Make
Visual automation platform that connects your apps and automates workflows without coding. Build complex business processes using drag-and-drop modules, revolutionary AI Agents with ChatGPT-5, and 2,500+ app integrations. Trusted by 250,000+ businesses for automation that's 25-30x cheaper than competitors.
⚡ 30-Second Summary
Bottom Line: Make is the most cost-effective visual automation platform, offering 25-30x savings versus Zapier. Revolutionary AI Agents with ChatGPT-5 enable intelligent workflows, while the visual builder makes complex automation accessible without coding.
Best For
- Businesses needing complex automation
- Teams wanting visual workflow control
- Organizations requiring AI-driven processes
- Anyone seeking affordable automation
Skip If
- You need only simple 2-step automation
- Mobile-first workflow building required
- Consumer app coverage is priority
- Zero learning curve is essential
Make at a Glance
What is Make? Complete Platform Overview
Make (formerly Integromat) is a visual automation platform that connects your favorite apps and automates repetitive tasks without coding. Instead of manually copying data between apps or performing the same actions repeatedly, Make creates automated workflows that run 24/7 in the background.
How Make Works: Visual Automation Explained
Traditional Manual Process
- Receive form submission via email
- Copy data to spreadsheet manually
- Create task in project management tool
- Send confirmation email to customer
- Update CRM with new contact
Automated with Make
- Form triggers automated workflow
- Data flows to spreadsheet instantly
- Task created automatically
- Personalized email sent immediately
- CRM updated in real-time
What makes Make unique is its visual workflow builder. Unlike text-based automation tools where you can't see how data flows, Make shows your entire automation as a flowchart. You can see exactly where data comes from, how it transforms, and where it goes—making troubleshooting and optimization intuitive.
The platform serves over 250,000 businesses worldwide with 2,500+ app integrations offering 30,000+ available actions. This isn't just about connecting apps—it's about deep functionality. While competitors might offer basic "create record" actions, Make provides comprehensive API access with dozens of actions per app.
The revolutionary AI Agents (launched April 2025, now in open beta for all plans) take automation further. Instead of programming rigid if-then rules, you describe your goal in natural language. The AI understands context, makes decisions, and adapts to changing conditions—like having a digital assistant that never sleeps.
Key Features That Set Make Apart
🤖 AI Agents with ChatGPT-5
Game ChangerLaunched April 2025, now in open beta across ALL plans including free. These intelligent agents understand goals, make decisions, and adapt in real-time using ChatGPT-5, GPT-4.1 family, and Gemini 2.5 Pro.
🗺️ Make Grid - Enterprise Visualization
Industry FirstWorld's first auto-generated visual map of your entire automation landscape. See every scenario, dependency, and data flow in real-time. Available in public beta for all paid plans.
📄 AI Content Extractor
Time SaverNative extraction of structured data from PDFs, images, and audio files up to 500MB. Eliminates third-party tools and manual field mapping with intelligent recognition.
💳 Transparent Credits System
Aug 2025Clear pricing with credits (formerly operations). Standard modules use 1 credit, AI features scale based on actual usage. Connect your own AI API keys to optimize costs further.
How to Build Your First Automation in Make
Create Your Scenario
Start with a blank canvas or choose from hundreds of templates:
- Click "Create a new scenario" in your dashboard
- Choose between visual workflow or AI Agent automation
- Name your scenario descriptively for easy management
Tip: Templates save hours—browse by use case or app to find pre-built workflows you can customize.
Add Your Trigger
Every automation starts with a trigger that initiates the workflow:
- Webhooks: Instant triggers from any app
- Scheduled: Run at specific times or intervals
- App Events: New email, form submission, file upload
- Manual: Run on-demand with a button click
Tip: Use instant triggers for real-time automation, scheduled triggers for batch processing.
Connect Your Apps
Drag and drop modules to build your workflow:
- Search from 2,500+ available apps
- Authenticate once, use everywhere
- Configure actions with visual field mapping
- Add routers for conditional logic
- Include error handlers for resilience
Tip: Click between modules to add data transformations, filters, or additional steps.
Test and Activate
Ensure everything works before going live:
- Run test with sample data
- Check execution history for debugging
- Set scheduling preferences
- Configure error notifications
- Toggle ON to activate automation
Tip: Use Make Grid to visualize complex scenarios and identify optimization opportunities.
Pricing Plans: Understanding the Credits System
| Plan | Price | Credits/Month | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 1,000 | All integrations, AI Agents beta | Testing & learning |
| Core | $10.59/mo | 10,000 | 1-min intervals, unlimited scenarios | Small businesses |
| Pro | $18.82/mo | 10,000+ | Priority execution, full search | Growing teams |
| Teams | $34.12/mo | Enhanced | Team features, advanced permissions | Departments |
| Enterprise | Custom | Unlimited | SSO, SCIM, dedicated support | Large organizations |
Real Cost Comparison: Make vs Competitors
Make Core Plan
- Monthly cost: $10.59
- Credits included: 10,000
- Cost per credit: $0.00106
- Unlimited complexity
Competitor Average
- Zapier: $19.99 for 750 tasks
- Power Automate: $15/user/month
- Workato: $10,000+/year
- Limited workflow steps
Verdict: Make delivers 25-30x better value with unlimited workflow complexity at all tiers.
Make vs All Major Automation Platforms (2025)
Make vs Popular Alternatives
We've tested Make against every major automation platform. Here's how it compares:
Make vs Zapier: Cost & Complexity Showdown
Make Advantages
- 25-30x cheaper: $0.00106 vs $0.02665 per action
- Unlimited complexity: No workflow step limits
- Visual debugging: See entire workflow at once
- Historical data: Process past data anytime
- AI Agents: Revolutionary intelligent automation
Zapier Advantages
- Easier learning curve: Simpler for beginners
- More consumer apps: 7,000+ integrations
- Linear simplicity: Good for basic workflows
- Larger community: More tutorials available
- Instant templates: Thousands of pre-built zaps
Winner: Make offers dramatically better value and capabilities. Choose Zapier only for simple workflows with specific consumer apps.
Make vs Microsoft Power Automate
Make Advantages
- 30% cheaper: $10.59 vs $15/user/month
- Better third-party support: 2,500+ deep integrations
- Superior AI: ChatGPT-5 and multi-model support
- Visual excellence: Best-in-class workflow builder
- No user limits: Unlimited team members
Power Automate Advantages
- Microsoft ecosystem: Native Office 365 integration
- SharePoint flows: Deep SharePoint automation
- Teams integration: Built into Microsoft Teams
- Enterprise bundling: Often included in licenses
- On-premises options: Hybrid cloud deployment
Winner: Make for general automation. Power Automate only if you're Microsoft-exclusive.
Make vs Enterprise Platforms (Workato, Tray.io)
Make Advantages
- 1000x more affordable: $10.59 vs $10,000+/year
- Self-service setup: No IT team required
- Visual accessibility: Business users can build
- Faster deployment: Minutes vs weeks
- Transparent pricing: No enterprise sales process
Workato/Tray.io Advantages
- Complex orchestration: API-first architecture
- Custom connectors: Build proprietary integrations
- White-glove support: Dedicated success teams
- Compliance features: Advanced governance
- Recipe marketplace: Pre-built enterprise workflows
Winner: Make provides enterprise capabilities at SMB prices. Choose Workato/Tray.io only with enterprise budgets and complex requirements.
Make vs n8n & Pipedream
Make Advantages
- No coding required: Visual-first approach
- Polished interface: Professional user experience
- Commercial support: Dedicated help included
- AI Agents: Revolutionary automation intelligence
- Managed infrastructure: Zero maintenance
n8n/Pipedream Advantages
- Self-hosting option: Complete data control (n8n)
- Code flexibility: Custom JavaScript everywhere
- Developer-friendly: Git integration, version control
- Free tier: Self-hosted n8n costs nothing
- API-first design: Built for developers
Winner: Make for business users and visual builders. n8n for technical teams wanting control.
Make vs Lindy AI
Make Advantages
- 79% cheaper: $10.59 vs $50/month
- Visual control: See and modify every step
- 2,500+ integrations: Connect any app
- Workflow transparency: Debug and optimize
- Hybrid approach: Visual + AI combined
Lindy AI Advantages
- Conversational setup: Describe in plain English
- Autonomous agents: Self-managing workflows
- Zero learning curve: No interface to learn
- Email/calendar focus: Excellent for communication
- Hands-off operation: Minimal management needed
Winner: Make offers better value and control. Lindy AI suits pure conversational automation needs.
Make vs Pabbly Connect
Make Advantages
- Superior features: AI Agents, Make Grid, advanced logic
- Better interface: Professional visual builder
- Deeper integrations: More actions per app
- Enterprise features: Scales to any size
- Active innovation: Rapid feature development
Pabbly Advantages
- Lifetime deals: $249-699 one-time payment
- No router charges: Simpler pricing model
- Team features included: All plans have collaboration
- Predictable costs: No usage surprises
- Good for simple flows: Basic automation needs
Winner: Make for sophisticated automation. Pabbly for simple, high-volume workflows with lifetime pricing preference.
Quick Comparison: All Platforms
| Platform | Starting Price | Best For | Key Strength | Main Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Make | $10.59/mo | All businesses | Value + Visual + AI | Learning curve |
| Zapier | $19.99/mo | Simple workflows | Ease of use | Expensive, limited |
| Power Automate | $15/user/mo | Microsoft shops | Office 365 integration | Third-party limits |
| Workato | $10,000+/yr | Large enterprises | Complex orchestration | Cost, complexity |
| n8n | Free (self) | Technical teams | Self-hosting | Requires maintenance |
| Pipedream | $29/mo | Developers | Code flexibility | Not business-friendly |
| Lindy AI | $50/mo | AI automation | Conversational | Limited integrations |
| Pabbly | $249 lifetime | Budget-conscious | One-time payment | Basic features |
The Verdict: Why Make Leads the Market
Make has solved the automation trilemma: Power vs. Simplicity vs. Cost. While competitors excel in specific niches, Make is the only platform delivering:
- Enterprise-grade power without enterprise complexity
- Advanced AI capabilities at accessible pricing
- Visual simplicity without sacrificing flexibility
- Comprehensive integration without hidden limitations
Bottom Line: Unless you have highly specific requirements (Microsoft-only, self-hosting needs, or pure developer workflows), Make offers the best combination of power, simplicity, and value.
Honest Assessment: Pros and Cons
What We Love
- Revolutionary AI Agents transform automation Goal-driven automation with ChatGPT-5 that adapts in real-time, available free in beta
- Unbeatable value at 25-30x cheaper than Zapier $10.59 for 10,000 credits vs Zapier's $19.99 for 750 tasks
- Make Grid provides enterprise-scale visibility Auto-generated visual maps showing all workflows and dependencies
- Visual interface perfect for all skill levels Drag-and-drop simplicity with developer-grade power underneath
- No workflow complexity limits Unlimited branches, steps, and scenarios at all pricing tiers
- Process historical data from any point Unlike competitors limited to new data from activation
- Transparent credits pricing model Pay only for what you use with clear consumption metrics
- Deep integrations with 30,000+ actions Comprehensive API access, not just basic read/write
Room for Improvement
- Steeper learning curve than Zapier More powerful but requires initial investment to master advanced features
- Support response times vary Enterprise gets priority; Core plan users may wait longer for complex issues
- Credits system needs monitoring AI features consume variable credits requiring active management
- Mobile app lacks full functionality Can monitor but not build complex scenarios on mobile
- Some consumer apps have fewer integrations Enterprise-focused; Zapier has broader consumer app coverage
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Use Make
✅ Perfect For
E-commerce Businesses
Automate inventory management, order processing, and customer communications. AI Agents can monitor market conditions and adjust pricing strategies automatically. Perfect for multi-channel selling and automated fulfillment.
Marketing Teams
Create campaigns that segment audiences dynamically, personalize content in real-time, and adjust messaging based on engagement. AI Agents manage entire nurture sequences autonomously.
Enterprise Operations
Make Grid provides visibility across hundreds of scenarios. Perfect for complex, multi-department workflows with advanced security requirements.
Financial Services
Automate invoice processing, expense categorization, and compliance monitoring. AI Content Extractor processes thousands of documents daily with zero manual intervention.
Agencies & Consultants
Visual workflows demonstrate clear value to clients. Build once, deploy many times. The visual nature makes it easy to showcase ROI and build trust.
❌ Not Ideal For
Simple 2-Step Automation Only
If you only need basic if-this-then-that automation, Make's power may be overkill. Consider simpler tools or stay with the free plan.
Mobile-First Workflow Building
The mobile app monitors but doesn't build. If you need to create complex workflows on mobile devices, Make isn't suitable.
Consumer App Priority
While Make has 2,500+ integrations, Zapier offers broader consumer app coverage. If social media and lifestyle apps are critical, compare specific integrations.
Zero Learning Curve Required
Make's power requires initial learning investment. If you need immediate results without any learning, consider conversational tools.
Latest Updates (September 2025)
ChatGPT-5 Integration
Direct access to OpenAI's most advanced model within Make scenarios. Superior reasoning capabilities for complex decision-making and natural language understanding.
AI Agents Open Beta
Now available on ALL plans including free. New features include Module Tools setup, Context Modules for knowledge base, Agent Duplication, and MCP Tools integration.
Credits System
Transitioned from operations to credits on August 27, 2025. More transparent pricing that reflects actual resource consumption.
Make Grid
Public beta for all paid plans. Visual map of entire automation landscape with dependency tracking and performance monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does Make do?
Make connects your apps and automates repetitive tasks without coding. For example, when someone fills out your website form, Make can automatically add them to your CRM, send a welcome email, create a task in your project management tool, and notify your team on Slack—all in seconds, 24/7. It's like having a digital assistant that never sleeps.
How do Make AI Agents differ from traditional automation?
Traditional automation follows rigid if-then rules you must program for every scenario. AI Agents understand goals described in natural language and adapt to changing conditions. Instead of programming every rule, you describe your goal and the AI figures out the best approach, learning and improving over time. They support ChatGPT-5, GPT-4.1, and Gemini 2.5 Pro models.
Is Make really 25-30x cheaper than Zapier?
Yes. Make charges $0.00106 per credit ($10.59 for 10,000 credits), while Zapier charges $0.02665 per task ($19.99 for 750 tasks). Additionally, Make offers unlimited scenarios and workflow complexity at all tiers, while Zapier restricts multi-step workflows to higher-priced plans. For businesses running thousands of automations, this translates to hundreds or thousands in monthly savings.
Do I need technical skills to use Make?
No coding skills required. The visual drag-and-drop interface makes building automations intuitive—if you can draw a flowchart, you can use Make. Pre-built templates help you start quickly, and AI Agents let you describe what you want in plain English. While advanced features exist for power users, most businesses build functional automations within hours of starting.
What changed with the Operations to Credits transition?
On August 27, 2025, Make replaced "operations" with "credits" for more transparent pricing. Standard modules still consume 1 credit per execution, but AI modules now consume variable credits based on token usage, file size, and processing complexity. Your existing operations converted 1:1 to credits, and plan prices remained unchanged. This provides fairer pricing that reflects actual resource consumption.
What's included in the free plan?
The free plan includes 1,000 credits per month, access to all 2,500+ integrations, AI Agents (beta access), 100 MB data transfer, and 15-minute execution intervals. No credit card required. It's perfect for learning the platform, testing features, and building proof-of-concept automations before scaling up.
How does Make Grid help with automation management?
Make Grid provides an auto-generated visual map of your entire automation landscape, showing all scenarios, dependencies, and data flows in real-time. Available in public beta for all paid plans, it enables 50-60% faster debugging and optimization. Companies like ChargeGuru manage 500+ scenarios efficiently, while Wemolo reports 7x improvement in project management efficiency.
Which AI models does Make support?
Make AI Agents support ChatGPT-5 (OpenAI's latest flagship model), GPT-4.1 family (Nano, Mini, standard), Gemini 2.5 Pro, and OpenAI-compatible models. You can also connect your own API keys from OpenAI, Anthropic, or other providers for direct access while using Make's orchestration capabilities. This flexibility allows you to optimize costs by using your own keys for heavy AI usage.
How does Make compare to Microsoft Power Automate?
Make offers 30% cost savings ($10.59 vs $15/user/month) with unlimited workflow complexity and superior AI capabilities including ChatGPT-5. Power Automate excels in Microsoft-heavy environments with native Office 365 integration, but Make provides deeper third-party app functionality with 2,500+ integrations and 30,000+ actions. Choose Make for general automation; Power Automate only if you're exclusively Microsoft-focused.
Can Make handle enterprise-scale automation?
Absolutely. Make provides SOC2 Type II compliance, GDPR readiness, SSO/SCIM support, advanced audit logs, role-based access control, and IP whitelisting. Make Grid offers enterprise-scale observability across hundreds of scenarios. Over 250,000 businesses including Fortune 500 companies use Make for complex automation landscapes. The Enterprise plan includes unlimited credits, dedicated support, and custom SLAs.
Final Verdict: Should You Choose Make?
The Bottom Line
Make has established itself as the clear automation leader by solving the fundamental challenge: delivering enterprise-grade power at SMB prices with visual simplicity. The revolutionary AI Agents transform what's possible, while the 25-30x cost advantage over Zapier makes it accessible to businesses of all sizes.
The platform excels at complex, multi-app workflows that would be impossible or prohibitively expensive with competitors. Whether you're automating simple tasks or orchestrating enterprise-wide processes, Make provides the tools and scalability you need.
While the learning curve is steeper than Zapier's linear approach, the investment pays off quickly through dramatic cost savings and unlimited automation possibilities. With ChatGPT-5 integration and Make Grid for enterprise visibility, Make is positioned years ahead of the competition.
Our Recommendation
Start with the free plan to explore Make's capabilities. The 1,000 credits let you build real automations and test AI Agents. Most businesses find the Core plan at $10.59/month provides exceptional value—it's cheaper than one hour of manual work yet automates thousands of tasks monthly.
No credit card required • 1,000 credits free • Full feature access
Ready to Transform Your Business with Automation?
Join 250,000+ businesses using Make's visual automation platform
No credit card required • 1,000 credits free • AI Agents access included
Zapier
Most popular automation platform with 7,000+ apps but 25-30x more expensive than Make with workflow limitations
Lindy AI
Conversational AI agents for hands-off automation. More expensive at $50/month with limited integrations
n8n
Fair-code automation with self-hosting option. More technical but offers complete data control