Zapier vs Make (Integromat) vs Power Automate: Complete Comparison 2026

You need to automate workflows across your apps. Zapier costs $50/month. Make says they're "more powerful." Power Automate is "included with Microsoft 365." Which one actually delivers?

I've built 200+ automation workflows across all three platforms over the past two years. This isn't a spec-sheet comparison—it's real-world experience showing you exactly which platform fits which use cases, with honest pros and cons of each.

By the end, you'll know which tool to choose based on your budget, technical skills, ecosystem, and automation complexity.

Quick Comparison Table

Zapier: The Beginner-Friendly Standard

Who it's for: Non-technical users, small businesses, anyone prioritizing ease of use over cost

Strengths

1. Easiest to Learn

Zapier's linear, step-by-step workflow builder is the most intuitive. If you can follow a recipe, you can build a Zap.

Example workflow:

Trigger: New email in Gmail with label "Invoice"
  ↓
Action 1: Extract attachment
  ↓
Action 2: Upload to Google Drive
  ↓
Action 3: Send Slack notification

You literally build it by selecting apps and actions from dropdowns. No programming, no visual diagramming, just follow the path.

2. Massive App Library

6000+ integrations means almost every SaaS tool you use is supported. From mainstream (Salesforce, HubSpot, Gmail) to niche (Airtable, Webflow, ClickUp).

3. Great Documentation and Support

Every integration has clear guides, templates, and video tutorials. Community forums are active. Chat support is responsive.

4. Reliability

Zapier "just works." Their infrastructure is solid, apps rarely break, and updates happen seamlessly.

Limitations

1. Expensive at Scale

The free tier (100 tasks/month) is too limiting. Professional plan ($49/month) gives 750 tasks. Heavy users quickly need Team ($99/month) or higher.

Cost example: A simple 5-step Zap running 500 times/month = 2,500 tasks = $99/month minimum.

2. Limited Logic Complexity

Zapier struggles with:

• Complex conditional logic (nested IF statements)
• Loops and iterations
• Data transformations requiring multiple steps
• Error handling beyond basic retries

3. No Native Data Storage

Can't store data between runs without third-party apps (like Storage by Zapier addon or Airtable).

4. Single Trigger Limitation

Each Zap starts with one trigger. Can't easily say "Trigger on Gmail OR Slack OR SMS."

Best Use Cases for Zapier

✅ Simple, linear workflows
Example: "When Typeform submission → Add to Google Sheets → Send email"

✅ Beginners learning automation
Low barrier to entry, learn principles quickly

✅ Standard business processes
Lead capture, notification systems, data syncing

✅ When reliability > cost
Enterprise users who value uptime and support

When to Avoid Zapier

❌ Complex workflows with branching logic
❌ High-volume automation (expensive)
❌ Need for custom data processing
❌ Budget-conscious small businesses

Zapier Pricing Breakdown (2026)

• Free: 100 tasks/month, 5 Zaps, single-step Zaps
• Professional ($29/month): 750 tasks, unlimited Zaps, multi-step
• Team ($103.50/month): 2,000 tasks, 3 users, premium apps
• Company ($415/month): 50,000 tasks, unlimited users, SSO

Hidden costs: Premium apps (like Salesforce) require higher tiers. AI features cost extra.

Make (formerly Integromat): The Power User's Choice

Who it's for: Technical users, complex workflows, developers who want no-code option

Strengths

1. Visual Flowchart Builder

Make's canvas lets you build automation visually with nodes and connections. See your entire workflow at a glance.

Example:

Trigger: Webhook
    ↓
  [Router]
    ├─→ [Filter: Amount > 1000] → [Update Salesforce] → [Send Email]
    ├─→ [Filter: Amount < 1000] → [Add to Sheets]
    └─→ [Filter: Country = US] → [Create Invoice] → [Store in Drive]

This level of branching is natural in Make, painful in Zapier.

2. Superior Logic and Data Handling

Make excels at:

• Routers: Branch workflows based on multiple conditions
• Iterators: Loop through arrays and process each item
• Aggregators: Combine multiple inputs into one output
• Data Stores: Built-in key-value storage (no external app needed)
• Functions: Text parsing, date math, JSON manipulation built-in

Example workflow impossibility in Zapier: "For each row in a spreadsheet, check if customer exists in CRM. If yes, update record. If no, create new. Then aggregate all changes and send single daily summary email."

In Make: 15 minutes to build.
In Zapier: Need multiple Zaps, external storage, and workarounds.

3. Significantly Cheaper

10x better value than Zapier for same task volume.

Price comparison (monthly):

• 1,000 operations: Make $9, Zapier $19.99
• 10,000 operations: Make $16, Zapier $48.99
• 40,000 operations: Make $29, Zapier $348.99

4. Webhooks and API Flexibility

Make's HTTP modules are more powerful. Easier to integrate with custom APIs or services without official integrations.

Limitations

1. Steeper Learning Curve

The visual builder is powerful but initially confusing. Concepts like routers, aggregators, and iterators require learning.

Time to productivity: Zapier (30 minutes), Make (3-5 hours)

2. Fewer Pre-Built Integrations

1,500 vs Zapier's 6,000. Missing some niche apps.

Workaround: Use webhooks and API modules for missing apps (requires technical skill).

3. Less Polished UX

Interface feels more technical, less consumer-friendly. Documentation is comprehensive but denser.

4. No Mobile App

Can't build or edit workflows on phone (Zapier has mobile app).

Best Use Cases for Make

✅ Complex workflows with branching logic
Example: Multi-step approval processes with different paths

✅ Data transformation and processing
Example: Parse emails, extract data, reformat, route conditionally

✅ High-volume automation on budget
Example: Processing 10,000+ operations monthly

✅ Custom integrations
Example: Connect to internal tools via APIs

✅ Batch processing
Example: Daily aggregation and reporting tasks

When to Avoid Make

❌ Complete beginners (try Zapier first)
❌ Need for 5,000+ app integrations
❌ Mobile workflow editing is essential
❌ Team members are non-technical

Make Pricing Breakdown (2026)

• Free: 1,000 operations/month, 2 active scenarios
• Core ($10.59/month): 10,000 ops, unlimited scenarios
• Pro ($18.82/month): 40,000 ops, advanced features
• Teams ($34.12/month): 80,000 ops, 2 users, team features

No hidden premium app costs like Zapier.

Power Automate: The Microsoft Ecosystem Champion

Who it's for: Microsoft 365 organizations, SharePoint users, enterprise IT teams

Strengths

1. Deep Microsoft Integration

Unmatched for automating across Microsoft products:

• SharePoint document workflows
• Teams notifications and approvals
• OneDrive file organization
• Outlook email processing
• Excel data updates
• Dynamics 365 operations

Example: "When document uploaded to SharePoint → Get manager approval via Teams → If approved → Save to OneDrive folder → Update Excel tracker → Send Outlook email"

This is trivial in Power Automate, complex in Zapier/Make.

2. Included with Microsoft 365

If you have M365 Business/Enterprise license, Power Automate is included (with limitations).

What's included:

• 2,000 flows per day (per user)
• Standard connectors (Microsoft apps + common third-party)
• Desktop flows (RPA - robotic process automation)
• AI Builder (limited capacity)

3. RPA (Robotic Process Automation)

Power Automate Desktop = Windows automation that clicks, types, and reads from desktop applications.

Use case: Automate legacy desktop software that doesn't have APIs.

Example: "Open accounting software → Export report → Parse data → Upload to cloud"

Neither Zapier nor Make offers comparable desktop automation.

4. Enterprise Features

• Environments for dev/test/prod separation
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies
• Advanced admin controls and governance
• Integration with Azure Active Directory
• SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR compliance built-in

Limitations

1. Licensing Complexity

Understanding what's included vs what costs extra is genuinely confusing.

License tiers:

• Included with M365: Limited to 2,000 flows/day, standard connectors
• Per User Plan ($15/user/month): Unlimited flows, premium connectors
• Per Flow Plan ($100/month): For flows shared across organization
• RPA Attended ($40/user/month): Desktop automation while you work
• RPA Unattended ($150/month): Desktop automation runs by itself

2. Limited Non-Microsoft Integrations

About 1,000 connectors, but many require "premium" license ($15/month/user).

Premium connectors include: Salesforce, SQL Server, HTTP requests, many database connectors.

3. Steeper Learning Curve Than Zapier

More complex interface. Mix of visual and list-based builders. Takes time to learn effectively.

4. Performance Can Be Slow

Some users report flows running slower than Zapier equivalents. Not always consistent.

Best Use Cases for Power Automate

✅ Microsoft-centric organizations
Example: SharePoint + Teams + OneDrive + Outlook workflows

✅ Desktop automation needs
Example: Automating legacy Windows applications

✅ Enterprise governance requirements
Example: Compliance, security, and audit needs

✅ Already have M365 license
Example: Free tier sufficient for basic automation

✅ Complex approval processes
Example: Power Automate has best-in-class approval workflows

When to Avoid Power Automate

❌ Primarily use non-Microsoft apps
❌ Need simple, quick setup (Zapier better)
❌ Budget-conscious without M365 license
❌ Want maximum third-party integrations

Power Automate Pricing Breakdown (2026)

• Included with M365: 2,000 flows/day, standard connectors
• Premium ($15/user/month): Unlimited flows, premium connectors
• Per Flow ($100/month): Shared flows, 5 bots
• Process ($150/month): Unattended RPA

Cost trap: "Free" flows quickly hit limits or need premium connectors.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Same Workflow

Let's build the same workflow in all three platforms:

Scenario: When someone fills out a contact form:

1. Add lead to CRM (Salesforce)
2. If lead score > 80, notify sales via Slack
3. If lead score < 80, add to nurture email list (Mailchimp)
4. Log everything to Google Sheets

In Zapier

Pros:

• Quick to set up (15 minutes)
• Clear, linear logic
• Works reliably

Cons:

• Need 2 Zaps (one for each score condition)
• OR use Paths feature (requires Professional plan)
• Counts as 4-5 tasks per lead

Estimated cost (1,000 leads/month): $49/month (Professional plan)

In Make

Pros:

• Single scenario handles everything
• Visual router makes logic clear
• Rich error handling
• Better data transformation

Cons:

• Takes 30 minutes to learn and build
• Requires understanding of routers and connections

Estimated cost (1,000 leads/month): $10.59/month (Core plan)

In Power Automate

Pros:

• Handles branching natively with Condition actions
• Good for Microsoft-centric orgs
• Could be free if using standard connectors

Cons:

• Salesforce and Mailchimp are premium connectors ($15/user/month)
• Interface less intuitive than Make's visual canvas
• Setup takes 25 minutes

Estimated cost (1,000 leads/month): $15/month (if have M365) or $15/user/month

Winner: Make (best value + power), Zapier (if prioritize ease), Power Automate (if deep in Microsoft ecosystem)

Decision Framework: Which Should You Choose?

Choose Zapier If:

1. ✅ You're new to automation (easiest learning curve)
2. ✅ Budget isn't primary concern ($50-100/month acceptable)
3. ✅ Need specific niche apps only Zapier supports
4. ✅ Want maximum reliability and support
5. ✅ Workflows are simple and linear
6. ✅ Team is non-technical

Ideal user profile: Small business owner, marketer, operations manager automating standard processes

Choose Make If:

1. ✅ You're technical or willing to learn
2. ✅ Need complex logic (branching, loops, data transformation)
3. ✅ Want best value for money
4. ✅ Process high volumes (10,000+ operations/month)
5. ✅ Integrate with custom APIs or webhooks
6. ✅ Data manipulation is key to your workflows

Ideal user profile: Developer, data analyst, automation specialist, startup watching costs

Choose Power Automate If:

1. ✅ Your organization uses Microsoft 365 extensively
2. ✅ Need to automate SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, Outlook
3. ✅ Require desktop automation (RPA)
4. ✅ Enterprise compliance and governance are critical
5. ✅ Already have M365 license (free tier may suffice)
6. ✅ IT department mandates Microsoft stack

Ideal user profile: Enterprise employee, IT admin, anyone deep in Microsoft ecosystem

Advanced Considerations

Data Privacy and Security

Zapier:

• SOC 2 Type II certified
• GDPR compliant
• Data encrypted in transit and at rest
• Doesn't read data contents (except for logs)

Make:

• ISO 27001 certified
• GDPR compliant
• EU and US data centers available
• Similar security to Zapier

Power Automate:

• Microsoft's enterprise-grade security
• Most comprehensive compliance (HIPAA, SOC, ISO, etc.)
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies
• Best for highly regulated industries

Winner: Power Automate (enterprise security features)

Scalability

Zapier:

• Handles scale but costs increase linearly
• Premium plan supports 50,000 tasks/month
• Enterprise plans available for higher volume

Make:

• Excellent scalability for cost
• Handles complex scenarios efficiently
• Can process massive data volumes

Power Automate:

• Scales well within Microsoft ecosystem
• Licensing becomes complex at scale
• Need per-flow licenses for organization-wide automations

Winner: Make (cost-effective scaling)

Error Handling and Debugging

Zapier:

• Clear error messages
• Automatic retry logic
• Task History shows what failed
• Limited debugging tools for complex issues

Make:

• Detailed execution logs with data inspector
• Breakpoints for testing
• Manual re-run of specific modules
• Best debugging experience

Power Automate:

• Run history with input/output inspection
• Can be complex to debug nested conditions
• Good error handling options (scopes, try-catch equivalent)

Winner: Make (best debugging tools)

Team Collaboration

Zapier:

• Shared workspaces (Team plan+)
• Role-based access control
• Clear ownership of Zaps
• Good for distributed teams

Make:

• Team accounts with user management
• Shared scenarios
• Comments and documentation
• Collaboration is good, not as polished as Zapier

Power Automate:

• Environment-based collaboration
• Solution packaging for deployments
• Best for structured IT teams
• Requires admin setup

Winner: Zapier (easiest team collaboration)

Migration Between Platforms

Moving from Zapier to Make

Why migrate: Cost savings, need for complex logic

Process:

1. Document all Zapier workflows
2. Identify which can be combined in Make (multiple Zaps → one scenario)
3. Rebuild in Make (no direct import)
4. Test thoroughly with sample data
5. Run both in parallel for 1-2 weeks
6. Migrate fully and cancel Zapier

Time investment: ~2 hours per Zap to rebuild in Make

Gotcha: Some Zapier integrations don't exist in Make—check beforehand

Moving from Power Automate to Zapier

Why migrate: Leaving Microsoft ecosystem, need more integrations

Process:

1. Export flow definitions (JSON)
2. Manually rebuild in Zapier (no automated conversion)
3. Replace Microsoft-specific triggers/actions with equivalents
4. Test extensively

Challenge: Desktop flows (RPA) have no Zapier equivalent

Moving Between Any Platforms

General advice:

• Start small: Migrate 1-2 workflows first
• Document everything: Triggers, actions, data mappings
• Test with real data: Sample data misses edge cases
• Plan overlap period: Run both platforms for transition
• Budget time: No automated migration tools exist

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use multiple platforms together?

Yes, though it adds complexity. Common pattern: Use Power Automate for Microsoft workflows, Zapier/Make for everything else. Connect them via webhooks if needed.

Which has better AI features?

Power Automate's AI Builder is most advanced (document processing, form recognition). Zapier has ChatGPT integration. Make has strong data processing (can call AI APIs easily).

What if I need an integration none of them have?

Zapier: Request integration (long wait) or use webhooks (limited)
Make: Use HTTP modules (easy if you know APIs)
Power Automate: Custom connectors (requires development)

Winner for custom integrations: Make (most flexible)

How do I calculate my "tasks" or "operations"?

Zapier: Each step that runs = 1 task (5-step Zap = 5 tasks per run)
Make: Each module = 1 operation (same 5-step scenario = 5 operations)
Power Automate: Each action = 1 operation (licensing caps differently)

Track for a week to estimate monthly usage.

Can I build mobile app automation?

All three have limited mobile capabilities. For iOS/Android automation, consider:

• iOS: Shortcuts app
• Android: Tasker, Automate
• Cross-platform: Integrate via APIs from these platforms

Which is fastest for execution?

Zapier: Typically fastest (15 seconds to 2 minutes delay)
Make: Fast (1-2 minutes typical)
Power Automate: Slower (2-5 minutes common, can be longer)

For near-instant automation, all three support webhooks.

My Recommendation

Start here: Evaluate your needs using this decision tree:

Do you use Microsoft 365 extensively?
 ├─ YES → Try Power Automate (free tier first)
 │    └─ If limits frustrate you → Switch to Make
 └─ NO → Are you technical/willing to learn?
      ├─ YES → Make (best value + power)
      └─ NO → Zapier (easiest, fastest results)

My personal stack:

• Make: 80% of my workflows (complex logic, batch processing)
• Power Automate: 15% (SharePoint and Teams automation)
• Zapier: 5% (quick prototypes, apps only Zapier supports)

Best overall value in 2026: Make (Integromat) - superior features at a fraction of Zapier's cost.

Conclusion

There's no single "best" automation platform—the right choice depends on your context:

Zapier = Pay premium for simplicity and reliability
Make = Learn more, pay less, get more power
Power Automate = Best for Microsoft-centric organizations

Most automation enthusiasts eventually use 2 of these platforms because each excels in different scenarios.

Action steps this week:

1. Sign up for free tiers of all three
2. Build the same simple workflow in each
3. Experience the differences firsthand
4. Choose based on your specific needs, not generic advice

The best automation platform is the one you'll actually use consistently. Start with one, master it, then expand if needed.

Related articles: Zapier Multi-Step Complex Workflows Guide, Getting Started with No-Code Automation