DBOS vs Make
Overview
DBOS provides an open-source durable execution library that makes applications resilient to crashes and failures by checkpointing workflow state to Postgres. Developers add simple annotations to existing Python, TypeScript, Java, or Go code to get automatic failure recovery, durable queues, and workflow orchestration—particularly useful for long-running AI agent workflows. Integrates natively with Pydantic AI and LangGraph. SOC 2 compliant.
Make (formerly Integromat) is a visual workflow automation platform with powerful data transformation and AI capabilities. It offers more complex routing, filtering, and data manipulation than simpler tools, making it popular with technical users. Make's AI modules support LLM calls, image generation, and document processing within multi-step automation scenarios.
Key features
Core capabilities each platform advertises.
- Durable execution via Postgres checkpointing
- Simple annotation-based integration
- Multi-language support (Python, TS, Java, Go)
- Native integration with Pydantic AI and LangGraph
- SOC 2 compliant, open-source
- Visual scenario builder
- 1500+ app integrations
- Advanced logic and branching
- Real-time execution monitoring
- Data transformation tools
Strengths and tradeoffs
What each tool does well, and the limitations to keep in mind.
Pros
- Founded by legendary database pioneer Mike Stonebraker with world-class research backing
- 25x faster than AWS Lambda + Step Functions for serverless workflows
- Multi-language support (Python, Go, Java, TypeScript, Kotlin) with minimal code changes required
- Automatic workflow resumption and durability built on proven database technology
- MCP server integration enables AI agents to troubleshoot and fix workflow issues
Cons
- Newer commercial product (launched 2024) despite strong research foundation
- Requires understanding of database concepts for optimal usage
- Smaller ecosystem and community compared to established workflow platforms
- Limited integrations and pre-built components compared to no-code alternatives
Pros
- Powerful visual builder with superior handling of complex multi-step workflows and branching logic
- 3,000+ app integrations with advanced data transformation and HTTP/webhook capabilities
- Cost-effective pricing, significantly cheaper than Zapier for complex automations
- Built-in code environment for JavaScript and Python for advanced customization
- Backed by $13B Celonis with enterprise-grade reliability and continuous innovation
Cons
- Steeper learning curve than Zapier due to more complex interface and field mapping
- Credit-based pricing system can be confusing to estimate costs accurately
- Less suitable for complete beginners or non-technical users
- Smaller community and fewer pre-built templates compared to Zapier
DBOS or Make — which should you choose?
Choose DBOS if you wantChoose if you want
- Crash-resilient AI agent workflows
- Durable execution for long-running tasks
- Workflow orchestration with automatic recovery
- Reliable queue processing for AI pipelines
- State management for multi-step agent workflows
Choose Make if you wantChoose if you want
- Complex multi-step automations
- Marketing and sales workflow automation
- Data transformation pipelines
- E-commerce process automation
- Custom API integrations
Compare DBOS and Make on your own traffic
Respan lets you trace LLM and agent calls across any model or framework, A/B test prompts on production traffic, and route requests across 500+ models through one gateway.