Workflow automation tools
Trigger-action workflows across apps. 6 tools we track, checked .
Short answer page: What's the best workflow automation tool?
Ranked by fit for solo businesses: tools we profile in depth first, then those used in our research notes, then the rest. Affiliate status never changes the order.
- 1
Make
Pick this if you want complex automations on a budget.
Visual automation platform for multi-step scenarios across apps.
Free plan + paid plans · Free plan: Yes · $0 · then $10.59/mo, or $9/mo billed yearly · Difficulty 3/5
- 2
n8n
Pick this if you want technical users and self-hosted automation.
Workflow automation you can self-host or use in the cloud, with code nodes and AI agents.
Free plan + paid plans · Free plan: Yes · Free · then $20/mo billed yearly · Difficulty 4/5
- 3
Zapier
Pick this if you want simple automations across almost any app.
The most widely integrated no-code automation tool.
Free plan + paid plans · Free plan: Yes · $0 · then from $19.99/mo billed yearly ($29.99 monthly) · Difficulty 2/5
- 4
Pipedream
Pick this if you want developers who want code plus integrations.
Developer-friendly automation with code steps and many integrations.
Free plan + paid plans · Free plan: Yes · Difficulty 3/5
- 5
Activepieces
Pick this if you want an open-source Zapier alternative.
Open-source automation tool, self-hosted or cloud.
Free, open source · Free plan: Yes · Difficulty 3/5
- 6
IFTTT
Pick this if you want personal and smart-home automations.
Simple applets that connect apps and smart devices.
Free plan + paid plans · Free plan: Yes
Side-by-side
| Tool | Pricing model | Free plan | Starting price | Difficulty | Output rights | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Make | Free plan + paid plans | Yes | $0 · then $10.59/mo, or $9/mo billed yearly | 3/5 | Not a content generator | Complex automations on a budget |
| n8n | Free plan + paid plans | Yes | Free · then $20/mo billed yearly | 4/5 | Not a content generator | Technical users and self-hosted automation |
| Zapier | Free plan + paid plans | Yes | $0 · then from $19.99/mo billed yearly ($29.99 monthly) | 2/5 | Not a content generator | Simple automations across almost any app |
| Pipedream | Free plan + paid plans | Yes | See official site | 3/5 | – | Developers who want code plus integrations |
| Activepieces | Free, open source | Yes | Free | 3/5 | – | An open-source Zapier alternative |
| IFTTT | Free plan + paid plans | Yes | See official site | – | – | Personal and smart-home automations |
"Starting price" is shown only for tools we profile in depth, where we read the official pricing page on . For the others, check the official site.