Zapier is great for automation, but rising costs and task limits leave many teams frustrated. This guide reveals 7 cheaper alternatives with strong features, clear pros and cons, and practical value, helping you choose the best tool to automate smarter in 2025.
Why Look for Zapier Alternatives?
If you’ve ever tried to stretch a tight HR budget, you know that every subscription has to earn its keep. Tools like Zapier can be fantastic, but for many startups and SMBs, the price tag and limitations quickly become frustrating. Here are the three main reasons teams start looking for alternatives:
1. Pricing challenges for startups and SMBs. Zapier’s free tier gives you 100 tasks per month. That might sound like plenty, but once you start automating everyday HR tasks, such as onboarding emails, daily reports, or syncing candidate data, you’ll hit that limit fast. And every upgrade feels steep when you’re running a lean budget.
2. Feature limits: complex workflows, integrations, or task caps. On the free plan, you can only build single-action workflows. Multi-step Zaps, filters, premium integrations, or smart “if/then” paths all require paid tiers. For HR teams managing recruitment funnels or conditional approval processes, that quickly becomes a roadblock.
3. Scalability: some users only need lightweight automation. Not every HR team needs enterprise-grade automation. Sometimes, you just want a simple, reliable way to cut down repetitive admin. But with Zapier, even paid plans impose task caps, and costs climb as usage grows. That often means you are either overpaying for features you do not use or stuck with less automation than you actually need.
The good news? There are plenty of cost-effective alternatives that tackle these challenges head on. They offer more generous limits, smarter workflows, and pricing that makes sense for smaller teams. Let’s dive into the best ones.
Compare 7 Cheaper Zapier Alternatives
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The 7 Best Cheaper Zapier Alternatives in 2025
#1. Make (formerly Integromat)
Make, previously known as Integromat, is a powerful automation platform that has become a top choice for HR teams seeking a cost-effective alternative to Zapier. Its visual, no-code interface allows users to build “scenarios” that connect different apps and automate repetitive tasks with clarity and precision. This makes it especially useful for HR departments that need to streamline processes without relying heavily on IT support.
Key Features
- Drag-and-drop workflow builder with conditional logic, filters, and routers to mirror real HR decision points.
- Supports over 2,000 apps, covering most HR tech stacks such as email, ATS, HRIS, Slack, and more.
- Flexible scheduling options, with workflows that can run as frequently as every minute on paid plans.
- Detailed execution logs and reporting for compliance, auditing, and performance monitoring.
Pricing
- Free plan: $0/month with 1,000 operations per month.
- Core plan: around $9/month (annual billing) with ~10,000 operations and unlimited active scenarios.
- Pro plan: around $16/month with advanced features such as custom variables, log search, and priority execution.
- Teams plan: about $29/month with collaboration features like role management and shared templates.
- Enterprise plan: custom pricing with premium support, security, and higher limits.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly capable for complex, multi-step workflows | Operations model can cause costs to rise if not monitored |
| Generous free tier (1,000 operations) | Learning curve for advanced features |
| Clear execution logs for easy troubleshooting | Support response can be slower compared to premium tools |
| Scales flexibly with affordable entry pricing | Enterprise usage can become expensive |
Best For?
Make is best suited for HR teams that require advanced automation on a budget. It is particularly effective for managing processes with decision logic, integrating a wide range of HR apps, and replacing manual workflows without the need for in-house developers.
#2. Pabbly Connect
Pabbly Connect has gained a strong reputation as one of the most affordable and flexible Zapier alternatives. It gives HR teams the ability to link over 2,000 apps and set up multi-step workflows without needing coding skills. The big difference compared to other platforms is how Pabbly handles pricing: it offers not only monthly subscriptions but also lifetime deals, making it especially appealing to startups and SMBs that need automation without ongoing costs.
Key Features
- Simple drag-and-drop workflow builder with conditional logic, routers, filters, and webhooks.
- Internal tasks (like formatters, routers, or delays) often do not count toward task limits, which means more room to scale.
- Supports advanced scheduling, email parsing, and detailed workflow customization.
- Flexible payment models, including a rare one-time lifetime option.
Pricing
- Free plan: 100 tasks per month, with unlimited operations and access to core features.
- Standard plan: around US$16/month (billed annually) for ~10,000 tasks.
- Pro and higher plans: larger quotas, premium integrations, and priority support.
- Lifetime deal: one-time payments starting at about US$249 (up to US$699 for higher task allowances) with fixed monthly tasks included.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent value with high task allowances, especially on annual or lifetime plans | Some lifetime tiers limit workflows or only allow simpler two-step automations |
| Internal steps do not eat into task quotas, giving more flexibility | Paying yearly or lifetime upfront can be a barrier for teams that prefer short-term commitments |
| Strong compliance standards (SOC2 Type 2, ISO 27001:2022), reassuring for HR data | Monthly plans can still get pricey if task usage grows very high |
Best For
Pabbly Connect is a great fit for HR teams that need reliable automation but cannot afford Zapier’s escalating fees. It works well for startups and SMBs looking for predictable costs, generous task limits, and the security of a platform that takes compliance seriously. Teams willing to commit to annual or lifetime plans will see the biggest savings.
#3. Integrately
Integrately is often described as the “easy button” for automation. With support for over 1,300 apps and thousands of ready-made workflows, it’s built for users who want to set things up quickly without digging into complex configurations. For HR teams that need to save time on repetitive admin but don’t have a dedicated IT specialist, Integrately is a very approachable option.
Key Features
- One-click automations that cover common HR needs like syncing candidates, sending onboarding reminders, or updating employee records.
- Multi-step workflows with if/else conditions, filters, webhooks, and scheduling tools for more advanced processes.
- Update times that get faster on paid plans: 15 minutes on the free tier, around 5 minutes on Starter, and ~2 minutes on Professional.
- Live chat support that is rated highly on paid tiers, giving teams quick help when workflows break.
Pricing
- Free plan: 100 tasks per month, 5 automations, single-step workflows, and 15-minute update times.
- Starter plan: US$19.99/month (billed annually) with 2,000 tasks, 20 automations, premium apps, branching logic, and faster updates (~5 minutes).
- Professional plan: US$39/month with 10,000 tasks, unlimited premium apps, auto-retry, iterators, and ~2-minute updates.
- Growth plan: US$99/month for 30,000 tasks, unlimited automations, and collaboration features like folder permissions.
- Business plan: US$239/month with 150,000 tasks, full feature access, and enterprise support.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ready-made automations make setup quick and beginner-friendly | Free plan updates every 15 minutes, which may feel slow for urgent HR tasks |
| Affordable paid plans with generous task limits | Advanced features are locked behind higher tiers |
| Strong flexibility with branching logic and webhooks | For large-scale automation, costs can rise quickly |
| High user satisfaction (~94% approval) for ease of use and value | Support on lower plans can feel slower |
Best For
Integrately is ideal for HR teams that want to move beyond simple, two-step automations without a steep learning curve. It’s particularly useful for small and medium-sized businesses that need affordable pricing, faster task updates, and workflows that can grow with the team’s needs.
#4 IFTTT (If This Then That)
IFTTT is one of the easiest automation tools to get started with. Instead of complex workflows, it focuses on simple “if this, then that” connections, which it calls Applets. For HR teams that just want to cut out small repetitive tasks without spending much money or time learning a platform, IFTTT is a straightforward and budget-friendly option.
Key Features
- Free plan includes basic Applets with a single trigger and one action.
- Pro plan unlocks multi-action Applets, faster execution, and access to webhooks and premium services.
- Pro+ plan adds advanced logic with filter code, multiple accounts per service, and priority support.
- Large library of ready-made Applets makes it easy to automate common tasks without building from scratch.
Pricing
- Free plan: $0/month, limited Applets with single actions.
- Pro plan: about $2.49/month, includes multi-action Applets, faster runs, and more integrations.
- Pro+ plan: around $5.99/month, with advanced filter code, developer tools, and multiple account support.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very easy to use, even for non-technical HR staff | Free plan is limited to basic, single-action Applets |
| Affordable upgrades at $2.49 or $5.99/month | More complex workflows require Pro+ and developer tools |
| Huge library of ready-made Applets saves time | Execution speed on free plan can feel slow |
| Great for lightweight automation like reminders or notifications | Not suitable for multi-step HR workflows with conditional logic |
Best For
IFTTT is best for HR teams that only need light automation—things like reminders, syncing data between two apps, or sending quick alerts. It’s a good choice when budgets are tight and processes are simple. For anything beyond that, especially multi-step workflows or conditional approvals, teams will need a more advanced tool.
#5. n8n (open-source)
n8n is an open-source automation platform that stands out for its flexibility and control. Unlike most competitors, it lets teams decide whether to run workflows in the cloud or self-host them on their own servers. That means HR departments handling sensitive employee data can keep everything in-house while still enjoying powerful automation. Workflows, called “nodes,” can be as simple or as complex as needed, and the pricing model is based on executions rather than steps. Whether a workflow has two steps or twenty, it still counts as one execution.
Key Features
- Full control over deployment: host it yourself for maximum data security and GDPR compliance, or choose the managed cloud version.
- Unlimited workflow complexity with branching logic, loops, custom JavaScript, webhooks, and API integrations.
- Execution-based pricing that makes costs predictable, even when workflows are complex.
- Option to switch between self-hosted and cloud depending on technical capacity and budget.
Pricing
- Community Edition (self-hosted): free to use, with only infrastructure costs such as servers or storage. For small setups, hosting can start at about US$5–10/month.
- Cloud Starter plan: US$24/month for 2,500 workflow executions per month.
- Higher cloud tiers: up to 10,000 executions plus collaboration tools, version control, and role management.
- Enterprise: custom pricing with governance, compliance features, and unlimited execution volumes.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Maximum flexibility and control, especially for sensitive HR data | Needs technical resources to set up and maintain if self-hosted |
| Execution-based pricing can be cost-efficient for complex workflows | Cloud plans have execution limits, which can drive up costs at scale |
| Ability to build advanced automations with custom code and API support | Steeper learning curve compared to beginner-friendly tools |
| Strong compliance and data sovereignty options | Hidden overhead in hosting or cloud costs if the team lacks tech support |
Best For
n8n is a great option for HR teams that need advanced automations and value data control. It’s especially well suited for organizations with in-house technical expertise, or those working with sensitive employee information that must stay secure. From complex onboarding workflows to API-driven integrations with HR systems, n8n offers the power and flexibility to handle it all.
#6. Microsoft Power Automate
Microsoft Power Automate is a natural choice for HR teams already working in the Microsoft ecosystem. Since it connects seamlessly with Office 365, SharePoint, and Teams, it feels less like adding a new tool and more like extending what you already use. It combines no-code/low-code workflows with robotic process automation (RPA), so it can handle everything from simple notifications to automating entire approval chains.
Key Features
- Cloud flows to automate tasks across apps and services, plus desktop flows that include attended RPA (where a person is involved) and unattended RPA (where the bot runs on its own).
- Premium connectors and process mining features, helping HR teams audit workflows, spot inefficiencies, and strengthen compliance.
- Built-in storage via Microsoft Dataverse, with 250 MB database capacity and 2 GB file storage in Premium plans.
- A 30-day free trial so teams can test automations before paying.
Pricing
- Premium plan: US$15 per user/month (annual billing). Includes cloud flows, attended desktop flows, premium connectors, AI Builder credits, and Dataverse storage.
- Process/Bot plan: US$150 per bot/month. Adds unattended RPA for bots that run without human input.
- Hosted Process plan: US$215 per bot/month. Comes with Microsoft-hosted virtual machines for teams that want Microsoft to handle infrastructure.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Perfect fit for companies already using Microsoft 365, Teams, or SharePoint | Pricing rises quickly as you add more users or bots |
| Offers both attended and unattended RPA, freeing up HR time on repetitive tasks | Some features require premium licensing, which can add hidden costs |
| Strong oversight tools like process mining and analytics support compliance | More complex flows have a steeper learning curve for non-technical staff |
| 30-day free trial makes it easy to test before committing | Higher-tier features (AI Builder, hosted machines) are only available on expensive plans |
Best For
Microsoft Power Automate is best for HR teams deeply invested in Microsoft tools. It works well for organizations that need reliable automation at both the cloud and desktop level, especially those in regulated industries where compliance and audit trails matter. Teams with some IT support will get the most value, since advanced flows can require troubleshooting and setup.
#7. Zoho Flow
Zoho Flow is a solid option for HR teams that want simple, reliable automation without adding too much complexity. It’s especially useful for organizations already using Zoho apps like Zoho People or Zoho Recruit, since everything connects seamlessly. With support for over 850 apps and more than 1,200 ready-made templates, HR teams can quickly set up workflows for tasks like onboarding, leave approvals, or payroll updates without starting from scratch.
Key Features
- Drag-and-drop workflow builder with handy logic tools like branching, delays, and custom functions.
- Ability to connect both cloud apps and on-premises apps through Zoho Flow’s on-prem agent, which is helpful if some HR tools are hosted internally.
- Monitoring tools like flow history and dashboards so you can easily track which automations are running, paused, or failed.
- Built-in compliance and security features including GDPR compliance, data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and even the option to restore deleted flows for up to 90 days.
Pricing
- Free edition: up to 5 flows and 100 tasks per month, including core logic features like decisions, delays, and email actions.
- Standard plan: around US$10.50/month, with more flows, higher task limits, collaboration features, and rerun/debug options.
- Professional plan: about US$27.01/month, which adds advanced workflow management, dashboards, and more collaboration tools.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent value if your team already uses Zoho apps | Free plan is very limited with only 5 flows and 100 tasks |
| Large library of templates reduces setup time for HR workflows | Some users report slower data transfers between apps |
| Strong compliance and audit features, reassuring for HR data handling | Documentation and training resources are not as extensive as bigger platforms |
| Can integrate desktop or on-prem apps, not just cloud-based ones | May not be ideal for very complex or high-volume workflows |
Best For
Zoho Flow is best for HR teams that want straightforward automation at an affordable price. It works particularly well for businesses already invested in the Zoho ecosystem and those that need dependable workflows for everyday HR tasks like onboarding, approvals, or payroll syncing. The free plan is a good way to test the waters, while the paid plans give enough room to grow without stretching the budget.
5. How to Choose the Right Zapier Alternative
- Budget vs. features
- Ease of use vs. flexibility
- Business size: freelancer, startup, SMB, enterprise
- Ecosystem fit: Microsoft, Zoho, open-source, etc.
- Practical tips for selecting the right one.
Conclusion
Automation doesn’t have to be expensive. The key is choosing the right tool that matches your team’s needs and budget. To recap: Make is the best overall option for flexible, powerful workflows.
Pabbly Connect is the cheapest thanks to its lifetime pricing. For the best free options, IFTTT or n8n stand out. And if your team already works with Microsoft 365, Power Automate is the natural fit. Before committing, always try free plans or demos to see which platform truly supports your processes.
With the right choice, you can streamline work, cut costs, and scale smarter.
👉 Ready to take your productivity even further? Start using Mirorim for free today and manage your projects, tasks, and workflows with ease.
