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# Zapier vs Make (2026): Which Automation Tool Is Better?
Zapier and Make both connect your apps so work moves automatically: forms to spreadsheets, emails to CRMs, Slack alerts for important events, and more.
The difference is style:
– Zapier is usually faster to set up.
– Make is usually more flexible once you need branching logic, data transformation, and complex scenarios.
Quick recommendation
Choose Zapier if:
– You want the simplest setup
– Your automations are straightforward (A -> B)
– You value speed and reliability over customization
Choose Make if:
– You need complex logic (routes, filters, data formatting)
– You want more control over each step
– You’re comfortable spending more time building and debugging
Key differences
1) Ease of use
– Zapier: easiest for beginners
– Make: more powerful, but you’ll think more like a builder
2) Complexity and branching
– Zapier: good for linear workflows and common patterns
– Make: great for multi-branch scenarios and advanced logic
3) Debugging and visibility
– Zapier: simple history, easy to retry
– Make: detailed scenario view and step-by-step execution
4) Best use cases
Zapier examples
– New Typeform submission -> send Slack message
– New Stripe payment -> add row to Google Sheets
– New Calendly booking -> create Zoom meeting
Make examples
– Parse an email -> extract fields -> route to different paths
– Enrich leads with multiple APIs -> dedupe -> write to CRM
– Complex multi-step automations with error handling
Decision checklist
Pick Zapier if you answer “yes” to most:
– I want something working today
– I don’t need lots of branching
– I prefer a simpler UI
Pick Make if you answer “yes” to most:
– I’m building multi-step workflows
– I need advanced filters/routers
– I’m okay with a learning curve
Next step
If you’re building your overall stack, start here: https://aiproductivityhub.co/blog/best-ai-productivity-tools-2026/