Zapier is a powerful tool for automating tasks, processes and workflows. In this article, we’ll introduce you to a number of Zapier alternatives, including Make, N8N, Power Automate, Workato and Lapala.
Without the need for computer development skills, these no-code automation software packages let you build robots to carry out your company’s activities.
Time savings, cost reduction, ease of maintenance: the advantages are numerous. However, the bill can be high, depending on the business model and pricing of these tools, and on how you use them.
If you had only one thing to remember from this article :
We’ve produced a comparison table in this article which summarizes the positioning and main features of these tools.
To sum up, choosing the right software depends on 3 factors:
- The size of your company
- Software you want to connect to Zapier alternatives
- The complexity of your processes to be automated
- The human interactions required to keep a process running smoothly in the midst of automated tasks (e.g. a manager’s validation of a purchase).
Why look for alternatives to Zapier?
The main advantages of Zapier and Zaps :
- Easy to use.
- Integrations with the best software on the market.
- New database creation and interface design functionalities not integrated with automated workflows.
The main drawbacks of Zapier :
- Linear scenario only (tree structure, no backtracking or multiple entries).
- Automation doesn’t take human interaction into account. Automation is good, but making the processes between robots and humans more efficient is better.
The 8 best task automation software and platforms
IFTTT, simple, free automation software for occasional users, but with fewer features for corporate teams.
Lapala, an automation platform that puts people at the heart of automation. For companies without IT departments as well as for companies with IT departments. We offer our customers top-quality support.
Make offers a powerful, easy-to-use visual interface for creating complex automations. But Make requires a higher learning curve for automation beginners.
Microsoft Power Automate, this alternative Zapier is an excellent automation tool for organizations with more than 500 employees. Power Automate is less intuitive for non-experts.
Tray.ai integration and automation tool with a full range of features. This Zapier alternative can be more costly and complex for SMEs and non-technical users.
n8n is an open-source, self-hosted integration platform for software developers.
Workato is highly customizable and supports non-linear automation (see explanation below). This Zapier alternative is, however, more complex and expensive.
Kissflow, the automation platform that takes human interaction into account. It’s designed primarily for IT.
Automation software comparison chart
Criteria | Zapier | Make | Power Automate | Workato | Tray.io | Lapala | Kissflow |
Publisher No-code | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ + low-code | ✅ + low-code | ✅ + low-code | ✅ + low-code |
Logical condition and filter | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Branching Action multi-entrée | ❌ (linear workflow) | ❌ (linear workflow) | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ (linear workflow) | ✅ | ✅ |
Number of software integrations | 6000 | 1000 | 1000 | 1000 | 500 | 400 | 500 |
Integration of non-standard software | ✅ (Basic) | ✅ (Basic) | ✅ (Basic) | ⚛️ (Advanced) | ⚛️ (Advanced) | ⚛️ (Advanced) | ⚛️ (Advanced) |
Database management | ✴️ Yes, but not integrated into workflow | ❌ | ✴️ Yes, but not integrated into workflow | ✴️ Yes, but not integrated into workflow | ❌ | ✅ integrated into workflow | ✅ integrated into workflow |
Creating human interaction | ✴️ Yes, but not integrated into workflow | ❌ | ✴️ Yes, but not integrated into workflow | ✴️ Yes, but not integrated into workflow | ❌ | ✅ integrated into workflow | ✅ integrated into workflow |
Language | English | English | English | English | English | English | English |
Ease of use /10 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 7 |
Deployment | SaaS | SaaS | SaaS | SaaS or Private Cloud | SaaS | SaaS or Private Cloud | SaaS or Private Cloud |
Customer type | < 500 employees | < 500 employees | > 500 employees | > 500 employees | All companies | All companies | All companies |
Support | No | No | By integrator | By integrator | No | From the publisher | By integrator |
Contact us if you think we’ve made a mistake
Zapier alternatives : Competitors presentation
Two parameters are very important when choosing an alternative Zapier:
- The structure of a process to be automated. Is the process linear, i.e. in the form of a tree structure of conditions and actions OR do the branches separate and group together throughout the process?
- A linear Zapier alternative does not allow multiple entries into an action. Once a condition has been set, it can never be repositioned on a neighboring path.
- Linear software doesn’t allow for retroactive loops or backtracking.
2. Adding human actions to an automated workflow. See diagram opposite.
For example, if a purchase exceeds 5,000 dollars :
- Send a validation request to the director.
- The automation will pause until the director responds.
- Then resume once the action has been completed by the manager.
There are three families of alternatives to Zapier based on these 2 parameters.
Alternatives to Zapier for linear automation without natural inclusion of human tasks in the workflow
IFTTT, the founding father, simple and inexpensive
The simplest and cheapest alternative to Zapier, with an offer starting at around $2.5 a month.
It has the same no-code principles as Zapier: a trigger + a condition = actions.
Use cases are straightforward, and it’s easy to get to grips with the system, but it quickly becomes apparent that it has limitations when it comes to managing enterprise use cases and complete processes. IFTT is therefore often used for individual rather than corporate use. This alternative Zapier is well known for its marketing use cases on social networks.
Make, competitive rates and robust automation
Make, formerly Integromat, makes it easier to manage complex no-code processes, thanks to its powerful visual editor. It may, however, require some adaptation and training.
What’s more, it’s priced more affordably than Zapier, making it a good alternative. The first pay-as-you-go offer starts at around €10/month.
Make offers integrations and connectors to numerous software applications on the market. It can also read and write JSON, generate HTTP requests…
Tray.io, the automation software that lets you build your own connectors
In addition to the standard software catalog, Tray.io lets you connect software and web applications not included in the catalog.
Its strong point is the integration of all your company’s web software. Nevertheless, creating these integrations requires technical skills in IT development. It’s therefore important to take skills upgrading into account when using it.
If you have standard software on the market, it’s very easy to use, thanks to a no-code visual editor.
N8N, the open-source automation solution for developers
What sets N8N apart is its positioning: it’s a tool for developers. It’s a tool for developers, so technical knowledge of code is a prerequisite. Its open source model means you can host n8n yourself. A Zapier alternative for coders.
Zapier alternatives for complete process automation without the natural inclusion of human tasks in the workflow
Workato, the most complete and the most expensive
As we said earlier, many Zapier alternatives are linear, i.e. they don’t allow you to combine two separate branches into a single path. Workato supports this feature.
Like Tray.io, it can also be used to connect web services outside the usual catalogs.
This wide choice of functions nevertheless requires technical skills, and the need for in-house or external experts to manage them.
Microsoft Power Automate, for companies with more than 500 employees and dependence on Microsoft experts
Power Automate, formerly Flows, is included in the Microsoft Power Platform suite. This is an additional suite to Office 365.
So it connects easily to Excel, Sharepoint, Teams, OneDrive and Outlook files. But like all other Zapier alternatives. It also integrates with other software on the market.
As the worthy heir to Excel’s macros, its use and ergonomics can be complex. It doesn’t require code/no-code skills, but it does require technical expertise. It is often necessary to call on Microsoft experts to create, maintain and upgrade task flows.
In addition, pricing is not entirely clear to the layman. There are a number of additional costs associated with the Power Automate subscription. Subscriptions start at around $15.
If a scenario turns out to be complex, you’ll need to be aware that the cost isn’t limited to the subscription fee: you’ll have creation, maintenance and evolution costs that depend on Microsoft experts (internal or external).
Find out more in our article dedicated to Power Automate.
Alternatives for complete process automation focused on human interaction
Lapala, France’s employee-centric alternative to Zapier
Lapala is a Zapier alternative for integrating human interaction into an automated workflow.
For example, in the case of a purchase requisition automation workflow, Lapala integrates a “human” validation if the budget exceeds a certain amount.
Lapala can also handle complete non-linear processes with rollbacks or multiple input actions.
Here’s an example of a Lapala sales administration use case.
It’s easy to use, intuitive and no-code. Its configuration is not dependent on technical teams or IT departments.
Kissflow, the platform that makes ITs’ work easier
Kissflow focuses on CIOs, enabling users to easily create automated workflows that fully integrate humans into task sequences.
In its editor, Kissflow integrates application and database design within a single workflow.
Kissflow does, however, require low-code skills. Its purchase price starts at €1,500/month. However, experience shows that it delivers a rapid return on investment, making the initial cost minimal.
Conclusion – Take an alternative Zapier that suits you
Automating tasks and processes is a major challenge for companies of all sizes. No-code automation software such as Zapier and its alternatives offer powerful solutions for saving time, reducing costs and improving process efficiency.
However, it’s important to choose the right software depending on the size of your business, the software to be connected and the complexity of your processes to be automated.
Linear software such as IFTTT, Make, Tray.io and n8n are suitable for simple automation, while more comprehensive solutions such as Power Automate, Workato, Lapala and Kissflow can handle complete, non-linear processes and integrate human interaction.
In all cases, it is essential to consider the ease of use and ergonomics of the chosen software to ensure successful adoption and optimum return on investment.
Now you know all about Zapier alternatives. Now it’s your turn! See you soon for more content!
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