IFTTT vs Make: Which to Choose?

If you are looking for an automation tool, the biggest three in the game are without a doubt IFTTT, Zapier, and Make. Of the three, Make is the newest and smallest automation platform yet offers innovative features such as a drag and drop automation builder and real time data visualization.

Founded in 2012 as Integromat and later rebranded in 2016 to Make, this platform hosts over 500k users and has an international fanbase in almost 200 countries. If you are in the market for a tool to help save you time, Make, Zapier, and IFTTT are all great contenders. While we're on the topic, don't miss our comparison of IFTTT vs Zapier which can be found here.

Although we offer similar solutions, Make is one solution for a lot of people looking to streamline their daily tasks. However, what sets IFTTT apart and how can we offer you the best possible automation experience? In this article, we will explore and compare the unique features and functionalities of Make and IFTTT, and help you make an informed decision on which to choose.

You can try IFTTT today for free by clicking on the button below!

What are automation tools?

IFTTT and Make are both classified as automation tools, which sets us apart from many of the other online services you use each day. In the simplest terms, automation tools are software that connect different apps and services. Automation and integration platforms allow you to automate repetitive tasks, saving you time and effort. Most people don't realize how many menial tasks they dread can be automated on a low or no-code platform.

Our tools work on the principle of triggers and actions. When a specific event (trigger) occurs in one place, it prompts an action in another. However, with IFTTT, our functionality extends much further, with additional conditions such as time delays and queries that can bring automation to the next level.

This trigger-action relationship requires a lot of technical programming in the background, but luckily, we package them up nicely in a way that allows users to enable the automation in just a few click. For IFTTT, these are called "Applets." For Make, they have something similar called a "Scenario."

If getting back some of your precious time seems like a good idea, keep reading to see how Applets and Scenarios work and which one is best for your needs.

What is IFTTT?

IFTTT, which stands for "If This Then That," is a free automation platform that helps you connect over 1000 different apps and devices to work together seamlessly. It’s designed with simplicity in mind, making it a great choice for all users who want to automate everyday tasks without diving into complex coding or configurations.

With IFTTT, you can create or browse for automations known as Applets. Applets link two or more services, allowing one to trigger an action in another based on a specified condition. For example, you can automatically turn off your lights when you leave home or post the same content to multiple social media platforms with a single click.

IFTTT offers a wide range of integrations across different services, making it perfect for personal use and small to medium-scale business operations. IFTTT is unique in that it offers a mobile app for both iOS and Android users. Automation possibilities are expanded through mobile-exclusive services as well as Location and widget triggers.

With a foolproof setup, you can get started on your own custom automation in our Create section. If you are proud of your Applet, you can publish it for the world to see.

If you want to check if an automation already exists, you can browse our Explore tab that hosts millions (yes, millions) of pre-made Applets.

You can also send us requests for new services and features to be released in future updates. IFTTT offers both a desktop site and apps for IOS and Android, so you can manage your automations wherever you want.

IFTTT's strengths

IFTTT is well known for its simplicity and user-friendly interface. It allows you to easily automations called Applets. Applets connect two or more apps, triggering an action in one when an event occurs in the other. For example, you can create an Applet that saves your Instagram photos to Dropbox whenever you post a new photo.

IFTTT is also the top choice for smart home integrations. We support the widest range of smart devices, allowing you to automate tasks like turning on your lights at sunset or adjusting your thermostat based on the weather.

IFTTT is also budget-friendly, with a free way to try out your initial Applets, and paid plans starting at only a few dollars per month. All the essential functions you need are included in our free plan, and more advanced users can gain access to AI tools, exclusive services like Twitter and Webhooks, and higher Applet limits. For beginners, IFTTT has a lower learning curve and users also have access to our tutorials and customer service.

IFTTT is unique in that it offers a mobile app for both iOS and Android users. Automation possibilities are expanded through mobile-exclusive services as well as Location and widget triggers.

What is Make?

Make and IFTTT were founded on very similar goals: to help the general public automate their lives in a way that was previously reserved for the technically savvy. However, the two services go about achieving this goal in different ways.

Make has executed a great rebrand, with more and more users joining the platform after it transitioned from Integromat. The service bases itself on a few key features that set it apart from the others, including a drag and drop interface, advanced troubleshooting, and data manipulation inside integrations.

These features position Make away from IFTTT as a more advanced-level tool, requiring a bit more knowledge about software and programming.

Make's strengths

Like IFTTT, Make has a lot of essential features that make it a good choice for automating your business. Make's strengths lie in its ability to construct and run more complicated automations, which could be a better solution for larger businesses or those needing a very specific automation solution.

Make provides detailed logging, error handling, and debugging tools, which are particularly valuable for users working with complex automations that need monitoring and troubleshooting. Additionally, the API module in Make enables users to connect with many web-based services by configuring HTTP requests, making it a highly customizable solution for those who need to go beyond pre-built integrations.

Make offers integrations with over 1000 of the same apps and services that IFTTT does, so you are likely to find what you need on either platform. The drag and drop interface help users overcome the technical nature of the platform, but more advanced users will need some practice before mastering all the conditions available.

Pricing and plan comparison

When choosing between IFTTT and Make, cost is a key factor to consider. Both platforms offer free plans, but paid plans differ in terms of price and features.

It's important to understand what you're getting for your money with each platform. Let's take a closer look at the pricing for IFTTT and Make.

IFTTT pricing

IFTTT offers a free plan with essential functions, but it's limited. You can create and use up to 2 custom Applets, as well as get access to our mobile app and unlimited Applet runs.

Free: Essential starter functions, with 2 Applets.

Pro: 20 Applets, multi-step applets, community support, faster execution, and access to additional services such as Webhooks and Twitter.

Pro+: Unlimited Applets, AI services, multiple account connections per service, queries, and filter code capabilities.

Overall, IFTTT offers more affordable plans and a comprehensive free user experience.

Make pricing

Make also offers a limited free plan, with paid plans starting at $10 monthly to $30 monthly. Each plan builds on the last, with more and more features aimed at bigger teams. Each plan also scales in cost dependant on the usage per user.

Free: 2 total Scenarios, 5 minute Scenario time limit, unlimited users, two factor authentication

Core: Unlimited Scenarios, 40 minute Scenario time limit, larger file sizes

Pro: Custom variables, Scenario inputs, priority execution

Teams: Teams and roles, Scenario templates

Make's list of features makes it more suited for businesses and large operations, at a higher price tag. They also offer an Enterprise plan, which can be tailored to have more customer support options and custom functions.

Make vs IFTTT: The right tool for you

We are happy to sit here and tell you all of the great reasons why you should choose IFTTT for your automation needs. However, both tools offer great tools, and ultimately the choice rests on your specific needs. If you are looking for IFTTT or Make alternatives, Zapier and Integrately are also interesting options.

If you're a non-technical user or someone looking to automate tasks involving smart home, personal health, music, and social media, IFTTT's simplicity and user-friendly interface may be more appealing.

On the other hand, if you're an enterprise business user who needs to automate complex, multi-step workflows across a wide range of business apps, Make's features and more professionally-centered integrations may be more suitable.

Remember, the best tool is the one that fits your needs and helps you achieve your goals. Whether that's IFTTT or Make, both tools have the potential to significantly streamline your tasks and boost your productivity. And at the end of the day, that's all we want: for you to live a life with more free time.

Applet examples with IFTTT

While we're here, let's browse some of our favorite Applets that you can enable today. To get started, simply visit IFTTT, create an account, select an Applet, and follow the on screen prompts to connect. If you need more help, you can reach out to our friendly support team and we'll get back to you with more information.

IFTTT's versatility is one of its greatest strengths. With over 1000 services to choose from, there's an Applet for almost any task. Here are some popular Applets that users rely on to simplify their daily lives.

Automate social media posts: These Applets allow you to post on multiple platforms at once. For example, you can set up an applet to automatically share your Instagram posts on Twitter.

Customize notifications: Our notification Applets are the perfect solution to staying up to date on all the things you need to know. Whether it be custom weather updates, pomodoro reminders, or new sales notifications, we guarantee you can find something useful.

Get weather updates: With IFTTT, popular weather services can send you a daily weather update or other important information. You can choose the time and format of the update, and you can integrate these updates to sync with your calendar or your smart lights.

Boost productivity: Our productivity Applets are some of our most popular, and for good reason. By connecting services, we can remove much of the distracting and menial work that usually clouds up your day.

Automate smart home devices: Our smart home automations allow you to control your smart home devices with voice commands. For example, you can set up an Applet to turn on your lights when you get home.

Games and music: If you ever wanted to see your Spotify analytics, or get custom notifications for in-game rewards, our games and music Applets are a perfect solution. With one click, you can forever change the way you game, stream, and enjoy music.

Wrapping up

After all is said and done, IFTTT and Make are both great choices for automation tools. Depending on what tasks you want to automate and potentially the size of your time, one may be a better choice than the other. We hope this article has pointed you in the right direction, and that you can start saving time no matter which tool you choose.

Millions across the world look to IFTTT to help streamline their lives, and you can too. IFTTT is free with all the essential features and up to two Applets, with the option to upgrade for more advanced tooling and higher Applet limits. Give IFTTT a try and see what you think.