MCP vs Make (Integromat): Which Do You Need?
Make (formerly Integromat) is a powerful visual automation tool. MCP is AI-powered tool integration. They overlap—but they're not the same thing. This comparison helps you understand when to use each, and whether you need both.
The 60-Second Summary
Make is a visual automation builder.
You create workflows (scenarios) that run automatically when triggered. Great for predictable, repeatable processes.
MCP connects AI to your tools.
Claude can access, reason about, and act on your data conversationally. Great for complex, variable tasks.
The key difference: Make automates. MCP thinks.
What Make Does Well
Make (formerly Integromat) is widely loved for its ability to glue the internet together.
Make's Strengths
- Visual workflow builder (drag-and-drop)
- 1,000+ app integrations
- Runs continuously in the background
- Detailed error handling and logging
Example Make Scenario
Predictable. Triggered automatically. Same every time.
What MCP Does Well
MCP handles the messy reality of work that doesn't fit into a perfect flowchart.
MCP's Strengths
- AI reasoning and judgment
- Natural language interaction
- Handles ambiguity and variation
- Can explain its thinking
Example MCP Prompt
Context-dependent. Requires analysis. Unpredictable path.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Make (Integromat) | MCP |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Visual scenario builder | Conversational AI |
| Execution | Automatic (triggered) | On-demand (you ask) |
| Intelligence | Rule-based logic | AI reasoning |
| App coverage | 1,000+ integrations | ~50+ servers (growing) |
| Pricing | Free tier + usage-based | MCP free + Claude sub |
| Learning curve | Medium (visual, complex) | Low-medium |
When to Choose Make
- The workflow is predictable and repeatable
- You need it to run automatically without you
- You're moving data between apps in a structured way
- You need complex conditional logic (if X then Y)
- You need detailed logging and error handling
When to Choose MCP
- The task requires understanding context
- Each situation is different
- You need to search, analyze, or synthesize info
- You want to ask questions and get intelligent answers
- Writing or drafting is involved
Using Both Together
Make and MCP aren't competitors—they handle different parts of your workflow.
Make automatically saves every email attachment to a specific Drive folder.
MCP analyzes those saved PDFs to flag unusual spending or summarize costs.
Make creates the project folder and adds the client to your CRM when a contract is signed.
MCP answers: "I'm starting the Henderson project. What similar projects have we done before?"
"Make moves data reliably. MCP thinks about data intelligently. Together, they cover automation AND intelligence."
Cost Comparison
Make Costs
- Free Tier: 1,000 ops/mo
- Core: ~$9/mo
- Pro: ~$16/mo
- Costs scale with usage. Heavy automation gets expensive.
MCP Costs
- MCP Protocol: Free
- Claude Pro: ~$20/mo
- Usage: Unlimited*
- Flat cost. More usage doesn't increase your bill.
Quick Decision Guide
Still unsure? Start with MCP for the flexibility. Add Make when you identify truly repetitive processes worth automating.
The Bottom Line
Make is your automation engine—reliable, predictable, always-on workflows.
MCP is your AI assistant—intelligent, flexible, conversational help.
Most productive people use both. Start with whichever matches your immediate need.