Power Automate vs Make: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Power Automate and Make comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Make wins this matchup. Our overall Automation pick is NinjaOne. Our free Automation pick is Jira MCP Server. Pick Power Automate if you need automation.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Power Automate
Automate workflows across cloud, desktop, and AI with 1,000+ connectors
Best for you if:
- • You want deep integration with the entire Microsoft ecosystem
- • You want 1,000+ connectors cover most enterprise applications
Make
Build complex automations with a drag-and-drop visual builder
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want visual builder
- • You want more powerful than Zapier
| At a Glance | Power Automate | Make |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $15/monthPremium | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Automation | Workflow Automation |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.0/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Power Automate or Make?
Choose Power Automate if
Automate workflows across cloud, desktop, and AI with 1,000+ connectors
- You want deep integration with the entire Microsoft ecosystem
- You want 1,000+ connectors cover most enterprise applications
- Your work is automation-shaped, not workflow automation-shaped
Choose Make if
Build complex automations with a drag-and-drop visual builder
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want visual builder
- You want more powerful than Zapier
- Budget matters (Free vs $15/month)
- Your work is workflow automation-shaped, not automation-shaped
| Feature | Power Automate | Make |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 1,331 reviews | ★4.0/5 18 reviews |
| Categories | AutomationWorkflow Automation | Workflow AutomationNo-Code |
In-Depth Analysis
Power Automate
Automate workflows across cloud, desktop, and AI with 1,000+ connectors
Microsoft's Power Automate page lists Premium at $15/user/month paid yearly, Process at $150/bot/month, and Hosted Process at $215/bot/month.
Watch out
Microsoft footer: published prices are for marketing and may differ at checkout by currency and region.
Strengths
- +Deep integration with the entire Microsoft ecosystem
- +1,000+ connectors cover most enterprise applications
- +Copilot AI makes workflow creation accessible to non-developers
- +Process mining identifies automation opportunities automatically
- +Leader in Gartner Magic Quadrant for RPA validates enterprise readiness
Weaknesses
- -Steep learning curve for advanced RPA and process mining features
- -Desktop automation bots cost $150/bot/month on top of per-user fees
- -Requires Microsoft ecosystem investment to unlock full value
- -Free trial limited to 30 days with no permanent free tier
Key features
Make
Build complex automations with a drag-and-drop visual builder
Make is the best value in workflow automation for most teams.
Watch out
Every module counts as 1 credit -- triggers, filters, routers, and actions all consume credits (only error handlers and Router modules are free)
Strengths
- +Visual builder
- +More powerful than Zapier
- +Better value
Weaknesses
- -Steeper learning curve
- -Complex for simple tasks
Key features
Pricing: Power Automate vs Make
| Plan | Power Automate | Make |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free trial | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $15 month Premium | $10.59 Core |
| Tier 3 | $150 month Process | $18.82 Pro |
| Tier 4 | $215 month Hosted Process | $29 Teams |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Power Automate pricing and Make pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Make has a free tier. Power Automate is paid only.
Go with: Make
Want the highest-rated option?
Power Automate: 4.4/5 (1,331 reviews). Make: 4.0/5 (18 reviews).
Go with: Power Automate
Value user reviews?
Power Automate: 1,331 reviews (4.4/5). Make: 18 reviews (4.0/5).
Go with: Power Automate
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Power Automate is paid. Make is freemium. Make lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Power Automate is a automation tool. Make is in workflow automation. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Power Automate is rated higher: 4.4/5 vs 4.0/5.
Key Takeaways
Make
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Power Automate
- Higher user rating: 4.4/5 vs 4.0/5
- Larger review base (1,331 reviews)
- Better fit for automation
The Bottom Line
Make wins this matchup. Our overall Automation pick is NinjaOne. Our free Automation pick is Jira MCP Server.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Power Automate or Make better?
Make is rated in our evaluation. Power Automate is paid and Make is freemium.
What are Power Automate and Make used for?
Power Automate: Automate workflows across cloud, desktop, and AI with 1,000+ connectors. Make: Build complex automations with a drag-and-drop visual builder.
What does Power Automate cost vs Make?
Power Automate is a paid tool. Make is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.