Guide · Automation
A plain-English comparison of the two mainstream no-code automation tools, with listed prices checked on 16 October 2026 and a neutral guide to who should pick which.
By the Airkick team · Updated 16 October 2026
Short answer
Zapier and Make both connect the apps your small business already uses, so a form, a payment or a new email can trigger the next step without someone copying and pasting.
Zapier is usually the faster start if you want simple, linear automations and the widest list of app connections. Make is usually the better fit when the workflow has branches, loops or more steps, and you're willing to learn a visual builder.
Neither one replaces a clear process. Pick one tool, automate two or three boring jobs well, and only then add more.
Side by side
Figures below were checked on 16 October 2026 from Zapier's pricing page and Make's pricing and Make vs Zapier pages. Both vendors price in US dollars before tax; what you pay in Australia depends on the exchange rate, any card fees, and GST. If a vendor's page and this table disagree, the vendor's page is right.
| Zapier | Make | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | 100 tasks/month; two-step Zaps only | 1,000 credits/month; visual scenarios |
| Paid entry (listed) | Professional from US$19.99/mo billed annually (750 tasks), or US$29.99/mo monthly | Core from US$9/mo for 10,000 credits (as shown on Make's pricing and compare pages; billing interval affects the exact charge) |
| How usage is counted | Tasks (successful action steps) | Credits (module actions; most count as 1) |
| Builder style | Step-by-step, linear Zaps | Visual drag-and-drop scenarios |
| App directory (vendor claims) | 8,000+ apps (Zapier) | 3,500+ apps (Make) |
| Team features | Team plan with shared Zaps and connections | Teams plan with shared scenarios and roles |
Zapier's published Professional tiers on 16 October 2026 included 750 tasks/month at US$19.99/month billed annually (US$29.99 monthly), and higher task tiers above that. Make's pages showed Free at US$0 with 1,000 credits/month, and Core from US$9/month starting at 10,000 credits. Make's monthly-billing amounts can differ from the annual-equivalent figures shown on marketing pages; confirm the toggle on make.com/en/pricing before you buy.
To convert options into Australian dollars for your team, use our free AI tools cost calculator.
When each fits
We're not affiliated with either vendor, and this page has no affiliate links. We're comparing them so Australian non-technical teams can choose without sitting through a sales call.
Examples
In every case, keep personal and sensitive information out of any AI step inside the automation, the same way you would in ChatGPT. Automations move data between apps; they don't remove your privacy obligations.
Privacy
Before you connect apps
Only connect accounts you control, use a company login where you can, and avoid piping health, payment-card or TFN data through consumer AI steps. Review each app's access permissions.
The OAIC's guidance on commercially available AI products is about generative AI, but the same mindset helps with automation: minimise personal information in the pipe, and know where copies land.
Next step
Use the calculator to see Zapier and Make in Australian dollars next to ChatGPT, Claude and the rest of a small stack. If you'd rather have a written plan for your business, with named tools and the order to set them up, that's the AI Audit.
No affiliate kickbacks on this page; buy direct from the vendor when you're ready.
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Questions
It depends. Zapier is usually easier for simple linear automations and has more app listings. Make is usually stronger for branched or multi-step workflows and often starts cheaper on listed paid plans. Test one real workflow on the free tier of each if you're unsure.
On 16 October 2026 Zapier's pricing page listed Professional from US$19.99/month billed annually (750 tasks) or US$29.99 monthly; Make's pages showed Core from US$9/month for 10,000 credits. Both are USD before tax. Confirm live prices on each vendor's site.
Almost never for a small team. Pick one, automate a few jobs well, and revisit only if you hit a hard limit.
No. We don't use affiliate links on this page; we link to the vendors' official pages only.
It can, if you build it that way. For anything customer-facing, start with drafts or internal notifications until you trust the workflow.