with several modules) | No; multi-step needs Professional |
| First paid plan | Core from $12/month billed yearly (10,000 credits) | Professional from $19.99/month |
| Fastest schedule on free | 15 minutes | Not stated on the pricing page we checked |
Prices in USD as shown on official pages. “Billed yearly” is the per-month figure of an annual plan paid up front.
Limitations to check
- A connected app may need its own paid plan for API access.
- Polling triggers are not instant; check intervals.
- Retries can create duplicates; use a unique ID.
Sources
- Make pricing Not affiliate (checked Oct 21, 2026)
- Zapier pricing Not affiliate (checked Oct 21, 2026)
Mishal Brands Editorial. Ordering is alphabetical or by task fit, never by commission. Corrections.