Make vs Zapier: Visual Automation or AI Orchestration?
Make emphasizes visual, branching automation priced by credits; Zapier emphasizes fast setup, broad app coverage and AI orchestration priced by tasks. Both current pricing systems were verified August 24, 2026.
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Best Fit 2026
Best choice depends on use case
Use the verdict below to match each tool to your workflow.
Make
FreemiumMake uses a visual scenario canvas and credit-based execution. At 10,000 monthly credits, Core is $12, Pro $21 and Teams $38; AI-provider usage can be dynamic.
Best For
Pros
- ✓Visual branching and routing
- ✓Permanent 1,000-credit free plan
- ✓Strong data transformation
- ✓API and webhook flexibility
- ✓Lower published entry at 10K credits
Cons
- ✗Steeper learning curve
- ✗Dynamic AI credits complicate forecasts
- ✗Scenarios stop when credits are exhausted
- ✗Exact price depends on capacity and term
Zapier
FreemiumZapier combines Zaps, Tables, Forms and MCP. Free includes 100 tasks; Professional starts at $19.99 and Team at $69, with totals changing by task tier and billing term.
Best For
Pros
- ✓Simple guided setup
- ✓Broad integration ecosystem
- ✓Zaps, Tables, Forms and MCP
- ✓Professional webhooks and premium apps
- ✓Enterprise collaboration and governance
Cons
- ✗Task-based cost rises with volume
- ✗Entry headline depends on selected task tier
- ✗Only 100 free tasks
- ✗Multi-step runs can consume several tasks
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Make | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | 1,000 credits/month | 100 tasks/month |
| Paid Entry | Core $12/month at 10K credits | Professional from $19.99/month |
| Billing Unit | Credits; some AI use is dynamic | Tasks across AI steps, code and SDK |
| Workflow Model | Visual canvas with branches, routers and transforms | Guided Zaps plus platform orchestration |
| Ease of Use | More powerful but steeper | Faster for mainstream SaaS workflows |
| Collaboration | Teams roles and shared templates | Team shared connections, folders and SAML SSO |
| Cost Forecasting | Model credits, AI tokens and capacity | Model tasks, task tier and add-ons |
Our Verdict
Make is the stronger visual workflow engine; Zapier is the simpler broad-ecosystem orchestration layer. Compare a real workflow because credits and tasks are not equivalent units.
Choose Make if…
Choose Make for visual control, branching logic, data transformation and complex scenarios when you can actively manage credit use.
Choose Zapier if…
Choose Zapier for the fastest setup across a broad SaaS stack and for teams that value guided orchestration and governance over the lowest execution cost.
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Pricing Compared
Make at 10K credits: Core $12, Pro $21, Teams $38; Free 1K credits. Zapier: Free 100 tasks, Professional from $19.99, Team from $69, Enterprise custom. Verified August 24, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Make still $9 per month?
No. The current official 10,000-credit reference lists Core at $12 per month before any annual-billing discount.
Is Zapier Professional still $49?
The current pricing page lists Professional starting at $19.99 per month, with the total changing by task tier and billing term.
Are Make credits equal to Zapier tasks?
No. Make credits generally track module actions and can become dynamic for AI features; Zapier tasks follow Zapier's task-rate rules across supported surfaces.