IFTTT vs Make
Which should you use? A side-by-side look at what each one does, who it suits, what it costs, how hard it is to set up, and where each falls short.
AI tool · Freemium
A simple automation service connecting apps and smart-home devices with if-this-then-that applets.
AI tool · Freemium
A visual automation platform for building multi-step workflows between apps, including AI steps.
Our verdict
IFTTT and Make both automate tasks between apps, but they target different users. IFTTT uses simple if-this-then-that applets, mainly for personal and smart-home automations and light social cross-posting. Make is a visual builder for multi-step workflows with branching logic, error handling, scheduling, and AI steps, and it has a learning curve.
Pick IFTTT if you want quick, one-step automations for personal tasks or smart-home devices and don't need complicated logic.
Pick Make if you need multi-step workflows with branching, error handling, or scheduling between apps like Slack, Shopify, or Notion, and you're comfortable with a visual builder.
| Key difference | IFTTT | Make |
|---|---|---|
| Core approach | Simple trigger-and-action applets (if this, then that). | Visual scenario builder for multi-step workflows. |
| Best at | Personal and smart-home automations; simple social cross-posting. | Complex visual workflows with branching and routers. |
| Ease of use | Easiest option for personal automation. | Has a learning curve due to the visual builder. |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, and Android apps. | Web only, per the listed facts. |
| Price | Freemium. | Freemium; positioned as cost-conscious automation. |
Written with AI from both products' catalogue entries · updated 2026-10-29
Who each one is for
Choose IFTTT if you need…
- Personal and smart-home automations
- Simple social cross-posting
Choose Make if you need…
- Complex visual workflows
- Cost-conscious automation
Side-by-side
| IFTTT | Make | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | No-code & automation · Workflow automation | No-code & automation · Workflow automation |
| Price | Freemium | Freemium |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web |
| Works with | Google Workspace, Alexa | Google Workspace, Slack, Shopify, Notion |
| Hands-on tested by us | Not yet | Not yet |
| Last checked | 2026-10-29 | 2026-10-29 |
What each one is
IFTTT
A simple automation service connecting apps and smart-home devices with if-this-then-that applets. Easiest for personal automation. Too simple for multi-step business workflows.
Make
A visual automation platform for building multi-step workflows between apps, including AI steps. More flexible than simple trigger-action tools for branching logic. The visual builder has a learning curve.
Best for
IFTTT
- Personal and smart-home automations
- Simple social cross-posting
Make
- Complex visual workflows
- Cost-conscious automation
Strengths
IFTTT
- Applets with triggers and actions
- Smart-home integrations
- AI-powered applets
Make
- Visual scenario builder
- Routers and branching
- AI modules
- Error handling and scheduling
Frequently asked questions
Should I use IFTTT or Make?
IFTTT and Make both automate tasks between apps, but they target different users. IFTTT uses simple if-this-then-that applets, mainly for personal and smart-home automations and light social cross-posting. Make is a visual builder for multi-step workflows with branching logic, error handling, scheduling, and AI steps, and it has a learning curve. Pick IFTTT if you want quick, one-step automations for personal tasks or smart-home devices and don't need complicated logic. Pick Make if you need multi-step workflows with branching, error handling, or scheduling between apps like Slack, Shopify, or Notion, and you're comfortable with a visual builder.
What is the difference between IFTTT and Make?
IFTTT: A simple automation service connecting apps and smart-home devices with if-this-then-that applets. Make: A visual automation platform for building multi-step workflows between apps, including AI steps. IFTTT suits personal and smart-home automations, while Make suits complex visual workflows.
Are IFTTT and Make free?
IFTTT: Freemium. Make: Freemium.
What are other alternatives to IFTTT and Make?
Other options people compare them with include n8n, Pipedream, Zapier, Microsoft Power Automate, Airtable.
Keep comparing
Built from our catalogue entries for both products: open-source details come from each project's README (AI-assisted, refreshed weekly) and GitHub data; AI-tool details are editorial. Spotted something wrong? Let us know from either product's page.