Make vs Zapier: Automation Choice for NZ 2025
1. Introduction
Trying to pick between Make and Zapier for your NZ firm?
Both tools work well. Both have fans. Both can auto your work.
But which one fits your business best?
We’ll help you pick the right one today.
We’ll compare costs, setup time, and what works best for Kiwi teams.
No bias. Just facts. Let’s dive in.
2. Make vs Zapier: Quick Look
Here’s what you need to know at a glance.
| Feature | Make | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (NZD) | Starts free, plans from $14/month | Starts free, plans from $33/month |
| Setup Time | 1-3 days | 1-2 days |
| Ease of Use | ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) |
| Best For | Complex auto tasks, power users | Simple auto tasks, beginners |
| NZ Support | Online only | Online only |
| Learning Curve | Medium | Low |
| Works With | Many apps, webhooks | Many popular apps |
Both tools work. Pick based on what matters to your firm.
3. Make Deep Dive
What Is Make?
Make helps you connect apps and make tasks run by themselves. It uses a visual canvas to show your workflows.
A Czech company, Celonis, built this tool.
Strengths of Make
- Good for complex workflows with many steps
- More flexible control over data flow
- Often costs less for many tasks
- Has many advanced tools built in
- Shows workflow steps on a visual board
Weaknesses of Make
- Can be harder to learn at first
- Trouble-shooting issues takes more time
- Fewer direct app connections than Zapier
- Some popular apps are missing
Best For:
Kiwi firms with some tech skills on their team. Businesses that need custom connections between apps. Teams that want fine control over how tasks run.
4. Zapier Deep Dive
What Is Zapier?
Zapier connects your apps and makes auto tasks simple. You set up a ‘Zap’ to run a task for you.
A US company launched Zapier in 2011.
Strengths of Zapier
- Very easy to start using right away
- Connects to thousands of popular apps
- Simple setup with clear steps
- Great for beginners and non-tech staff
- Many templates available for quick use
Weaknesses of Zapier
- Can get pricey for lots of tasks
- Less control over complex data tasks
- Flows are often step-by-step only
- Harder to see entire workflow at once
Best For:
Kiwi firms that need fast wins for simple tasks. Teams with no coding background. Businesses that use popular, off-the-shelf software.
5. How They Compare for NZ Business
Pricing
Make offers a free plan and paid options from $14 per month in NZ. Zapier also has a free plan, with paid options starting at $33 per month.
Make can be cheaper for a lot of tasks. Zapier’s price rises fast with more tasks.
Hidden costs: Both tools might need extra app subscriptions.
| Cost Type | Make | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee (NZD) | Starts free, from $14 | Starts free, from $33 |
| Setup cost | Low (DIY) or expert fees | Low (DIY) or expert fees |
| Hidden costs | Extra app fees, dev time | Extra app fees, more tasks = more cost |
Setup Time
Make takes 1-3 days to set up basic tasks. You often need to think through your steps more.
Zapier takes 1-2 days. Its simple step-by-step guides make it fast to start.
Ease of Use
Make uses a visual flow builder. It gives you more power but takes time to learn.
Zapier is very simple. Its ‘Zap’ structure is easy for anyone to grasp.
For non-tech teams, Zapier is much easier.
Support in NZ
Both Make and Zapier offer online help. They have help docs and email support. Neither provides direct NZ phone support.
You find community forums for both tools, too.
Works With Other Tools
Make connects to many apps and offers webhooks. This lets you connect to almost anything.
Zapier connects to thousands of popular apps. It is better for widely used business software.
6. Which Should You Choose?
Pick based on what your business needs most.
Choose Make if you…
- Need to build complex auto tasks
- Want more control over your workflow logic
- Have some tech skills in your Auckland firm
- Aim to save money on many running tasks
- Are happy to spend more time learning the tool
Choose Zapier if you…
- Need to set up simple auto tasks very fast
- Prefer an easy tool for non-tech staff
- Use many popular, off-the-shelf apps
- Want to start with many pre-built templates
- Run a small Wellington business with quick needs
Not Sure? Consider…
Start with Zapier for quick wins on simple tasks. Use Make later for bigger, more complex needs. Or talk to an expert who knows both tools well.
7. Special Notes for Kiwi Firms
Data Location
Both Make and Zapier generally store data in US or EU data centres. Check their terms for your exact data path.
This matters for NZ privacy rules.
Local Support
Neither tool offers dedicated NZ support staff. You use online help portals. Help often comes from US or Europe time zones.
Currency & Billing
Both Make and Zapier bill in USD. Your bank converts this to NZD. Remember to add 15% GST to all costs in NZ.
NZ User Community
Many NZ businesses use both tools. Online groups and forums connect Kiwi users. You find local help there.
8. Conclusion & CTA
Both Make and Zapier work well for NZ firms. Pick based on your team’s skills and workflow needs.
Don’t stress about picking the ‘perfect’ tool. Either choice can get your work done. Start with one and adjust later if needed.
Need help choosing? Get free advice from Smart Byte Solutions.