Automation & Agents
The best Zapier alternatives
Zapier is one of the best-known tools in Automation & Agents, but it is not the right fit for everyone. Prices, features and supported languages differ, so here are 8 alternatives worth comparing, with what each one does best.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Pricing | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Make | Freemium | Complex workflows · Operations teams |
| n8n | Freemium | Developers · Self-hosting |
| Power Automate | Paid | Microsoft 365 organisations · Approvals and document flows |
| Activepieces | Freemium | Teams wanting open source · Self-hosting |
| Pipedream | Freemium | Developers · API integrations |
| IFTTT | Freemium | Personal automation · Smart home |
| Lindy | Freemium | Email triage · Executive assistant tasks |
| Relay.app | Freemium | Teams that need approvals · AI-powered workflows |
1Make
MakeVisual automation builder.FreemiumDrag-and-drop scenario builder for multi-step automations, including AI modules.
Best for
- Complex workflows
- Operations teams
Why choose it
- Visual and flexible
- Often cheaper than Zapier at volume
Our take: A powerful, cost-effective option for complex automations.
2n8n
n8nOpen-source workflow automation with AI agents.FreemiumSelf-hostable automation tool popular for building AI agents and custom workflows.
Best for
- Developers
- Self-hosting
Why choose it
- Free to self-host
- Very flexible
Our take: The top choice for technical teams who want flexible, self-hosted AI automation.
3Power Automate
Power AutomateMicrosoft's automation platform with Copilot.PaidAutomates workflows across Microsoft 365 and hundreds of apps, including desktop automation, with Copilot to build flows in plain language.
Best for
- Microsoft 365 organisations
- Approvals and document flows
- Desktop automation
Why choose it
- Deep Microsoft integration
- Desktop and cloud automation
Our take: The natural automation choice for Microsoft-based companies.
4Activepieces
ActivepiecesOpen-source automation with AI, self-hostable.FreemiumAn open-source alternative to Zapier with a visual builder, AI steps and the option to self-host for free.
Best for
- Teams wanting open source
- Self-hosting
- Budget automation
Why choose it
- Open source and self-hostable
- Simple visual builder
Our take: A good open-source alternative to Zapier.
5Pipedream
PipedreamDeveloper-friendly workflows with code and AI.FreemiumA platform for building workflows that mix no-code steps with Node.js or Python code, connecting thousands of APIs.
Best for
- Developers
- API integrations
- Custom AI workflows
Why choose it
- Code where you need it
- Thousands of integrations
Our take: The most flexible option for developers who want automation with code.
6IFTTT
IFTTTSimple automations for apps and smart devices.FreemiumConnects apps and smart home devices with simple if-this-then-that applets, now with AI actions.
Best for
- Personal automation
- Smart home
- Social media posting
Why choose it
- Very easy to use
- Huge device support
Our take: The simplest way to automate personal apps and devices.
7Lindy
LindyBuild AI agents that handle email, meetings and more.FreemiumA no-code platform for creating AI assistants that manage inboxes, schedule meetings, take notes and run business workflows.
Best for
- Email triage
- Executive assistant tasks
- Sales follow-ups
Why choose it
- No-code agent builder
- Many ready-made templates
Our take: One of the easiest ways to build a useful AI assistant for admin work.
8Relay.app
Relay.appAutomations with AI steps and human approvals.FreemiumA workflow automation tool that combines app integrations, AI steps and human-in-the-loop approvals in a clean editor.
Best for
- Teams that need approvals
- AI-powered workflows
- Ops and marketing teams
Why choose it
- Easy human approval steps
- Clean, friendly editor
Our take: Great when automations still need a human check.
How to choose
Start with the job you need done most often, then test two or three options on the same real task. Check the free plan limits, the languages each tool supports and whether it works with the apps you already use.
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