Zapier is synonymous with workflow automation, just as Netflix is synonymous with streaming services. But anyone who has spent their Friday night scanning Netflix will tell you it is far from perfect—and so is Zapier.
There are a few reasons you might be window shopping for a Zapier alternative:
- You’re annoyed by the complexity of handling multi-step workflows.
- You’re frustrated with being unable to figure out what exactly went wrong when a workflow glitches.
- You want to build more personalized workflows and stay in control throughout all processes.
- You’re tired of surpassing the task limits and paying extra each month.
- You need more features to tailor workflows to your specific needs.
Considering these factors, we’ve curated a list of the best Zapier alternatives.
First, we’ll discuss what you should look for in an alternative, and then we’ll get to the list.
Why Should You Find a Zapier Alternative? (and What To Look For)
If you’re looking for a Zapier alternative, chances are you already have a few ideas about what your ideal workflow automation tool looks like.
Maybe you need easier maintenance, more reliable service, or something just a little cheaper.
Here’s what to consider—and what we used as criteria for the reviewed tools:
Zapier is easy to start with, but hard at scale.
Can a novice in the automation software world quickly learn all the platform’s bells and whistles and set up what they need?
Yes.
However, Zapier can be buggy and require constant maintenance from your team.
Even if the automation solution you pick is aimed at a more technical audience, maintenance shouldn't feel like solving a cryptic puzzle. Otherwise, you'll waste the hours saved with automation in the first place.
At the most basic level, you’re looking for a tool to connect your apps and services. Most alternatives don’t have as big a library as Zapier, but quantity doesn’t always mean quality.
Customers report a big gap between the ease of setting up Zaps and the problems that arise once they’re up and running.
Zapier is a single-player.
For many out there, Zapier is perfect. Easy to set up, thousands of integrations, and you can manage workflows independently.
Not so much for advanced workflows.
If you need to collaborate with your team or create complex workflows that scale easily, consider tools that allow for multi-player modes and have many customization options.
Need responsive customer support?
A common complaint with Zapier—especially with how the platform has grown over the last few years—is the lack of support.
Running into roadblocks is inevitable, especially given that Zapier can get clunky and glitchy. The lack of quality support is definitely a big downside to be aware of.
Zapier's cost can sneak up on you.
Most workflow automation tools use a combination of pre-set monthly plans and usage-based pricing, which can quickly add up and bust your budget.
Instead, look for tools that offer the most for your money (such as Relay.app, which includes unlimited automations in all its plans).
💡 Note: Most automation platforms offer free plans. Explore and experiment with these services. This way, you will find a Zapier alternative that meets your needs and enhances workflow efficiency.
1. Relay.app
⭐ G2: 5.0
🏆 Best for: Combining human judgment into automated workflows
🔬 Free trial: 100 free automations.
Relay.app is a sophisticated workflow automation platform with a twist — it allows users to involve actual humans in otherwise fully automated workflows.
Moreover, its user-friendly interface, coupled with options for easy teamwork on workflows, makes Relay.app an ideal solution for a wide range of users with different levels of experience and automation needs.
Let’s examine some factors that make Relay.app a better choice than Zapier.
Reason #1: Human-in-the-Loop
Whereas Zapier allows users to create only fully automated workflows, Relay.app lets you include human-managed steps in any automated process.
This is a handy feature for specific or highly delicate operations that cannot be entirely delegated to technology.
Thanks to it, you won’t have to sacrifice human precision, emotional intelligence, and contextual awareness for the sake of speed and efficiency - and vice versa.
There are four distinct types of human steps you can add to your workflows:
- Approvals — You may need someone to double-check a step and confirm everything is as it should be before the automation continues. This is perfect for processes requiring human oversight and assessment.
- Tasks — You can assign a team member to complete an action before the workflow proceeds to ensure complete human control over delicate procedures.
- Decisions — Whenever you don’t want Relay.app’s conditional logic to make the final call, leave it to a human to decide whether to run Path A or Path B based on the specific context and their judgment.
- Data Inputs — This allows for adding a personal touch to automations that include direct communication with leads (e.g., cold outreach email chains), providing more context on a task (e.g., personal notes on a deal summary or an interview with a potential hire), and more.
Whenever you decide to engage humans in the automation loop, the person assigned to the task in question will be notified via Slack or email, and the automation will pause until the task is completed as intended.
As simple as that!
Why Do You Need a Human-in-the-Loop Feature?
While automation is nothing short of amazing for boosting productivity and increasing efficiency, it lacks everything that makes human work irreplaceable, such as
- Creativity
- Judgment
- Intuition
- Emotional intelligence,
- etc.
With the Human-in-the-Loop feature, you won’t have to choose one at the expense of the other because you can freely combine the two in whichever way best suits you.
This unique approach to workflow automation allows you to:
- Stay in control of the most sensitive processes without missing out on the enhanced speed and efficiency of automation.
- Create original and highly personalized workflow steps instead of relying on generic ones.
- Get human input and assessment without disrupting even the most complex workflows.
Try it on for size below ⤵️
Reason #2: 1-Click AI
AI has enormous transformative potential when applied to automation—provided you know how to make the most of it.
Most automation tools that include some form of AI-powered features require users to write adequate prompts for them to work correctly.
And if you’ve ever used conversational AI, you know that prompt engineering isn’t easy, especially when dealing with more elaborate tasks.
Relay.app has a set of built-in AI tools that allow for managing a wide range of tasks, from summarizing notes and generating sentences to intuitively guiding your automations and helping you detect and fix workflow errors.
The best part? There’s no need for prompt engineering, as these tools can be readily activated wherever it’s contextually relevant.
Reason #3: Multiplayer Automation
One of the key reasons why so many teams choose Relay.app is that it provides plenty of options for seamless team collaboration on workflows of various complexity.
With it, you can create dynamic role assignments, easily assigning the right tasks to the adequate team members.
That way, you can ensure customer support requests are forwarded to the appropriate rep, assign account-specific tasks to the right Account Manager, and more.
Virtually any collaborative scenario is possible, enabling teams of all types and sizes with automation skills to create exactly the workflow they need.
Reason #4: Advanced Core Capabilities
In addition to the three features we looked into above, Relay.app has a broad scope of functionality that Zapier is lacking, enabling better, smoother, and more efficient workflow automation, such as:
1. Replacing images in a template document — This feature allows you to automatically insert adequate images in your workflows using dynamic placeholders.
Check out this guide to see how easy it is.
2. Merging paths — When dealing with a workflow that branches into two paths but you want to set up an automated action for both outcomes, the merging paths option allows you to do this without creating separate workflows.
3. Iterators—Iterators allow you to automatically run one or multiple actions for each item within a list, regardless of its length.
Finally, Relay.app’s intuitive interface allows both novice and experienced users to easily figure out its perks and make the most of its capabilities.
Limitations
There are a few aspects where Zapier has a slight edge over Relay.app, including:
- The number of integrations. Zapier, being one of the first automation tools on the market, integrates with 7,000+ apps. Relay.app has fewer integrations, but all the integrations it does have work seamlessly across workflows, and new ones are added regularly.
- Unlike Relay.app, Zapier offers tools such as Interfaces. These allow users to build simple apps, web pages, data-capturing forms, etc. However, Zapier’s automation pricing plans include only basic access to Interfaces, meaning you’ll have to pay extra to tap into their full potential.
Pricing
If you want to take Relay.app for a test drive, you can run 100 automations for free, with unlimited access to all its features.
For users needing more, there are three plans to choose from:
- Starter: $18 per month (2 users included)
- Team: Starting at $27 per month ($9 per seat, includes 3-20 users)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing for larger-scale users requiring 20+ seats
In contrast to Zapier, Relay.app’s pricing is entirely user-based, meaning that every pricing plan includes unlimited automations and access to all its features.
When using Zapier, the only thing you can be sure of is the starting price, which can quickly skyrocket if you need to run more monthly tasks than what your pricing plan includes.
With Relay.app, on the other hand, you’ll know exactly how much you’ll pay each month without any unpleasant surprises, as there are no hidden or additional costs.
2. Make
⭐ G2: 4.7 (215 reviews) ; Capterra: 4.8 (372 reviews)
🏆 Best for: Advanced, visual workflow automation with deep customization.
🔬 Free trial: No; limited free plan.
Make (it used to be called Integromat, but the company went through a rebrand in 2022) is the Zapier alternative you’ve most likely heard of. It’s the closest like-for-like to Zapier, with a huge library of apps and services. Its visual interface stands out, making it a lot easier to plan and build out your workflows, particularly complex automations requiring conditional logic branching.
Key Features
- A drag-and-drop workflow UI that makes it easier to design and implement workflows
- Advanced logic branching to help set up multiple scenarios that trigger different actions based on specific actions
- Features 2xs more API endpoints per app than Zapier, allowing you to automate more actions within your apps
- Support for webhooks and HTTP/SOAP/JSON/XML requests so you can interact with almost any web service directly.
Limitations
- Steep learning curve due to its functionality and customization options. Simple to get started, for sure, but complex to master.
- Performance issues when dealing with a very high volume of tasks or intricate automations, which can be a killer for businesses with large-scale automation needs.
Pricing
The following Make plans are billed annually:
1. Free. 1,000 operations/month, 1,000+ apps, no-code visual workflow builder.
2. Core. From $9 per month for 10,000 operations, unlimited active scenarios, minimum one-minute interval between scheduled scenario executions, access to the Make API.
3. Pro. From $16 per month for 10,000 operations, custom variables, Scenario Inputs, full-text execution log search, operations usage flexibility, and priority scenario execution.
4. Teams. From $29 per month for 10,000 operations, multiple teams and permissions, high-priority scenario execution, create and share scenario templates.
3. Pipedream
⭐ G2: 4.6 (15 reviews) ; Capterra: 5.0 (4 reviews)
🏆 Best for: Developers looking for a code-centric automation platform
🔬 Free trial: No; limited free plan.
Pipedream has only been around since 2021, so like us, it’s also a relatively new player. It’s a workflow automation tool designed for developers—which makes it a powerful Zapier alternative for the crowd that isn’t frightened of writing custom JavaScript steps within workflows. If you’re a developer keen to get more granular control over your automations (or willing to hire someone who is!) Pipedream may just be the right tool.
Key features
- A developer-centric platform that allows for intricate workflow customization using custom code
- Real-time event processing for immediate automation responses
- Extensive integration support including popular services and custom APIS to connect and automate virtually any part of your operations
Limitations
- Geared towards technical users so it’s pretty much inaccessible if you’re not a programmer. Seeing most users looking to get started with workflow automation are non-devs looking for a no-code solution, Pipedream simply isn’t going to fit the bill.
Pricing
The following Pipedream plans are billed annually:
- Free. Offers 1,000 operations per month, and access to 1,000+ apps.
- Core. Starting at $9 per month, this tier provides 10,000 operations, unlimited active scenarios, and a minimum one-minute interval between scheduled scenario executions.
- Pro. Priced from $16 per month, the Pro plan includes all Core features plus 10,000 operations, and is designed for users who need deeper customization and prioritization in their automations.
- Teams. Starting at $29 per month for 10,000 operations, this plan is tailored for collaborative environments, offering features such as multiple teams and permissions, high-priority scenario execution, and the ability to create and share scenario templates.
4. Workato
⭐ G2: 4.7 (398 reviews) ; Capterra: 4.7 (52 reviews)
🏆 Best for: Large organizations and enterprises requiring automation at scale.
🔬 Free trial: Yes; on request.
Workato is an Enterprise-level workflow automation tool. Unlike Zapier, which caters to a broad audience, Workato is designed with the needs of larger organizations in mind—think names like Atlassian, Adobe, and MGM. A great choice for major businesses, but too complex (not to mention expensive) for everyone else.
Key features
- A wide array of integrations with 1,000+ business applications enabling seamless connectivity between enterprise systems, cloud services and popular apps
- A library of thousands of pre-built automation recipes to speed up time to automation
- Designed with enterprise-grade security and customizable governance controls to ensure data integrity and privacy
Limitations
- Complex for non-technical users. However, if you’re a big enough company to be using Workato, the chances are you’ll have a dedicated hire for automation creation and management.
- There are cheaper options with better feature sets. Customers complain about Workato’s lack when it comes to anything beyond simple integrations, especially compared to other tools that are dramatically less expensive.
Pricing
Workato’s pricing model varies based on the scale of use, number of connectors and tasks required. You have to contact Workato for a custom quote.
5. n8n
⭐ G2: 4.8 (18 reviews) ; Capterra: 4.6 (29 reviews)
🏆 Best for: An open-source, self-hostable automation tool.
🔬 Free trial: No; limited free plan.
n8n is an open-source workflow automation tool that offers a more versatile solution to Zapier (with a few added complexities along the way). With n8n you can run complex automations across a wide range of services that go beyond the regular app-to-app connections—from automating parts of your home, to chatting with a Google Sheet using AI. Oh, and because n8n is self-hostable, it’s appealing to devs and tech-savvy users looking to hand-craft their automation infrastructure.
Key features
- An open-source license which means you have full access to modify, extend and customize the platform to your specific needs.
- Visual workflow editor that allows you to drag-and-drop apps and workflows intuitively
- Self-hosted or cloud options offering versatility in deployment
- A great workflow library that you can copy and paste to your dashboard to speed up creation
Limitations
- A steep learning curve for non-technical users. Again, this is a tool for devs and folks with programming knowledge.
- Only just over 400 integrations, which puts it on the low side compared with competitors.
Pricing
The following n8n plans are billed annually:
- Starter. $20 per month. For getting started and seeing what you can do with n8n. 2,500 workflow executions with unlimited steps, 5 active workflows and unlimited test ones.
- Pro. $50 per month. For working in teams and running business-critical workflows. 10,000 workflow executions, 15 active workflows, Execution search, Global variables, debug in editor.
- Enterprise. For organizations with stricter security or compliance requirements.
6. Activepieces
⭐ G2: 4.7 (104 reviews)
🏆 Best for: Small businesses and individuals looking for affordable automation.
🔬 Free trial: No; limited free plan.
Activepieces is another workflow automation tool founded recently, in this case, in 2022. It’s used by companies like Writer and BrowserStack, and is focused on meeting the needs of marketing, sales and operations teams looking to automate common processes. It has a drag-and-drop builder and a simple approach to automation that combines simplicity with the freedom to build what you need.
Key features
- Simple drag-and-drop builder that is quick to learn and easy to master
- Custom logic with branch and loop pieces to build if/then workflows
- Use webhooks or schedule triggers for more flexibility
Limitations
- Only 166 ‘pieces’/integrations, so while lots of popular apps are covered, there are too many gaps for businesses looking to automate their entire tech stack.
Pricing
The following Activepieces plans are billed annually:
- Pro. Free for 1,000 tasks per month, including 1 user and community support.
- Platform. $249 for 50,000 per month, then $1.50 per extra 1,000 tasks. Best for agencies that manage automations for multiple clients.
- Enterprise. Custom pricing. Advanced security, reporting, and embedded automation.
7. Pabbly Connect
⭐ G2: 4.4 (5 reviews) ; Capterra: 4.5 (75 reviews)
🏆 Best for: Unlimited operations at a competitive price.
🔬 Free trial: No; limited free plan.
Pabbly Connect is a no-frills Zapier alternative. Its biggest drawcard is a straightforward pricing model—like Relay, you pay one monthly fee, with no surprises or extra fees based on usage. They believe in their product so much that they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not happy with your purchase (as written in the open letter from their founder on their homepage).
Key features
- Over 1,500 app integrations enable you to automate tasks across the most popular apps
- The ability to set up scheduled workflows that only execute at a specific time in the day/week
- Connect any application with an API using API modules
- Excellent product tutorial library including video walkthroughs
Limitations
- Doesn’t meet GDPR requirements for properly handling personal data—though the team is based in India, and GDPR is a European regulation. Just something to keep in mind.
- Limited value proposition. Pabbly’s value is that it’s like Zapier, but cheaper, which is valid! But it doesn’t bring any new features to the table.
Pricing
The following Pabbly Connect plans are billed annually:
- Forever Free. Up to 100 tasks/month.
- Standard. $14 per month. 12,000 tasks/month. Unlimited operations, unlimited free internal tasks, features like email parsing, path routers, premium app access and two-factor authentication.
- Pro. $29 per month. 24,000 tasks/month, and all the features in Standard.
- Ultimate. From $59 per month for 50,000 tasks. All the features in Standard, plus custom variables, priority support, and JavaScript & Python modules.
8. Integrately
🏆 Best for: Straightforward task automation with minimal setup.
🔬 Free trial: No; free plan with limited access.
Lo and behold, Integrately is another workflow automation platform. (Who da guessed it?) It also happens to be targeting people who find Zapier’s pricing model confusing and exorbitant. Founded in 2016, it’s been around longer than some of the other options on this list but has failed to build more than a small following, which comes down to the limited value prop compared to alternatives. Worth a try if your number one concern is price.
Key features
- Great interface that users find responsive and simple to get started with compared to Zapier
- Helpful support around to troubleshoot broken triggers and automations (and will even get on a live call with you to help build automations)
Limitations
- Many “apps” have shallow triggers, for example, Gmail is listed as an integration on Integrately, but on closer inspection has no triggers at all.
- Integration troubles seem common, as review sites are awash with people complaining about small errors with integration triggers and actions—which isn’t ideal for an automation platform.
Pricing
The following Integrately plans are billed annually:
- Free. 100 tasks, 15-minute update time, and webhooks. 20 automations. 24/5 Live chat support.
- Starter. $19.99 per month. 2,000 tasks, 5-minute update time, webhooks and check conditions, plus 20 automations.
- Professional. $39 per month. 10,000 tasks, 2-minute update time, unlimited Premium apps and automations.
- Growth. $99 per month. 30,000 tasks. 2 minute update time. All the features in Professional, plus dedicated account manager and live chat support.
- Business. $239 per month. 150,000 tasks. Everything in Growth.
Your Next Steps
Automating workflows doesn't have to be a complex or tedious task for teams striving to optimize their operations and boost productivity.
With the right tool, this process can become a streamlined and almost effortless part of your daily routine, allowing you to focus on what truly matters in your work.
If you're looking for a powerful, intuitive platform that combines automation with human insight, why not give Relay a try today?
Related reading:
- 10 Best Workato Alternatives You Must Try in 2024
- Top 10 Bardeen Alternatives for Workflow Task Automation
- Best 9 Pipedream Alternatives & Competitors in 2024