Automation isn’t just for businesses; we can use it to increase our productivity in our personal lives as well. Well, We all have the same number of hours in a day, but some people appear to accomplish significantly more than others. Apart from other factors, automation contributes significantly to the achievement gap. Smart work is all about automating routine tasks and concentrating our efforts on those that require our attention. There are tools available to assist us in automating our lives, and Zapier is one of the best. However, no tool is perfect for everyone, as each of us has unique requirements and objectives. Additionally, Zapier’s pricing structure is not affordable to everyone. Therefore, if you have been looking for alternatives to Zapier that are either free or offer additional features, we’re here to help. The following are the ten best Zapier alternatives to consider in 2021.
10 Best Zapier Alternatives
Zapier Alternatives that you can use.
1. Automate.io
Well, Automate.io is one of the best Zapier alternatives because it provides a comparable level of third-party integration at a price point that is affordable for startups and small businesses. Initially focused on marketing, Automate.io now offers services across all categories, including social media, campaigning, payment automation, and basic email automation. And, similar to Zapier, Automate.io allows you to create conditional workflows, which means you can integrate multiple web apps and connect them via a flowchart. What’s the most enjoyable aspect of this procedure? To be precise, you are not required to write a single line of code. As Zapier does, you can quickly and easily create a variety of multi-app workflows with just a few clicks. The APIs are simple to understand, and you can get started in a matter of minutes.
Apart from that, the best feature of Automate.io is its ability to handle larger numbers of actions per month. For instance, the $49 subscription on Zapier only allows for 2000 actions per month, which is woefully insufficient when you’re pulling data from Gmail on a daily basis. However, with Automate.io, the same plan allows for 10,000 actions per month. How incredible is that? Additionally, the trend continues in larger plans, where you get five times the number of actions as Zapier. So, to summarise, Automate.io is a capable Zapier replacement, and you should give it a try given that it offers more actions than Zapier at comparable pricing.
2. Integromat
This is the service that most closely resembles Zapier in terms of user interface and usability. The animations are fluid, and everything is logically organized and easy to use. In terms of functionality, I’ve found it to be more dependable than Zapier, particularly for complex tasks. Indeed, based on my limited experience with Integromat, I can confidently state that it is far easier to set up complex tasks with this service than with any of the other services on the list. The best feature of Integromat is that it provides a complete visual profile of the tasks you create. Each task’s node is represented by a circle that is connected to the others via dotted lines. It appears as though you’ve created a mind map. This provides a quick overview of the automated tasks (or “scenarios” as they are referred to) that are currently running.
Here, You can create an unlimited number of scenarios, and each scenario can contain an infinite number of steps or operations at any given time. Thus, it is a multi-step automation tool in the true sense. For instance, I created a task that will retrieve and email me whenever an article is published on HowToDownload via the RSS feed. This was a straightforward two-step process. Let us take it a step further and create a more complicated schedule.
I’ve included a router that enables me to assign multiple outcomes to the same trigger. I’ve configured the router to automatically send any iOS article to Evernote and any Android article to Google Drive. Consider how quickly I established a path for automating tasks. Now I have everything I need in three of my favorite locations. Of course, this is merely an illustration; the possibilities are limitless. You must give it a try in order to fully grasp its application scenarios.
My primary beef with Integromat, and indeed with any other automation tool, is their pricing strategy. The majority of them operate on a subscription-based model with multiple tiers. You’ll need to visit each one’s website to learn more about them. One advantage of Integromat is that it offers a free user account that provides limited access to their service, allowing you to test it out before purchasing.
3. IFTTT
IFTTT is best known as a consumer-facing automation platform, but what if I told you that the company also offers a business-focused platform? To that end, its business platform enables you to connect over 600 apps in the same user-friendly manner as the consumer app. And, unlike Zapier, IFTTT is not limited to web apps. Rather than that, IFTTT enables you to integrate mobile apps as well, enhancing its capabilities. Given that smartphones have surpassed landlines as the primary mode of communication for the majority of users, this feature is a welcome addition.
IFTTT has its own set of APIs dubbed Connect that enables businesses to integrate any service, whether it’s an app, an email service, or a website, via an embeddable connection. It does, however, offer specialized services for fintech firms looking to automate their processes. Facebook, Amazon Alexa, Fitbit, Twitter, Dropbox, and Gmail are just a few of the popular services on IFTTT. Not to mention that you can combine multiple apps and services into a single workflow, referred to as an applet on IFTTT. I’m particularly fond of the IFTTT applets for Wear OS because they enable me to automate certain tasks on my smartwatch. Furthermore, in terms of subscriptions, it only offers a yearly plan for $199, which equates to about $16 per month. Therefore, I’d say that IFTTT is more affordable than Zapier and that you can use it to automate basic tasks in a comfortable manner.
4. Microsoft Flow
If you’re looking for something that is solely for personal use, take a look at Microsoft’s offering. The application is exceptionally well-designed. It’s ideal if you’re just getting started, as it includes a large collection of templates with pre-created flows for automating your tasks. It’s especially advantageous if you already use multiple Microsoft services, such as Office 365, OneDrive, and OneNote because it allows you to connect all your apps with a single authentication. In other apps, you’ll need to grant permission to each app you add one by one, which may take some time at first. This brings us to one of the app’s disadvantages: you can only log in using your Microsoft account; there is no other way. However, this disadvantage is negated when considering its feature set.
Apart from Microsoft applications, it also supports over a hundred other third-party applications. It may be less when compared to other apps on this list, but it is sufficient for an individual user. You can create multiple-step automation by specifying the specific commands you want. Additionally, it has an app for both Android and iOS that is functionally identical to the web app. I believe that creating and managing your flows is easier on the website, as you have more screen real estate to work with. Additionally, did I mention that it is completely free? It is the only automation app on the market that is completely free. If you’re looking to get into the automation game, this one is worth a shot.
5. Tray.io
Tray.io is not your typical integration service; it is a full-featured webhook and automation platform for growing businesses and startups. It outperforms Zapier in every way and incorporates many of the user-friendly features for which Zapier is known. In a similar fashion to Zaps, Tray.io has something called a Tray Connector. It utilizes a drag-and-drop editor to visually create a seamless workflow. Well, This way, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what your webhook should accomplish. Additionally, you can combine multiple services into a single webhook and automate tasks based on your preferences.
Apart from that, Tray.io provides extensive support, allowing businesses to create custom Tray connectors to meet their unique requirements. Additionally, Tray.io provides access to over 4500 APIs from popular services such as Salesforce, Google, Facebook, Mailchimp, and Dropbox. Tray.io, in my opinion, is one of the most advanced webhook services available, capable of integrating almost any application in your stack. Nonetheless, keep in mind that the service is quite costly, costing approximately $500 per month. Therefore, if you run a large business, you can consider Tray.io as an alternative to developing and maintaining your own scripts and servers.
6. n8n.io
I would highly recommend n8n.io as a free alternative to Zapier. It’s a free and open-source workflow automation tool that integrates well with various popular web applications and services. To be clear, this is an open-source tool licensed according to the Fair-code principle. Simply put, the service is totally free, and you can use it for both personal and business purposes. In comparison to other open-source alternatives to Zapier, n8n provides a seamless and visual editor for creating workflows, which are referred to as nodes in this tool. In about three to four clicks, you can search for services and integrate them with webhooks. Additionally, there is a trigger option that allows you to specify multiple conditions for when and where actions will be executed.
Additionally, if you are an advanced user, you can directly modify the code, set the parameters, and import JSON data without difficulty. And the great part about n8n is that it integrates with a wide variety of popular web applications, including Google Docs, Gmail, Slack, GitHub, Asana, and Freshdesk. Simply put, n8n.io is an excellent workflow automation tool and an excellent free alternative to Zapier. Additionally, if you’re looking for another open-source Zapier alternative, Huginn (Free) is a viable option, but it’s not particularly user-friendly.
7. Apiant
Well, You’ll notice a common theme among all of these automation services: they’re heavily focused on the business side of things. I simply wanted to get that out of the way, as one might be overwhelmed by their business-first approach when visiting these services. In addition, Apiant currently supports over 15000 unique applications, which may be overwhelming for some users. However, do not despair; you can begin with your own small-scale automation and expand from there.
You’ll notice that Apian is integrated into all of your apps. You have the ability to create triggers and actions. It should go without saying that multiple triggers and actions can occur in the same sequence. One of Apiant’s unique features is that you can order customized services based on your specific requirements. Well, This is especially true if your business makes use of tools other than those already supported by the platform. You can use Apian for personal use, but it is recommended for business owners due to its complexity and learning curve. Additionally, it does not offer a free account. You may, however, use it during a trial period.
8. Zoho Flow
Zoho Flow is one of the best Zapier alternatives that appears to be promising and packs a slew of advanced features into a slick user interface. Similar to Tray.io, Zoho Flow enables the integration of apps and the creation of workflow scenarios using a visual editor. Well, With just a few clicks, you can create a flowchart of actions, edit them seamlessly using conditional triggers, and start the workflow. You can transfer emails, files, and reports between services in a matter of seconds. The best feature of Zoho Flow is that it enables you to define variables using logic elements, which is ideal if you want to dive deep into webhook integration. Advanced users can undoubtedly get the most out of Zoho Flow.
And beginners have nothing to fear. Zoho Flow includes a large number of pre-built workflows that enable you to get started quickly. Simply select a template and authorize the integration. That is all. When it comes to web apps, it integrates with nearly all popular services, including Google Calendar, Asana, Slack, Trello, and Gmail. Additionally, if you use Zoho’s own CRM and QuickBooks, automation becomes even easier and more integrated. To summarise, Zoho Flow is an extremely user-friendly automation tool that you should give a try, even more so when it costs nearly one-sixth the price of Zappier.
9. PieSync
PieSync prides itself on being a direct competitor to Zapier, so much so that it devotes an entire page on its website to demonstrate how it is superior to Zapier. Well, According to the website, while services like Zapier push data to multiple apps in a single direction, PieSync focuses on data syncing between apps in both directions. Rather than focusing on if this then that functions, PieSync enables your apps to communicate with one another by syncing data in real-time. This is ideal for businesses with a remote workforce. All of their work will be synced across apps, ensuring that everyone has instant access to the data. Additionally, it is intelligent enough to detect and eliminate duplicate data points.
For instance, suppose two team members update the same data. PieSync will recognize that the data is identical and will save only one set of data, eliminating any duplication. As a result, it is a useful tool for business but not for personal use. If you own a business that relies on remote employees, this may be the app for you. If you’re looking for something strictly for personal use, check out the rest of our Zapier alternatives list.
10. Workato
Workato is another robust and advanced automation platform that easily competes with Zapier. However, it is a subscription-based service that is geared toward corporations and large businesses. Similar to Zapier, Workato includes a feature called Recipe that enables multi-instance workflows. You can either create your Recipe or select from the libraries more than 225,000 pre-made recipes. Workato’s primary goal is to make automation more accessible and usable across departments, regardless of whether you work in accounting or IT.
Additionally, Workato provides an SDK package for apps and websites that enables them to work with the Workato workflow. You can integrate the SDK with any API-enabled application and create new customized Workato connectors. Apart from that, Workato leverages artificial intelligence and bots to boost your organization’s productivity. In case you’re unfamiliar, Workato is used by a number of large corporations, including Cisco, Autodesk, and Visa. To summarise, Workato is a strong alternative to Zapier, and if you run a large enterprise with thousands of employees, this is an excellent choice.
Final Thought: Zapier Alternatives
Automation is a powerful tool that enables us to accomplish more in a given amount of time. Not only does performing repetitive tasks waste our time, but it also makes our work boring. Therefore, wherever possible, we should automate repetitive tasks to avoid falling into the trap of doing repetitive tasks. Bear in mind that being productive and being busy are two entirely different things. To that end, the aforementioned Zapier alternatives should undoubtedly increase your productivity. Each tool mentioned in our article comes with a free trial, so take advantage of them and choose which 1 is the best fit for you. Let us know which one you chose and why in the comments section.
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