Alvin vs Zapier and Make for contractor automation
Zapier and Make are the classic way to connect apps: when this happens, do that. They’re reliable and cheap once built, and both now have AI features. The catch for most contractors is the building and the upkeep, and portals with no integration at all.
On this page
Side by side
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| Zapier and Make | Alvin | |
|---|---|---|
| How you ask | Build a workflow in advance | Ask in plain words, or forward an email |
| Works in | Apps with a Zapier or Make integration | QuickBooks, JobNimbus, AccuLynx, ServiceTitan, Gmail/Outlook, Google Business Profile, CompanyCam; supplier and permit portals on Alvin’s own computer (Pro) |
| Team | Zapier Team: 25 users, folder permissions; Make Teams: team roles | Whole team on one Alvin, each with their own login and role |
| Approvals | Zapier Team has approval requests (beta) | Purchases, invoices, refunds and price changes wait for a person, with dollar limits per role and per action |
| Record of work | Zapier Team: 6-month audit logs; Make: Enterprise | Every action: who asked, who approved, before/after values, screenshots. Can’t be edited or deleted |
| Price | Zapier Pro from $19.99/mo, Team from $69/mo; Make from $12/mo | Standard $99/mo, Pro $299/mo, plus usage in credits |
Prices and features as published by each company, checked October 4, 2026. They change; check their site for current details.
Where Zapier and Make is strong
- Huge app catalogs and predictable, repeatable automations.
- Cheap per run once the workflow is built.
- Zapier’s Team plan includes approvals (beta) and audit logs.
Where Alvin is different
- No building: ask for the outcome and Alvin works out the steps.
- Handles one-off requests, not just triggers.
- Works on supplier and permit portals through Alvin’s own computer when there’s no integration.
Can you use both?
If you already have Zaps that work, keep them. Alvin covers what doesn’t fit a fixed recipe.
Frequently asked questions
Can Zapier automate my roofing office?
It can automate fixed steps between apps it supports, like copying a new lead from a form into your CRM. It needs someone to build and maintain each workflow, and it can only work where an integration exists.
Does Alvin replace Zapier?
Not necessarily. Zapier is great for fixed, high-volume triggers. Alvin is for the work that changes every time.
Which is cheaper?
Zapier and Make start lower. Alvin costs more, but there’s nothing to build or maintain.
Sources
See Alvin do your office work.
Hand Alvin real requests in the demo, or book a pilot and we’ll set up your apps with you.