Operations
Workflow automation tools
Workflow automation tools connect the apps you already use and move information between them when something happens. A new form entry, email or payment starts a sequence of steps, such as adding a row to a spreadsheet, posting in a chat channel or sending a reply, that would otherwise be done by hand.
Zapier
No-code tool that connects web apps and runs automated, AI-assisted workflows
Make
Visual no-code tool for building automated workflows and AI agents across apps
n8n
Workflow automation and AI agent builder you can self-host or use in the cloud
Microsoft Power Automate
Microsoft tool for cloud workflows, desktop RPA and process mining
IFTTT
Links apps and smart-home devices through simple automations called Applets
Pipedream
Workflow automation for developers, with 3,000+ integrated apps and custom code
Pabbly Connect
Workflow automation tool with task-based plans and one-time lifetime deals
Workato
Enterprise platform for integrations, workflow automation, APIs and AI agents
Open source
Activepieces
Open-source no-code builder for automations and AI agents, cloud or self-hosted
Side by side
| Tool | Free plan | Starting price | Open source | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zapier | $19.99/mo (annual) | No | Web | |
| Make | $9/mo (annual) | No | Web, API | |
| n8n | $20/mo (annual) | No | Web, Self-hosted, API | |
| Microsoft Power Automate | $15/user/mo | No | Web, Windows | |
| IFTTT | $2.99/mo (annual) | No | Web, iOS, Android | |
| Pipedream | $29/mo (annual) | No | Web, API | |
| Pabbly Connect | $16/mo (annual) | No | Web | |
| Workato | See pricing page | No | Web, API | |
| Activepieces | $16/mo (annual) | Yes | Web, Self-hosted, API |
How to choose
- 1
Which apps do you need to connect? Check that each one is on the tool's integration list before anything else.
- 2
How is usage counted? Some tools bill per task or step, others per workflow run or per operation, and the same automation can cost very different amounts.
- 3
Do you need branching, loops or AI steps, or is a straight line from trigger to action enough?
- 4
Does your data have to stay on your own servers? Only some tools can be self-hosted.
Also worth a look
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Questions
What are workflow automation tools?
Workflow automation tools connect the apps you already use and move information between them when something happens. A new form entry, email or payment starts a sequence of steps, such as adding a row to a spreadsheet, posting in a chat channel or sending a reply, that would otherwise be done by hand.
Which workflow automation tools have a free plan?
Of the 9 listed here, 7 have a free plan: Zapier, Make, n8n, IFTTT, Pipedream, Pabbly Connect and Activepieces. Free plans are limited; each tool's page lists the limits.
Which of these workflow automation tools costs least to start?
Of the tools here with a published price, the lowest entry price is IFTTT's Pro plan at $2.99/mo billed annually, as published on its pricing page on 23 September 2026. The cheapest plan is not always the best value: check what each plan includes.