When you think of automation, you’ll probably think of Zapier. But it’s not the only game in town.
Zapier is very good at what it does, but it can be complicated and very expensive to use.
That’s why we put together this list of low-cost Zapier alternatives.
If you want to automate key WordPress or WooCommerce tasks without the expense or complications of Zapier, read on!
Why Should Zapier Users Look for Alternatives?
If you’re reading a post on Zapier alternatives, chances are you have already tried Zapier and found it wanting.
Let’s be clear up front, Zapier is very good at what it does.
It integrates with thousands of apps and is a very powerful automation platform.
It’s relatively simple to use once you get used to it and has more integrations than most other options.
But Zapier is also:
- Very expensive – There’s a free version but you’ll need to pay to do anything useful. That’s $19.99 per month for two-step zaps and at least $49 per month for more. Don’t even get us started on the cost of addons!
- Hard to edit – Creating a zap is relatively straightforward. Editing it not so much. Sometimes tweaking a zap is simple. Other times it requires you to rebuild from scratch, which isn’t ideal.
- WordPress integration could be better – We’re WordPress people so this is important to us. Zapier does work with WordPress but can occasionally not process zaps and can require paid addons to integrate with some plugins.
- Better for simple automations – Zapier is great for simple one or two step automations. It can be difficult to introduce schedules, delays, paths or conditions though. Want to use multi-step automations? Good luck with that!
- Lots of dependencies – Lots of automations will depend on third-party addons, which is fine when they work and not so fine when they don’t. It’s not like WordPress where you have control over everything either.
We’re sure there are other reasons you might be looking for a Zapier alternative, but you get the idea…
The most common complaint we hear about Zapier is cost.
Even though there’s a free tier, it’s limited to say the least.
The cheapest Starter plan ($19.99 per month billed annually) is still limited to two-step automations.
It’s only when you get to the Professional plan ($49 per month billed annually), that you can begin using advanced settings.
Run a WooCommerce store and want to use Zapier to update stock or orders on a Google Sheet?
You’ll need Zapier and the Tables addon.
That’s an extra $20 per month (plus a Starter or Professional plan) if you need to update more than 100 fields.
Want to offer live chat on your website and automate responses?
You’ll need the Advanced plan at $100 per month if you don’t want it to say, ‘Powered by Zapier’.
10 Affordable Zapier Alternatives
Each of these Zapier alternatives are (mostly) more affordable and easier to use.
We compare each using 6 key criteria:
- Integrations – To be a Zapier alternative, the solution needs to integrate with popular platforms.
- Ease of use – Zapier sets the bar for ease of use but we want more than that. We want intuitive dashboards and automation builders.
- Data manipulation tools – What you put into your automation tool isn’t necessarily what you want out. That’s where formatting and data manipulation come into play.
- APIs and webhooks – The ability to integrate unsupported apps using APIs or webhooks is important to website or online store owners.
- Unique features – If the platform has anything special that makes it stand out, we’ll mention it.
- Pricing – Pricing is the biggest complaint people have about Zapier. Let’s see how these alternatives compare.
Here are the automation apps we’ll be reviewing:
| Tool | Price |
|---|---|
| Zapier | Free/From $29.99 per month |
| SureTriggers | Free/From $9 per month |
| Make | Free/From $9 per month |
| Integrately | Free/From $19.99 per month |
| Activepieces | Free/From $249 per month |
| IFTTT | Free/From $2.92 per month |
| Pipedream | Free/From $19 per month |
| Pabbly Connect | Free/From $34 per month |
| Workato | POA |
| Parabola | Free/From $80 per month |
| Microsoft Power Automate | Free/From $15 per month |
1. SureTriggers
We designed SureTriggers to be all the things Zapier can struggle with, cheap, easy to use and reliable.
There’s less dependency on external platforms too, which is a bonus.
Integrations
SureTriggers has only been around a year but already integrates with over 400 apps.
That number will have increased by the time you read this as more integrations are added all the time.
You’ll find SureTriggers integrates with all your favorites, including Google Sheets, Gmail, Slack, ActiveCampaign, HubSpot, Asana, Basecamp, Calendly and many others.
You’ll also find lots of WordPress and WooCommerce integrations too.
We are dedicated to adding as many integrations as possible to make running a website, membership site or online store as easy as possible.
Keep an eye on the integrations page or our Facebook community for new additions.
Ease of Use
We spent a lot of time ensuring SureTriggers was as easy to use as possible without compromising its power.
It uses similar terminology to Zapier and other automation platforms:
- App – The application or platform you want to automate
- Trigger – The event that starts the ball rolling
- Action – What you want SureTriggers to do
What Zapier calls zaps, we call workflows, otherwise the language is the same.
You can build automations easily with a drag and drop builder. All you need to do is select your app, set a trigger, configure an action and your automation is ready.
There are also a number of readymade templates you can use to get up and running quickly. We call them ‘recipes’.
Data Manipulation
SureTriggers offers extensive data manipulation options with all paid plans.
Data manipulation helps format data from one app into usable data in another.
For example, you may want to format dates or currencies from WooCommerce into a Google Sheet or your tax platform.
APIs and Webhooks
SureTriggers is fully compatible with APIs and webhooks and can process data coming from almost any source.
It can also send that data to almost any source too, formatted or unformatted depending on your needs.
Unique Features
SureTriggers has two unique features that make it stand out.
The first is WordPress compatibility. You can build and manage automations from within your WordPress dashboard.
You can also monitor everything to make sure it’s all running smoothly.
Second is the trigger button app. It allows you to add a button anywhere on your WordPress website using a shortcode.
The button can trigger any automation. The button is fully configurable and can be added anywhere, for any reason.
For example, if you sell online courses, you could set a trigger button that enrolls a logged-in user automatically onto a course and send them relevant information via email.
There is literally no limit to what you can do with this button!
Price
Pricing is where SureTriggers really shines. It’s more affordable than Zapier by a significant margin.
The free version is much more usable and includes 1,000 tasks and 5 workflows.
Premium plans cost $9 (Pro) or $19 (Business) per month. There’s also a lifetime option if you prefer a one-off payment over subscription.
SureTriggers Is Great for…
SureTriggers is ideal for WordPress users that want to automate everyday tasks. It could work for those running membership websites, online stores, course websites or sites that require lots of repetitive tasks.
SureTriggers Is Better Than Zapier Because…
We think SureTriggers is better than Zapier because it costs less and is far easier to use.
It’s also much more accessible to those new to automations or who don’t have the time to learn all about them.
2. Make
Make (formerly Integromat) has undergone something of a transformation over the past couple of years.
It has been rebranded, redeveloped and now uses a new platform.
Integrations
Make has over 1,700 integrations at the time of writing. They include popular apps like HubSpot, Calendly, NetSuite, Gmail, Monday, Facebook, Google, Shopify and many more.
Ease of Use
Make works differently to Zapier or SureTriggers but the theory is the same. Select an app, set a trigger and tell it what action you want it to take.
The automation builder looks and feels different but is still easy to use. The naming convention is slightly different too, but it’s easy to get to grips with.
As with all the Zapier alternatives in this list, there’s a knowledge base and lots of documentation to help you along.
Data Manipulation
Make has data manipulation features, called functions. They can be added easily by clicking in the relevant box and selecting from a menu.
Standard functions are included with the free plan while you’ll need to pay for custom functions.
Most of the basics are covered under standard functions, so it’s unlikely you’ll need to pay just for custom ones.
APIs and Webhooks
Make supports webhooks but uses webhook response to handle API requests. There is API support, it just works in a slightly different way.
Both enable you to connect unsupported apps and transfer data through your automations.
Unique Features
Make’s user interface is probably the most unique feature. It has a very friendly feel, with simple controls and intuitive processes.
There’s a bit to learn to truly master it but that’s made easy by documentation and resources.
Price
Make has a free version that includes 1,000 tasks per month.
There are four premium plans, starting with Core at $9 per month paid annually.
More expensive plans increase the number of tasks and add access to extra features such as priority execution and access to the Make API.
Make Is Great for…
Make is great for many types of business. The list of supported apps is large and the uses you can put it to are many.
It isn’t quite as easy to use as SureTriggers but it isn’t far behind. It’s also more affordable than Zapier making it a great alternative.
Make Is Better Than Zapier Because…
We consider Make a better alternative to Zapier because it’s more affordable and the free version is very usable. The number of integrations also works in its favor.
3. Integrately
Integrately is another Zapier alternative worth checking out. The website isn’t as easy to understand as Make or SureTriggers, but the app itself is pretty intuitive.
Integrations
Integrately has over 1,100 integrations covering all our favorites. You can link it with Google Sheets, Elementor Forms, WordPress, Airtable, Discord, Outlook, Brevo and most other apps you’ll use.
Many premium app integrations are locked to paid plans so check carefully before you sign up.
Ease of Use
Integrately is very logical to use. It uses the same if-this-then-that methodology of all Zapier alternatives in this list.
It uses a no-code automation builder and has readymade templates you can use with a single click. Everything is signposted and well laid out too.
Data Manipulation
Integrately uses Data Modifiers to format data. They are restricted to premium plans but can perform a wide range of formatting tasks.
APIs and Webhooks
Integrately supports both APIs and webhooks but you’ll need a premium plan to use them. They are refreshingly simple to set up and use too.
In the unlikely event an app isn’t supported, you can use either an API or a webhook to connect it.
Unique Features
The one-click automation functionality is a great unique feature. It isn’t quite one-click but it’s exceptionally easy to do.
Just select a template, configure the settings to make it work and it can begin right away. That’s about as easy as automation gets!
Price
There’s a free version of Integrately but it’s limited to 100 tasks.
Four premium versions add tasks and support for conditions, branching, filters, premium apps and other features. Plans start at $19.99 per month up to $239 per month.
Integrately Is Great for…
Integrately is useful for small businesses that want to experiment with automations and larger businesses that don’t mind paying for full access.
The WordPress integrations can also be useful to website or online store owners with basic automation requirements.
Integrately Is Better Than Zapier Because…
We think Integrately is better than Zapier because the interface is easier to use and it has more WordPress integrations.
The one-click automation option is also compelling and ideal for busy businesses.
4. Activepieces
Activepieces, like SureTriggers, is a new kid on the block, but is showing the more established players how automation should be done.
It’s an open source platform that’s powerful and easy to use. Yes we know it’s expensive, but most websites or online stores could use the free option for everyday tasks.
Integrations
Activepieces call apps ‘pieces’, hence the name. There are currently a limited number of pieces available as the app is relatively young.
However, those apps that are there are popular, like Amazon S3, Airtable, Calendly, ConvertKit, Discord, Dropbox, DeepL, GitHub and others.
Ease of Use
Activepieces is relatively easy to use and uses a slick automation builder similar to SureTriggers and Zapier.
Select the app you want to automate, set the trigger and the action.
There are no templates like some of these other Zapier alternatives but it’s simple enough to build your own.
Data Manipulation
Activepieces uses the concept of ‘helpers’ to format data. It supports pattern matching, min/max length for strings and custom validation so you’re not short of options.
You’ll have to figure out how to do it manually though.
APIs and Webhooks
Activepieces supports APIs and webhooks and makes them available as pieces. It’s simple enough to set them up too, which is a bonus.
Unique Features
Activepieces is unique in that it’s open source. You can do whatever you want with the code and customize it however you like if you have the skills.
If you don’t mind hosting it yourself, you can use unlimited automations completely free.
Price
If you prefer a hosted version, there’s a free version that gives 1 user 1,000 automations per month. You can add users for $5 each per month.
Two paid plans cost from $249 per month and add a minimum of 50,000 automations.
Activepieces Is Great for…
Activepieces is great for those who embrace open source and have the skills to do whatever they need with it.
The hosted option reduces complexity and adds the canvas builder, which could work for most other businesses.
Activepieces Is Better Than Zapier Because…
We think Activepieces is a better alternative to Zapier because it’s open source. If you have the skills, or skills on staff, you could literally do anything with it.
The hosted version is expensive, but if you don’t mind a little setup, you could easily run your own automation platform.
5. IFTTT
IFTTT has been around forever and is the original automation platform. The logic-based If-This-Then-That system underpins how all automation platforms work.
Integrations
IFTTT integrates with over 900 applications, divided into applets and services.
Most popular apps and services are covered, including Google Sheets, Airtable, Alexa, Amazon Cloud, Constant Contact and many others.
Ease of Use
IFTTT is more challenging to use than most other Zapier alternatives in this list. While the builder canvas looks similar, it’s not drag and drop.
You need to manually type the app, select a trigger and configure the outcome. It’s simple enough once you make the switch, but there is a learning curve.
Fortunately, there are lots of guides, videos and people in the community that can help.
Data Manipulation
IFTTT supports data manipulation but requires some JavaScript to do it. This adds to the complexity but opens up a whole world of options.
Called filter code, you can add filters, change data, add conditions and control schedules. It just takes a little figuring out.
APIs and Webhooks
IFTTT supports APIs and webhooks. There are some readymade API templates ready to go or you can create your own.
Webhooks are also well-supported, with some common apps already covered.
Unique Features
IFTTT is unique in that it has been around since 2010. It’s a little more difficult to use but has a much more knowledgeable community.
It also supports mobile automations so you could create them for iOS and Android, which is a nice touch.
Price
IFTTT has a free plan that includes 2 applets and unlimited runs.
There are two premium plans that cost from $2.92 per month billed annually that add applets, runs and extra features.
IFTTT Is Great for…
IFTTT is great for users who don’t mind enduring a little complexity in return for flexibility. With over 900 applets (apps) supported, there’s a lot of scope to automate a lot of tasks.
The templates can also make short work of automating actions, which makes it useful for a wider range of businesses.
IFTTT Is Better Than Zapier Because…
We consider IFTTT a better Zapier alternative because it’s much more affordable and has fewer limits on the number of runs.
6. Pipedream
Pipedream is for the developers amongst you. It’s a Zapier alternative that helps you with code by automating many processes that connect APIs.
Integrations
Pipedream integrates with over 1,700 apps including many that are popular with developers and project managers.
They include OAuth, Notion, OpenAI, Python, Slack, GitHub, Node.js, Go and many, many others. It integrates with WordPress via an API.
Ease of Use
Pipedream is low code, not no code, so there is a slight learning curve. As this is for developers, the code aspect should be very simple to manage.
The interface looks logical enough, with a windowed canvas view and easy access to apps and triggers.
There are also readymade templates you can use to save even more time.
Data Manipulation
As Pipedream is about code, data manipulation is not really an issue.
APIs and Webhooks
Pipedream is built to help create APIs and webhooks so this is a key feature. You can create by hand, use readymade templates or the built-in AI function for all your API needs.
We’re not programmers so we won’t comment too much here, but our developer team says it’s pretty good!
Unique Features
The main unique feature about Pipedream is that it’s not a generalist automation platform, it’s specifically for developers.
So while it is technically a Zapier alternative, it’s much more niche. That’s good news for developers as it is apparently a very powerful platform.
Price
There’s a free version of Pipedream that includes 3 workflows and 3 connected accounts.
Three premium plans add workflows, accounts and AI features and cost from $19 per month.
Pipedream Is Great for…
Pipedream is great for developers and development companies. It helps automate repetitive tasks and lets you save the automation as a template.
There are also readymade templates you can use right away.
Pipedream Is Better Than Zapier Because…
Pipedream is better than Zapier because it is tightly focused on the needs of developers. While Zapier has elements developers can use, Pipedream does a whole lot more.
7. Pabbly Connect
Pabbly Connect is a more mainstream alternative to Zapier, similar to SureTriggers. It’s designed for everyone and uses a simple workflow builder to create automations.
Integrations
Pabbly Connect boasts 1,500 integrations. All are available with all plans, including the free plan.
Most popular apps are covered, including Asana, Authorize.net, AWeber, Cloudflare, FreshBooks, LinkedIn and WordPress.
Ease of Use
Pabbly Connect uses a straightforward automation builder where you select your app, trigger and action.
It’s easy to use and uses logical steps to create workflows.
The builder will become second nature in just a few minutes and makes short work of creating simple or more complex automations.
Data Manipulation
Pabbly Connect uses a ‘Data Transformer’ to handle most requirements. There’s also the Pabbly Date/Time Formatter should you have specific needs.
Both are included with all plans and have some readymade templates for common tasks, especially date and time reformatting.
APIs and Webhooks
There is both API and webhook support, mainly around customer events, but you can create your own from scratch if you know JSON.
There’s a specific webhooks menu within Pabbly Connect where you can configure, monitor and manage them.
Unique Features
There’s nothing really unique about Pabbly Connect, but that’s not a bad thing. It does all things well and is a solid alternative to Zapier.
Price
Pabbly Connect has a free plan with 100 tasks and limited options. You get access to all integrations though.
Three premium plans add tasks and all resources from $34 per month. Unusually for an automation app, there are one-off lifetime purchase option too.
Pabbly Connect Is Great for…
Pabbly Connect is great as an alternative to Zapier for general use. It has tons of integrations, an intuitive automation builder and over 1,500 apps.
Pabbly Connect Is Better Than Zapier Because…
Pabbly Connect is better than Zapier because it’s more generous. While premium plans are on the expensive side, the cheapest plan includes 24,000 tasks and more resources than a small business could need.
Even medium-sized enterprises could use this tier with no problems.
8. Workato
Workato has a more corporate feel and is designed for medium to larger businesses with more established teams. It’s still a viable Zapier alternative though.
Integrations
Workato integrates with over 1,000 apps and organizes them by business functions such as sales, customer service, HR and so on.
Supported apps include many familiar names like Slack, Zendesk, Hubspot, Jira, Zoom, Adobe, Xero and more.
There is no WordPress app integration so you’ll need to use an API or webhook for that.
Ease of Use
Workato looks and feels a lot like Pabbly Connect. The dashboard is well designed and uses the familiar app, trigger, action format.
You can use the builder to create complex automations with conditional logic and built-in tools.
Data Manipulation
Workato supports data manipulation using formula mode. You can use it to change all types of data using formulas similar to Excel or Google Sheets.
It’s relatively simple to do and the screen changes color once you enter formula mode to help keep you oriented. It’s a small thing, but very useful.
APIs and Webhooks
There is extensive API and webhook support so you could automate almost any task you like using either.
The API dashboard is as straightforward as the rest of the system to use and uses a simple click to select a builder to help you create workflows.
Unique Features
Workato supports AI within automations that can help you refine workflows and get insights from the data you’re using.
The AI can also help with workflow creation which could be useful for more complex automations.
Price
Pricing is where Workato lets us down slightly. We are always suspicious of platforms that aren’t transparent about how much they cost and that’s the case here.
Whenever you look for pricing, you’re met with a ‘Talk to Sales’ button.
Workato Is Great for…
Workato is great for larger or more established businesses with a definite need for automations. While unconfirmed, pricing seems to be on the steep side but the power it offers could be worth it.
Workato Is Better Than Zapier Because…
We think Workato is better than Zapier because it’s much easier to use and seems capable of more complex automations.
It may not be more affordable, but it’s easier to use and the workflows are much easier to understand. Plus, having AI input into automation building can save a lot of time!
9. Parabola
Parabola is a Zapier alternative worth checking out if you’re looking to make sense of data.
It’s an automation tool designed to make spreadsheet life easier and the data they contain more usable and accessible.
Integrations
Parabola integrates with over 1,000 applications and has a request system where you can ask for an app to be added.
There’s also an inbound email option for unsupported apps.
Integrations include Slack, amazon, Box, Airtable, Calendly, Dropbox, Excel, FTP, Google Analytics, Excel and many more.
WordPress integration will need to use an API.
Ease of Use
Parabola is relatively simple to use. It has an automation builder where you can add your apps, triggers and actions and link them.
You can also create multi-step automations, add conditions, schedules and other intelligence to workflows.
Data Manipulation
As you would expect with an automation platform that specializes in data, there is lots of support for formatting and manipulation.
You can add, remove or change formatted data, configure how reports are displayed and use AI prompts to format information in a custom way.
APIs and Webhooks
Parabola supports two types of API, REST API and GraphQL API. Both offer a lot of flexibility in how you connect unsupported apps and gather data from them.
There is some complexity in setting them up but there is a lot of documentation and some video guides to help you along.
Unique Features
Parabola specializes in managing data and is heavily geared towards data-intensive tasks. This gives it a specialist niche that few other Zapier alternatives venture into.
If you want to collect, collate, format and display lots of data from any source, Parabola is probably your best option.
Price
Parabola has a free version that includes 3 flows with up to 25 steps. There is no limitation on runs though.
There are also three premium options, starting at $80 per month for unlimited flows. This is more expensive than Zapier but could be worth it for data-intensive tasks.
Parabola Is Great for…
We think Parabola is great for managing and making sense of data. It makes short work of collection and data handling and supports automations up to 25 steps long.
Parabola Is Better Than Zapier Because…
Parabola is better than Zapier because the free version could help you get a lot done and the data handling is superior to every other option out there.
10. Microsoft Power Automate
Microsoft Power Automate (formerly Microsoft Flow) is similar in nature to IFTTT and integrates with other Microsoft platforms, as you would expect.
If your organization uses a lot of Microsoft products, this could be another useful app to add to the list.
Integrations
Microsoft Power Automate integrates with over 1,000 apps, called ‘connectors’. There is also RPA support for unsupported apps.
All compatible Microsoft applications are supported as well as Dropbox, Google Calendar, Hubspot, Adobe, Ethereum, Buffer and WordPress.
Ease of Use
If you know Microsoft apps already, you’ll find your way around Power Automate easily. It uses an Office 365 type dashboard where you can build workflows and join everything together.
The platform supports multi-step workflows and each item has a series of options accessible from individual settings applets.
Data Manipulation
Microsoft Power Automate supports data manipulation, called data operations. You can perform a range of tasks, from combining data to parsing JSON.
The process is simple enough, add a Join card to the workflow and use operators to configure the what, where and how.
APIs and Webhooks
Microsoft Power Automate supports both APIs and webhooks but requires a premium account to use fully.
In typical Microsoft fashion, it isn’t exactly intuitive. Rather than selecting a webhook card, you would select a ‘When a http request is received’ card.
It’s simple enough once you get the hang of it though.
Unique Features
Microsoft Power Automate has a uniquely close integration with other Microsoft products such as Azure, Office 365 and others. If you’re a heavy MS user, this is a big advantage.
There’s also AI assistance for workflows similar to Workato. It can help you build and refine workflows and generally do a better job.
Price
Microsoft Power Automate has a free version that’s more of a 30-day trial than a true free option.
The two premium plans cost from $15 per user per month and include unlimited flows. There are data storage and AI builder credit limits though.
Microsoft Power Automate Is Great for…
We think Microsoft Power Automate is a great Zapier alternative for businesses that already use Microsoft products.
It looks and feels familiar, has lots of automations for MS products and integrates with lots of external apps too.
Microsoft Power Automate Is Better Than Zapier Because…
Microsoft Power Automate is better than Zapier because of that tight integration with other MS products. It’s also easier to use, has AI to help build workflows and works out more affordable too.
Did You Find a Zapier Alternative?
Zapier is good at what it does and could be a complete automation solution for some. But the pricing is ambitious to say the least and can work out very expensive.
That’s why we curated this list of 5 Zapier alternatives.
Each delivers ease of use, app compatibility, just at a much lower price.
Which will you try first?
Each of these 10 Zapier alternatives are worth checking out, but three stand out:
- If you’re a WordPress user, SureTriggersd is designed just for you.
- If you’re a developer and want to automate code tasks, check out Pipedream.
- If you want to make sense of big data, try Parabola
Do you use any of these Zapier alternatives? Have any others to recommend? Tell us about it below if you do!
Try SureTriggers for free here!
Zapier Alternative FAQs
What is the best Zapier alternative?
We think the best Zapier alternative is SureTriggers but Make, Integrately, Activepieces and IFTTT come a close second. All are much more cost-effective than Zapier while offering the same, sometimes more, features, ease of use, automation templates and customization options.
Who is Zapier’s competition?
There’s a lot of competition for Zapier. Automation is as popular as AI right now so everyone wants in on the action. Main competition includes SureTriggers, Make, Integrately, Activepieces and IFTTT. There are lots of others, but we particularly like these 5.
How to automate without Zapier?
You can automate without Zapier using SureTriggers or another Zapier alternative. You don’t have to use automation software but your automations won’t be as efficient or as intelligent. Email auto replies will only get you so far in business nowadays!
What is the Microsoft equivalent of Zapier?
The Microsoft equivalent to Zapier is called Power Automate. As you would expect from Microsoft, the overall platform is good but is difficult to use, unintuitive and doesn’t have a drag and drop automation builder. It’s also expensive, around $15 up to $100 per month, which is almost as expensive as Zapier. SureTriggers is a much more affordable option and is easy to use too!
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