Make vs Windmill: Which One for Production?
Make has around 52,000 users while Windmill boasts approximately 12,000 active installations. But numbers alone don’t dictate which tool wins—it’s how those numbers translate into productivity.
| Tool | GitHub Stars | Forks | Open Issues | License | Last Release Date | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Make | n/a | n/a | n/a | Proprietary | March 18, 2026 | Starts at $9/month |
| Windmill | n/a | n/a | n/a | Apache 2.0 | March 15, 2026 | Free Tier Available |
Make: A Deeper Look
Make is primarily a no-code automation platform designed for quick task execution. It connects various applications without requiring the user to write code, making it ideal for those who may not have a programming background but still want to automate workflows. Essentially, it’s like putting a turbocharger on your productivity without needing a pit crew of programmers.
{
"name": "New Users",
"type": "action",
"description": "Create new users from imported CSV file",
"fields": {
"csv_file": "import.csv",
"user_type": "basic"
}
}
What’s Good About Make?
One of the standout features of Make is its user interface. It’s designed with non-developers in mind, presenting a drag-and-drop interface that’s intuitive and inviting. You don’t need a CS degree to figure it out; even my dog could probably understand it (though I’m not sure she’d know what to do with the output). Plus, Make integrates with thousands of apps, which means no matter what you’re working on, it’ll probably hook up nicely.
Another plus is the flexibility in task scheduling. You can set triggers based on events, which saves hours that would otherwise be wasted on mundane manual processes. If automating emails or syncing data doesn’t sound thrilling to you, believe me, having it just done saves time for the stuff that actually matters—like debugging that one really annoying piece of legacy code.
What Sucks About Make?
The biggest thorn in Make’s side? Pricing. Sure, the basic tier starts at just $9/month, but the features you actually want live behind a paywall. If you need higher-tier integrations or more functionalities, be prepared to pay significantly more. The solution can become costly fast, especially if you’re an individual developer or a small team managing a bunch of integrations.
Moreover, its reliance on a user-friendly interface can sometimes lead to oversimplification. If you’re a seasoned developer, you’ll quickly find that you hit the limitations far sooner than you’d like. Custom code integrations can be complex and messy, and you might find yourself missing out on deeper customization options.
Windmill: A Closer Look
Windmill is an open-source developer tool that focuses on automated testing and performance optimizing. Unlike Make, it’s geared more towards developers looking for a coding-friendly environment. Windmill caters to those who want to write code but in a streamlined fashion. It can automate any HTTP request and run checks on API endpoints, which makes it a solid choice for QA engineers and software developers who need solid testing frameworks in their workflow.
import windmill
from windmill import API
api = API('http://example.com/api')
response = api.get('/users')
print(response.data)
What’s Good About Windmill?
If you’re looking for a tool built with developers in mind, Windmill nails it. The first noteworthy aspect is that being open-source means that you have full control over your deployment. You can customize, extend, or even repurpose it to suit your exact needs. This is especially valuable for teams that follow agile methodologies and need something that can adapt quickly to changing requirements.
Another great aspect is the community. Windmill fosters a vibrant community that actively contributes to its development. You’ll find a rich ecosystem of plugins and integrations that you can quickly adopt—something that makes it easier to get more mileage out of the tool.
What Sucks About Windmill?
Additionally, while community support is typically great, it sometimes doesn’t compare to the solid customer support that paid tools offer. If you run into a major issue during production hours, you might be left waiting for answers longer than you’d like.
Head-to-Head Comparison
User Experience
Make wins this round. Its user-friendly interface is tailored for those who prefer clicking over coding, making it perfect for non-developers or teams with varied skill levels. Windmill, while fantastic for coders, can throw anyone else deep into murky waters.
Speed of Automation
On this score, Windmill takes the lead. It allows for rapid coding and execution of complex automation scenarios. The ability to manage APIs and automate testing means less time spent on repetitive tasks and more on improving the product.
Customization
Windmill also wins here, hands down. The power of an open-source platform allows developers to build tailored solutions that cater to specific project needs. Make might offer simplicity, but it’s often at the cost of flexibility.
Cost
Make loses this round as well. Sure, you can start with it at a bargain $9/month, but those costs can escalate quickly. Windmill is free, and while you may incur costs for hosting or cloud services, these are generally easier to manage than tiered subscription fees.
The Money Question: Pricing Comparison
| Criteria | Make | Windmill |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Price | $9/month | Free Tier Available |
| Average Project Cost | $50/month | Depends on hosting |
| Paid Features | Priority Support | Community Support |
| Tier Levels | 3 | 1 (Open Source) |
My Take: Who Should Pick What?
If you’re a project manager leading a diverse team with limited coding skills, go for Make. It’s your best shot at delivering results quickly without much technical fuss.
If you’re a seasoned developer or a QA engineer buried under tests, Windmill is your friend. It provides the tools you need to build a customized testing and automation workflow, keeping your codebase lean and efficient.
Finally, if you’re a solo entrepreneur trying to juggle multiple roles, Make might tempt you with its ease of use. But if you can spare some time to overcome the learning curve, consider Windmill. You’ll thank yourself later for investing the effort upfront.
FAQ
Q: Can I use Make with custom code?
A: Yes, but it’s not ideal. Make is best used for basic automations. While you can write some JavaScript, advanced users may find the limitations frustrating.
Q: How secure is Windmill for sensitive data?
A: As an open-source tool, Windmill’s security largely depends on your implementation and hosting. Be sure to read through the security guidelines in the documentation to ensure you’re not leaving yourself vulnerable.
Q: Are there any hidden costs with either option?
A: Make has tiered pricing that can add up quickly depending on your usage. Windmill, while free, may require expenses for hosting or additional services like databases or plugins.
Data as of March 19, 2026. Sources: Toolquestor, Slashdot, Reddit.
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🕒 Last updated: · Originally published: March 19, 2026