What Is Make? The Visual Automation Platform That's Cheaper Than Zapier in 2026
Make (formerly known as Integromat) is a visual automation platform that lets you build complex workflows connecting 2,000+ apps using a drag-and-drop scenario builder. Unlike Zapier's linear trigger-action model, Make offers a visual canvas where you can create branching workflows, parallel paths, loops, and advanced data manipulation — making it genuinely more powerful for complex automations.
The free plan gives you 1,000 monthly operations, 2 active scenarios, 15-minute minimum scheduling, and access to all 2,000+ integrations — significantly more generous than Zapier's free tier. Paid plans start at just $9/month for 10,000 operations, making Make 5-10x cheaper than Zapier for heavy users.
Make has become the go-to automation platform for developers, agencies, and technical users who want more power and better pricing than Zapier — with over 500,000 businesses using it globally.
Who Made Make? The Provider Behind the Tool
Make is developed by Celonis SE, a German multinational process mining company that acquired Make (then Integromat) in 2020 for an undisclosed amount. Make was originally founded in 2012 by Ondřej Gazda and Patrik Šimek in Prague, Czech Republic.
The rebrand from Integromat to Make in 2022 came with a UI overhaul and broader positioning as an enterprise automation platform. Under Celonis ownership, Make has continued aggressive development, adding AI features, better visual design, and expanding its integration library to compete head-on with Zapier.
Key Features of the Free Make Plan in 2026
- 1,000 monthly operations — generous compared to Zapier's task-based limits.
- 2 active scenarios — can run unlimited inactive scenarios.
- 2,000+ app integrations — all apps available on every plan.
- Visual scenario builder — drag-and-drop canvas for workflow design.
- Routers and filters — advanced conditional logic.
- Iterators and aggregators — loop and combine data.
- Data stores — built-in database for scenarios.
- Webhooks — connect any custom API.
- Scheduled triggers — time-based automation.
- Make AI — AI modules for OpenAI, Anthropic, and other LLMs.
- 15-min minimum scheduling — faster than Zapier free tier.
Why Use Make? The Real Benefits for Users
Make's biggest strength is power and pricing. At $9/month for 10,000 operations, Make is dramatically cheaper than Zapier's $19.99/month for 750 tasks. For heavy users, this pricing gap grows enormously — businesses running 100,000+ operations per month save thousands per year by switching from Zapier to Make.
The visual scenario builder is genuinely more powerful than Zapier's linear interface. You can build branching workflows with multiple paths, run modules in parallel, loop through arrays, and manipulate data with JSON/formula operations — capabilities that require complex workarounds in Zapier.
For technical users and developers, Make's advanced features (HTTP modules, webhooks, custom APIs, data stores) mean almost anything is possible — often without needing to write code. Many professional automation agencies prefer Make for its flexibility.
Where Can You Use Make? Platforms and Integrations
- Web app at make.com — primary interface for all features.
- 2,000+ native integrations — major SaaS tools covered.
- HTTP and Webhooks modules — connect to any custom API.
- AI integrations — OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini, Hugging Face.
- Data stores — built-in persistent data storage.
- API access — programmatic scenario management.
- Make for Developers — create custom app integrations.
- Make Embed — white-label Make inside your own SaaS product.
- Mobile apps — monitor scenarios on iOS and Android.
When Should You Use Make? Best Use Cases
Make is ideal for complex automation and heavy task volumes. Top use cases include: building multi-branch workflows with complex logic; running high-volume automations cheaply; integrating custom APIs via HTTP modules; building white-label automation products; running agencies that manage multiple client automations; migrating from Zapier to save money; orchestrating AI workflows with multiple models; processing large CSV files with iterators; syncing data between enterprise systems; building custom webhooks for SaaS products; and creating parallel execution paths for efficiency.
It is less ideal for complete beginners who find visual builders intimidating (Zapier's linear interface is friendlier), users needing premium Zapier integrations that aren't available on Make, or anyone wanting the biggest integration library (Zapier has 4x more at 8,000).
How to Use Make — Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Go to make.com and sign up with email or Google. You get 1,000 free monthly operations. Click Create a New Scenario.
On the visual canvas, click the + button to add your first module (trigger app, e.g., Gmail → New Email). Configure authentication and trigger settings. Click + again to add the next module (action app, e.g., Slack → Send Message). Connect them on the canvas.
Add Routers for branching logic, Filters for conditions, Iterators for loops. Use Data Stores for persistent data. Test each module and run the scenario. Schedule it (every 15 min or custom). Monitor execution history with detailed logs.
Make Free vs Paid Plans — Full 2026 Pricing
- Free — 1,000 operations/month, 2 active scenarios, 15-min minimum, all integrations.
- Core ($9/month annual) — 10,000 operations, unlimited active scenarios, 1-min intervals.
- Pro ($16/month annual) — 10,000+ operations, priority execution, custom variables.
- Teams ($29/month annual) — team seats, shared apps, role-based access.
- Enterprise (custom) — custom operations, SSO, SCIM, advanced security, dedicated CSM.
Operations roughly equal one API call or data transformation. Annual billing saves approximately 17%. Usage overages billed at published rates.
Alternatives to Make Worth Trying
- Zapier — largest integration library, easier for beginners.
- n8n — open-source, self-hostable, free for developers.
- Pipedream — developer-focused with code steps.
- Workato — enterprise iPaaS with more governance.
- IFTTT — consumer-grade simple automation.
- Microsoft Power Automate — native Microsoft 365 integration.
Final Thoughts — Is Make Worth Using in 2026?
Yes — for power users, agencies, and businesses running complex or high-volume automations, Make is often a better choice than Zapier in 2026. Core at $9/month for 10,000 operations is one of the best values in automation. For beginners with simple workflows, Zapier's friendlier UI may be worth the price premium; for everyone else, Make delivers more power at significantly lower cost.