The Best AI Automation Tools and Agents for Getting Work Done

Automation used to mean simple rules: when an email arrives, save the attachment. AI has changed that. Today's tools can read messages, decide what to do and write replies, and some agents can carry out whole tasks on their own. The challenge is choosing a platform that fits your skills, your apps and your budget.

Here are the best options, from the easiest to the most technical.

Classic automation platforms with AI built in

These connect thousands of apps and now include AI steps for summarising, classifying and writing.

ZZapierConnect apps and automate with AI steps.Freemium

The easiest place to start, with the largest library of app integrations. Describe what you want and its AI helps build the workflow.

MMakeVisual automation builder.Freemium

A visual canvas for more complex workflows with branches and loops. Often better value than Zapier for high-volume automations.

PPower AutomateMicrosoft's automation platform with Copilot.Paid

The natural choice for companies that run on Microsoft 365, with Copilot to build flows from a description and desktop automation for older software.

Open-source and developer options

nn8nOpen-source workflow automation with AI agents.Freemium

Open source and self-hostable, with strong AI agent features. Popular with technical teams who want control over their data and costs.

AActivepiecesOpen-source automation with AI, self-hostable.Freemium

A simpler open-source alternative to Zapier that you can host yourself for free.

PPipedreamDeveloper-friendly workflows with code and AI.Freemium

For developers who want to mix pre-built steps with their own Node.js or Python code.

AI agent builders

Instead of fixed steps, these tools let you create assistants that decide how to handle each case.

LLindyBuild AI agents that handle email, meetings and more.Freemium

Build assistants for your inbox, calendar, meeting notes and sales follow-ups without code, with approvals before actions are taken.

RRelevance AIBuild teams of AI agents for business processes.Freemium

Lets you build teams of agents for full business processes such as lead research and outreach.

GGumloopDrag-and-drop AI automations and agents.Freemium

A friendly drag-and-drop builder for AI workflows that scrape websites, process documents and send results to your apps.

General agents for one-off tasks

MManusGeneral AI agent that completes tasks end to end.Freemium

Give it a goal, such as researching competitors and writing a report, and it plans the steps, browses the web and delivers files. Review its output before relying on it.

Simple personal automation

IIFTTTSimple automations for apps and smart devices.Freemium

The simplest way to link personal apps and smart home devices with if-this-then-that rules.

How to start safely

• Automate one annoying task first. Pick something repetitive you do every week and measure the time saved.
• Keep a human in the loop. For anything that sends emails, changes records or spends money, require approval at first.
• Test with sample data. Run new workflows on a few items before switching them on for everything.
• Watch the usage. Most platforms charge by tasks or credits, and AI steps can use them up quickly.

Quick picks

• Easiest to start: Zapier.
• Best value for complex workflows: Make.
• Best for Microsoft companies: Power Automate.
• Best open source: n8n.
• Best no-code AI assistant builder: Lindy.
• Best for personal and smart home automation: IFTTT.