AI Automation · Pricing comparison
Make vs Zapier: Pricing
Zapier is easier and connects more apps. Make is much cheaper once your automations run at volume.
Last checked September 27, 2026
At a glance
Make is the cheaper option ($7.99/mo less), both offer a free plan.
Our take
Zapier's free plan covers 100 tasks a month, and Professional starts at $19.99/mo billed yearly. Make's free plan includes 1,000 credits a month, and Core is $12/mo for 10,000 credits. At the entry level, Make gives far more runs per dollar.
Zapier connects to 8,000+ apps and builds automations from a plain-English description, which makes it the fastest way to a working workflow. Make's visual builder handles branching logic that Zapier charges premium tiers for, but it takes longer to learn.
The gap widens as you grow, because Zapier charges per task. Simple, business-critical automations fit Zapier. Complex or high-volume workflows fit Make.
- Choose Make if you run many automations or complex branching workflows on a budget.
- Choose Zapier if you want the fastest setup and your apps are niche.
Watch out: Estimate your monthly task volume first. It changes which tool is cheaper more than any plan feature does.
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Make vs Zapier: side-by-side
| Feature | Make | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Category | AI Automation | AI Automation |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan details | Free plan with 1,000 operations/month. | Free plan with 100 tasks/month and basic Zaps. |
| Starting price | $12/mo (Core) | $19.99/mo (Professional, billed yearly) |
| Highest known plan | $38/mo (Teams), custom Enterprise | $69/mo+ (Team), scaling with tasks |
| Trial of paid plan | No (free plan instead) | No (free plan instead) |
| Best for | Ops-minded teams with intricate workflows and a budget | Non-technical teams wanting the fastest path to working automation |
| Team support | Yes | Yes |
| API access | Yes | Yes |
| Editor rating | 4.3 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
Pricing and free plans
Make uses a freemium model, starting at $12/mo (Core). Pricing is credit-based: Core $12/mo, Pro $21/mo and Teams $38/mo for 10k credits, scaling with volume. Annual billing saves 15% or more. Free plan includes 1,000 credits/month. Its free plan: Free plan with 1,000 operations/month.
Zapier uses a freemium model, starting at $19.99/mo (Professional, billed yearly). Professional starts at $19.99/mo and Team at $69/mo on annual billing; prices scale with task volume. Separate Agents and Chatbots products have their own plans. Its free plan: Free plan with 100 tasks/month and basic Zaps.
Which is cheaper?
If budget is the deciding factor, Make wins on entry price. If output quality or specific features matter more, weigh the feature lists below before deciding.
Make: pros and cons
Pros
- ~60% cheaper than Zapier at volume
- Powerful branching logic
- Generous ops allowances
Cons
- Steeper learning curve
- Fewer apps than Zapier
- Debugging complex scenarios takes skill
Zapier: pros and cons
Pros
- Biggest integration catalog
- Fastest to first automation
- AI agent layer included
Cons
- Per-task cost explodes at scale
- Add-ons for AI features
- Overage billing complaints
Who each tool is best for
- Best for beginners: Make — lower barrier to entry and easier to start for free or cheaply.
- Best for teams: Make.
- Make is best for: Ops-minded teams with intricate workflows and a budget.
- Zapier is best for: Non-technical teams wanting the fastest path to working automation.
Verdict
Zapier is easier and connects more apps. Make is much cheaper once your automations run at volume. Choose Make if you run many automations or complex branching workflows on a budget; choose Zapier if you want the fastest setup and your apps are niche.
Make vs Zapier FAQ
Which is cheaper, Make or Zapier?
Make has the cheaper entry price — about $7.99/mo less. Make starts at $12/mo (Core), while Zapier starts at $19.99/mo (Professional, billed yearly).
Does Make or Zapier have a free plan?
Both offer a free plan. Make: Free plan with 1,000 operations/month. Zapier: Free plan with 100 tasks/month and basic Zaps.
Is Make or Zapier better for beginners?
Make tends to be the easier starting point thanks to its pricing and free access, though both cover the same core ai automation needs.
Which is better for teams?
Make is the stronger team pick given its collaboration support and rating.