Make

Make (formerly Integromat) is a visual automation platform that lets you connect apps and build workflows without writing code. If Zapier is automation simplified, Make is automation unleashed — it offers more control, more complexity, and more flexibility for users willing to invest time in learning its visual builder.

What it does

Make lets you create "scenarios" — automated workflows that trigger when something happens and then execute a sequence of actions across multiple apps. A scenario might watch for new emails matching a filter, extract key data using AI, create a CRM entry, notify a Slack channel, and update a spreadsheet — all without human intervention.

The visual builder uses a node-based interface where you drag modules (representing app actions) onto a canvas and connect them with lines that define the data flow. You can add filters, routers (to split flows), iterators (to loop through arrays), and error handlers. This gives Make the ability to handle workflows that are too complex for simpler automation tools.

How it works in practice

You start by choosing a trigger — the event that starts your scenario. Then you add action modules from Make's library of 1,500+ app integrations. Each module is configured with the specific data it should use, and Make's mapping system lets you pull data from any earlier step in the flow.

The visual approach means you can see your entire workflow at a glance, which makes debugging and optimisation intuitive. When something goes wrong, Make shows you exactly which module failed and what data was flowing through it at the time.

Where it excels

Make's strength is handling complexity that simpler tools cannot. Branching logic, error handling, loops, data transformations, and multi-path workflows are all first-class features. For businesses that have outgrown basic "if this, then that" automation, Make is the natural next step.

The pricing model is also friendlier for high-volume use. Make charges by operations (individual actions within a scenario), and the free tier includes 1,000 operations per month. For workflows that run frequently, Make is often significantly cheaper than Zapier.

Where it falls short

The learning curve is real. Make's visual builder is powerful but not immediately intuitive. Building your first complex scenario takes longer than setting up a comparable Zapier zap. The interface can also feel cluttered when scenarios grow large, with dozens of modules and connections on a single canvas.

Documentation, while improving, does not always keep pace with new features. Community forums and YouTube tutorials fill some gaps, but expect to do some exploration on your own.

The business case

For businesses running more than a handful of simple automations, Make offers better value than Zapier. The combination of lower per-operation costs, more powerful logic, and a generous free tier makes it the preferred choice for power users and growing teams.