Best Zapier Alternatives in 2026

Last updated: January 2026

Zapier is the market-leading workflow automation platform with 8,000+ integrations. Top alternatives include Make (visual data transformation at $10.59/month), Miniloop (AI-generated workflows with visible code), n8n (free self-hosted, open-source), and IFTTT ($2.99/month for personal automation).

Zapier is the default choice for workflow automation. 8,000+ integrations, simple trigger-action logic, and it just works. For straightforward app connections, it's hard to beat.

But Zapier gets expensive at scale. The AI features feel bolted on. And task-based pricing can surprise you when workflows get complex. If Zapier isn't the right fit, here's what actually competes.

Why People Look for Zapier Alternatives

Three main reasons:

Cost at scale. Task-based pricing adds up. A 5-step workflow counts as 5 tasks. High-volume workflows get expensive fast (see our Zapier pricing breakdown for real-world costs).

Limited AI capabilities. Zapier added AI, but it feels like an afterthought. If AI is central to your workflows, purpose-built tools do it better.

Complexity limits. Zapier handles trigger-action well. Complex branching, data transformation, and multi-path logic get awkward.

Zapier Alternatives Comparison Table 2026

For AI-Generated Workflows: Miniloop

Best for: Teams who want AI to build workflows, not just run inside them

Zapier lets you connect apps and optionally use AI within steps. Miniloop takes a different approach: AI builds the entire workflow for you.

You describe what you want ("enrich this CSV of leads with company data and score by employee count"). Miniloop's AI generates Python code. You review it, understand exactly what it does, and run it in secure sandboxes.

Strengths

• AI builds the workflow. Describe outcomes, not steps.
• Visible code. Every workflow is Python you can read and modify.
• Data processing focus. Built for CSVs, text transformation, enrichment.
• No per-task pricing. You're not counting steps.

Weaknesses

• Fewer integrations. No 8,000+ app library. You call APIs directly.
• Code review required. You should understand what the AI generated.
• Not for simple trigger-action. Overkill for "new email → Slack message."

Pricing

Free, $29/mo+

When to choose Miniloop over Zapier

• You want AI to generate workflows, not just run inside them
• Your workflows focus on data processing and transformation
• You'd rather describe outcomes than configure steps
• You want to see exactly what code is running

When to skip it

• You need 8,000+ pre-built app integrations
• Your workflows are simple trigger-action (new email → Slack message)
• You want a visual drag-and-drop builder
• You're not comfortable reviewing generated code

For Visual Data Transformation: Make

Best for: Users who need Zapier's visual approach with more power

Make (formerly Integromat) sits between Zapier's simplicity and code-based tools. Visual building, but with real data transformation: filters, routers, aggregators, conditional logic.

And it's cheaper. Make starts at $10.59/month versus Zapier's $29.99.

Strengths

• 2,000+ integrations. Solid app coverage.
• Powerful data handling. Transform, filter, route data visually.
• Lower prices. More operations per dollar than Zapier.
• Complex workflows. Handles branching better than Zapier.

Weaknesses

• Learning curve. More complex than Zapier.
• Fewer integrations. 2,000 vs Zapier's 8,000+.
• AI not native. Data transformation focus, not AI-first.

Pricing

Starts at $10.59/month for 10,000 operations.

When to choose Make over Zapier

• You need complex data transformation
• Budget matters (Make is cheaper)
• Visual building with more power than Zapier
• 2,000 integrations is enough for your needs

For Self-Hosting: n8n

Best for: Technical teams who want control and unlimited executions

n8n is open-source. Self-host it and run unlimited workflows without per-task pricing. You control your data, your infrastructure, your costs.

Strengths

• Self-host for free. No execution limits on your infrastructure.
• Open-source. Full code access, modify as needed.
• Powerful. Code nodes, complex workflows, API access.
• Community. Active ecosystem, lots of templates.

Weaknesses

• Requires infrastructure. Self-hosting needs engineering resources.
• Steep learning curve. More complex than Zapier.
• Cloud pricing. If you don't self-host, limits apply.

Pricing

Self-hosted is free. Cloud starts at $20/month.

When to choose n8n over Zapier

• You want unlimited executions through self-hosting
• You have engineering resources for infrastructure
• Open-source and data control matter
• You're comfortable with more complexity

For AI-Native Building: Gumloop

Best for: Users who want AI models built into their workflow tool

Gumloop is node-based like n8n, but with AI models (GPT, Claude) built into pricing. No need for separate API keys. You drag nodes, connect them, and AI is a first-class feature.

Strengths

• Built-in AI models. LLMs included in pricing.
• Clean interface. Modern, well-designed builder.
• Subflows. Reusable workflow components.
• Interface feature. Turn workflows into shareable apps.

Weaknesses

• Learning curve. Node-based building takes time.
• Credit-based pricing. Costs vary by complexity.
• Smaller ecosystem. Fewer integrations than Zapier.

Pricing

Free tier available. Paid plans start at $37/month.

When to choose Gumloop over Zapier

• AI is central to your workflows
• You want LLM access without managing API keys
• You're okay with node-based building
• Turning workflows into apps is valuable

For Budget Personal Use: IFTTT

Best for: Simple personal automation at the lowest cost

IFTTT (If This Then That) is the budget option. Simple trigger-action logic for personal automation: smart home, social media, basic notifications.

At $2.99/month, it's the cheapest option. But it's also the most limited.

Strengths

• Cheapest option. $2.99/month for Pro.
• Simple. Very easy to set up basic automations.
• Mobile app. Good for phone-based workflows.
• Smart home focus. Great IoT integrations.

Weaknesses

• Very limited. Not suitable for business workflows.
• Basic logic only. No complex branching.
• Slow execution. Not instant for many triggers.

Pricing

Free tier with 2 applets. Pro at $2.99/month.

When to choose IFTTT over Zapier

• Personal automation only
• Budget is the primary concern
• Simple trigger-action is enough
• You don't need business-grade features

For Human-in-the-Loop: Relay.app

Best for: Teams who need approval workflows

Relay focuses on human oversight. Insert approval steps in workflows, require sign-off before actions execute. If your automation needs human review, Relay is purpose-built for it.

Strengths

• Approval workflows. Native human-in-the-loop support.
• Team collaboration. Multiple people work on workflows.
• Clean interface. Modern design.
• AI capabilities. Built-in LLM support.

Weaknesses

• Low step limits. 750 steps on Professional plan.
• Smaller ecosystem. Fewer integrations than Zapier.
• AI credit costs. Heavy AI usage requires add-ons.

Pricing

Free tier available. Professional starts at $27/month.

When to choose Relay.app over Zapier

• Human approval steps are essential
• Team collaboration on workflows matters
• You're okay with lower step limits
• AI with oversight is the priority

Which Alternative Should You Choose?

"I want AI to build my workflows, not just run inside them." → Miniloop. Describe what you need, get readable Python code.

"I need Zapier's visual approach with more data power." → Make. Visual building with serious transformation capabilities.

"I want to self-host with unlimited executions." → n8n. Open-source, full control.

"I want AI models built into my workflow tool." → Gumloop. Node-based with LLMs included.

"I need the cheapest option for personal use." → IFTTT. Simple and $2.99/month.

"I need human approval in my workflows." → Relay.app. Native human-in-the-loop support.

Which Zapier Alternative Should You Choose?

Zapier's 8,000+ integrations and simple interface make it the default choice for basic automation. For trigger-action workflows connecting popular apps, it works.

But the task-based pricing punishes complexity and volume. The AI features lag behind purpose-built tools. And the visual builder struggles with sophisticated data transformation.

The right alternative depends on what you actually need: cheaper pricing, better AI, self-hosting, data transformation, or human oversight. Zapier tries to do everything adequately. The alternatives do specific things well.

FAQs About Zapier Alternatives

Is Zapier still the best automation tool?

Zapier is best for simple workflows with maximum integration breadth. With 8,000+ apps, it connects to almost everything. For AI-native workflows, complex data transformation, or high-volume cost efficiency, alternatives like Miniloop, Make, or n8n are often better fits.

What's the cheapest Zapier alternative?

IFTTT is cheapest at $2.99/month for personal use. Make costs $10.59/month for 10,000 operations (vs Zapier's $29.99 for 750 tasks). n8n self-hosted is completely free. Gumloop starts at $37/month with AI included.

Which Zapier alternative has the most integrations?

No alternative matches Zapier's 8,000+ integrations. Make has 2,000+. n8n has 350+. Gumloop and Relay have smaller ecosystems. Miniloop workflows are Python code, so you can call any API directly without pre-built connectors.

What's the best Zapier alternative for AI workflows?

Miniloop is best for AI-generated workflows where AI builds the automation from your description. Gumloop is best for AI-powered workflows with built-in LLM access (GPT, Claude) included in pricing. Both are more AI-native than Zapier's add-on approach.

Can I migrate my Zaps to another platform?

No direct migration path exists. Each platform uses its own workflow format. You'll need to rebuild your Zaps in the new tool. Simple workflows translate quickly; complex ones may take hours.