Zapier is a massively popular tool for creating simple trigger-based automations. With thousands of integrations, why would you seek out alternatives?
Well, while Zapier is a hugely valuable tool, there are limitations to what you can achieve with it. For one, you’re limited to the preset recipes called “Zaps”. If you want functionality beyond those Zaps, you’re in a bind. Also, the functionality of Zapier is limited to the interfaces of the apps it supports. You can’t customize or automate your entire working experience, just that part of it.
If you’re looking for free Zapier alternatives, here are six options that can help you take your productivity to the next level.
PixieBrix is a low-code browser automation tool that allows you to scrape, customize, and automate any page on the internet — not just specific apps as in the case of Zapier. With PixieBrix’s templated “bricks,” you can quickly eliminate busywork and optimize your use of common tools and websites. But PixieBrix also allows you to build completely custom solutions to suit your workflow no matter where on the internet it takes you. From personal productivity to organization-wide optimization, PixieBrix can tackle it all.
PixieBrix’s pricing includes a free tier with unlimited personal mods. But the power is really unlocked for teams in the pro and business tiers.
PixieBrix can be used for free and ramps up to an extremely reasonable $30 per user per month on the business plan. Of course, they offer flexible Enterprise pricing as well.
Make is a no-code workflow automation platform that allows anyone to build workflows with a visual, intuitive interface. While Zapier's automations can be grouped together to create automated workflows, Make is built for doing this from the ground up. That's great for enterprise-sized businesses with massive teams, but it's great for startups that need automation to save on resources, too.
You can start using Make for free, and you’ll get 1,000 operations a month over its 1,000+ integrations. You’ll be limited on some things, like maximum file sizes and the number of active scenarios, but it’s a pretty robust plan overall.
After the free option, Make’s plans ramp up from $9 to $29 a month. And if you need a custom-made plan for an enterprise-sized business, Make offers those too.
Unito is a workflow management platform that focuses on deep, two-way integrations between popular software tools. That “two-way” piece really sets it apart from Zapier. If you want something in one app to trigger an action in another, Zapier is great. But if you want information to flow between two apps—like, for example, your project management tool and that of your agency or client—you might need dozens of Zaps, but only one Unito workflow.
Unito's Basic plan starts at $24 a month, allowing you to connect one tool to any other of its 30+ integrations with limited field supports. Its Pro plan supports more fields, while its Business plan lets you sync all its integrations to each other.
IFTTT is a platform for building simple automations that has a lot in common with Zapier. There’s one key difference that sets it apart as a Zapier alternative, though; it works with smart devices as well as apps. That means you could potentially create a string of automations that go all the way from your email inbox to the office lights or a Ring doorbell.
You can start using IFTTT for free, but you’ll be limited in the number of Applets you can create. You also won’t have access to the IFTTT API — if you’re into that sort of thing — or the platform’s new AI tools.
You’ll get access to more features with IFTTT’s Pro plan (for $2.50/month) but if you want to get the most out of the platform, you’ll need the Pro+ plan ($5/month).
Tray.io is a low-code automation tool that offers 600+ pre-built connectors so you can get things up and running really quickly. As a Zapier alternative, its main focus is enabling enterprise companies, so features aren’t heavily focused on personal usage.
Tray.io is really focused on the enterprise, so their plans start at $1,000 per month for professional tier and jump up to $2,000 the next tier up for team plans.
Workato is another enterprise-focused solution that enables both software integration and automation. Compared to Zapier it offers deeper customizability and more team-oriented functionality, like security features, data integration, and more.
Workato doesn’t publicly share its pricing. You can book a demo with their sales team here if you want to know how much you can expect to pay.
HubSpot Operations Hub is a powerful alternative to Zapier with one clear downside: all of the integrations it supports are between HubSpot and a secondary tool. This seriously limits its range. But, if you are a HubSpot user, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better solution for cross-tool automation.
Pricing for this HubSpot functionality runs the gamut, starting at $45 per month and building up to $2,000 per month at the Enterprise level. Of course, if you’re already using HubSpot, you might consider this cost simply doubling down on an existing investment.
Ultimately, if you’re not finding what you need with Zapier, there are a number of excellent solutions out there to fill in the gaps. We’ve provided a small glimpse at the features on offer for some of these alternatives, but it’s important you dive into their websites and maybe even request a demo to find the right solution for you.
Of course, we’re biased. If you’re an individual or business user looking to automate away busywork and increase you and your team’s productivity, PixieBrix is a fast, comprehensive solution that lives right in your browser of choice.