{"schema_version":"1.2","kind":"free-alternatives","slug":"free-zapier-alternatives","url":"https://www.launchpadhq.io/alternatives/free-zapier-alternatives","data_url":"https://www.launchpadhq.io/data/v1/compare/free-zapier-alternatives.json","title":"Free Zapier alternatives: automation without the task bill","description":"Free and cheaper alternatives to Zapier for connecting apps, with each free plan, its limits and current pricing pulled from our catalog and dated.","intro":["Zapier connects apps so one thing can trigger another, and it bills by the task. Each plan includes a monthly task allowance, and going over it costs more per task than the plan's base rate.","These alternatives do the same job with different pricing, and each has a free way in. One of them is only free if you host it yourself, and that is labelled plainly below."],"hit_first":["Free plans cap how many tasks or credits you get each month, and the way each tool counts a single step differs.","Zapier's free plan checks for new trigger data less often than its paid plans, so an automation may not fire right away.","Self-hosting avoids per-task bills, but you install, configure, secure and update the software yourself."],"faq":[{"question":"Is self-hosting really free?","answer":"The software is free to run as a Community Edition, but you supply the server and keep it configured, secure and updated yourself. If that sounds like a chore, choose a hosted plan."}],"related":[],"tools":[{"role":"baseline","pick":null,"free_option_label":null,"sources":[{"field":"Pricing","url":"https://zapier.com/pricing","as_of":"2026-10-25","origin":"catalog-audit"},{"field":"Free plan","url":"https://zapier.com/pricing","as_of":"2026-10-25","origin":"catalog-audit"},{"field":"Usage limits","url":"https://zapier.com/pricing","as_of":"2026-10-25","origin":"catalog-audit"}],"as_of":"2026-10-25","tool":{"schema_version":"1.2","slug":"zapier","url":"https://www.launchpadhq.io/platform/zapier","name":"Zapier","former_names":[],"company":"Zapier","website":"https://zapier.com","category":{"slug":"workflow-automation","name":"Workflow & Automation"},"description":null,"primary_use":"No-code app-to-app automation with AI agents","use_cases":"Cross-app automation; lead routing; email workflows; data sync; social media posting; CRM updates","best_for":["Small businesses","marketers","operations teams","solopreneurs","non-technical users"],"works_with":["Data","triggers","workflows"],"outputs":["Automated actions across 7","000+ apps"],"platforms":["web"],"apps":{"ios":null,"android":null,"macos":null,"windows":null,"linux":null},"cost_tier":"FREEMIUM","difficulty":"BEGINNER","technical":{"privacy_level":"HIGH","time_to_productivity":"15 min","learning_curve":"Easy","offline":false,"api_available":true,"languages":"English (interface); data in any language","integrations":"7,000+ apps: Gmail, Slack, Salesforce, HubSpot, Google Sheets, Notion, Trello, Asana, Shopify, etc.","upgrade_triggers":"Multi-step Zaps; more tasks; filters & paths; premium apps; team features; AI chatbot builder"},"lifecycle":"active","status":null,"free_tier":{"available":true,"summary":"Free: 100 tasks/mo, unlimited two-step Zaps, 15-minute update time"},"plans":[{"name":"Free","price_text":"$0","amount":0,"currency":"USD","period":null,"limits":"100 tasks/mo","is_free":true},{"name":"Professional from","price_text":"$19.99/mo billed annually","amount":19.99,"currency":"USD","period":"month","limits":"$29.99 monthly, 750 tasks","is_free":false},{"name":"Team from","price_text":"$69/mo billed annually","amount":69,"currency":"USD","period":"month","limits":"$103.50 monthly, 2,000 tasks, 25 users","is_free":false},{"name":"Enterprise","price_text":"Custom","amount":null,"currency":null,"period":null,"limits":null,"is_free":false}],"starting_price":"Free, from $19.99/mo billed annually","lowest_paid":{"name":"Professional from","price_text":"$19.99/mo billed annually","amount":19.99,"currency":"USD","period":"month","limits":"$29.99 monthly, 750 tasks","is_free":false},"api_pricing":null,"usage_limits":null,"models":null,"features":null,"tasks":["workflow-automation"],"alternatives":[{"slug":"make-integromat","name":"Make (Integromat)"},{"slug":"n8n","name":"n8n"},{"slug":"microsoft-power-automate","name":"Microsoft Power Automate"},{"slug":"pabbly-connect","name":"Pabbly Connect"}],"works_well_with":[],"guide_url":"https://www.launchpadhq.io/platform/zapier/guide","changelog":[],"sources":[],"notes":["Checked 2026-10-25 (from catalog copy)"],"verification":{"status":"catalog_only","checked_at":null},"data_as_of":"2026-10-25","record_updated_at":"2026-10-25","generated_at":"2026-10-27T02:05:14.196Z","sponsored":false,"attribution":"Data from Launchpad HQ (https://www.launchpadhq.io). Please credit Launchpad HQ and link to the tool's Launchpad HQ page."}},{"role":"alternative","pick":"Pick this if you want a hosted tool with a visual builder and are happy to learn how it charges credits for each step.","free_option_label":null,"sources":[{"field":"Pricing","url":"https://www.make.com/en/pricing","as_of":"2026-10-25","origin":"catalog-audit"},{"field":"Free plan","url":"https://www.make.com/en/pricing","as_of":"2026-10-25","origin":"catalog-audit"},{"field":"Usage limits","url":"https://www.make.com/en/pricing","as_of":"2026-10-25","origin":"catalog-audit"}],"as_of":"2026-10-25","tool":{"schema_version":"1.2","slug":"make-integromat","url":"https://www.launchpadhq.io/platform/make-integromat","name":"Make (Integromat)","former_names":[],"company":"Celonis (Make)","website":"https://make.com","category":{"slug":"workflow-automation","name":"Workflow & Automation"},"description":null,"primary_use":"Visual AI workflow automation","use_cases":"Complex multi-branch workflows; data transformation; API orchestration; e-commerce automation","best_for":["Operations managers","marketers","developers building complex workflows","agencies","power users"],"works_with":["Data","triggers","workflows"],"outputs":["Automated multi-step workflows","data transformations"],"platforms":["web"],"apps":{"ios":null,"android":null,"macos":null,"windows":null,"linux":null},"cost_tier":"FREEMIUM","difficulty":"INTERMEDIATE","technical":{"privacy_level":"HIGH","time_to_productivity":"30 min","learning_curve":"Moderate","offline":false,"api_available":true,"languages":"English (interface)","integrations":"2,000+ apps: Google, Slack, Airtable, Shopify, HubSpot, Salesforce, HTTP/webhooks, AI models","upgrade_triggers":"More scenarios; shorter intervals; higher operations; team features; custom apps; priority execution"},"lifecycle":"active","status":null,"free_tier":{"available":true,"summary":"Free: 1,000 credits/mo (credits are Make's billing unit)"},"plans":[{"name":"Free","price_text":"$0","amount":0,"currency":"USD","period":null,"limits":"1,000 credits/mo","is_free":true},{"name":"paid plans Core, Pro, Teams and Enterprise. Paid prices did not render on the official page, so none are quoted","price_text":"See pricing","amount":null,"currency":null,"period":null,"limits":null,"is_free":false}],"starting_price":"Free, from See pricing","lowest_paid":{"name":"paid plans Core, Pro, Teams and Enterprise. Paid prices did not render on the official page, so none are quoted","price_text":"See pricing","amount":null,"currency":null,"period":null,"limits":null,"is_free":false},"api_pricing":null,"usage_limits":null,"models":null,"features":null,"tasks":["workflow-automation"],"alternatives":[{"slug":"zapier","name":"Zapier"},{"slug":"n8n","name":"n8n"},{"slug":"activepieces","name":"Activepieces"},{"slug":"pabbly-connect","name":"Pabbly Connect"}],"works_well_with":[],"guide_url":"https://www.launchpadhq.io/platform/make-integromat/guide","changelog":[],"sources":[],"notes":["Checked 2026-10-25 (from catalog copy)"],"verification":{"status":"catalog_only","checked_at":null},"data_as_of":"2026-10-25","record_updated_at":"2026-10-25","generated_at":"2026-10-27T02:05:14.196Z","sponsored":false,"attribution":"Data from Launchpad HQ (https://www.launchpadhq.io). Please credit Launchpad HQ and link to the tool's Launchpad HQ page."}},{"role":"alternative","pick":"Pick this if you want a simple hosted builder with an open-source core you could move to your own server later.","free_option_label":null,"sources":[{"field":"Pricing","url":"https://www.activepieces.com/pricing","as_of":"2026-10-25","origin":"catalog-audit"},{"field":"Free plan","url":"https://www.activepieces.com/pricing","as_of":"2026-10-25","origin":"catalog-audit"},{"field":"Usage limits","url":"https://www.activepieces.com/pricing","as_of":"2026-10-25","origin":"catalog-audit"}],"as_of":"2026-10-25","tool":{"schema_version":"1.2","slug":"activepieces","url":"https://www.launchpadhq.io/platform/activepieces","name":"Activepieces","former_names":[],"company":"Activepieces (Open Source)","website":"https://activepieces.com","category":{"slug":"workflow-automation","name":"Workflow & Automation"},"description":null,"primary_use":"Open-source workflow automation (Zapier alternative)","use_cases":"Open-source automation; AI workflows; data pipelines; e-commerce automation; form processing","best_for":["Developers","self-hosters","small businesses","agencies","privacy-focused teams"],"works_with":["Data","workflows"],"outputs":["Automated workflows","API calls","data transformations"],"platforms":["web"],"apps":{"ios":null,"android":null,"macos":null,"windows":null,"linux":null},"cost_tier":"FREEMIUM","difficulty":"INTERMEDIATE","technical":{"privacy_level":"HIGH","time_to_productivity":"1 hour","learning_curve":"Moderate","offline":false,"api_available":true,"languages":"English (interface)","integrations":"200+ pieces: Google, Slack, OpenAI, Anthropic, Discord, Notion, Shopify, Stripe, webhooks","upgrade_triggers":"Cloud convenience; higher task limits; premium pieces; team management; dedicated support"},"lifecycle":"active","status":null,"free_tier":{"available":true,"summary":"Free forever, no card: 1,000 credits, unlimited flows, up to 5 users. The official page lists the Free reset as daily in its comparison table but monthly in its FAQ"},"plans":[{"name":"Free","price_text":"$0","amount":0,"currency":"USD","period":null,"limits":"1,000 credits","is_free":true},{"name":"Plus","price_text":"$20/mo flat","amount":20,"currency":"USD","period":"month","limits":"10,000 credits/mo, then $0.007/credit","is_free":false},{"name":"Team","price_text":"$200/mo flat","amount":200,"currency":"USD","period":"month","limits":"50,000 credits/mo, 25 users","is_free":false},{"name":"Ultimate","price_text":"Custom","amount":null,"currency":null,"period":null,"limits":null,"is_free":false},{"name":"Embed from","price_text":"$36k/year","amount":36,"currency":"USD","period":"year","limits":null,"is_free":false}],"starting_price":"Free, from $20/mo flat","lowest_paid":{"name":"Plus","price_text":"$20/mo flat","amount":20,"currency":"USD","period":"month","limits":"10,000 credits/mo, then $0.007/credit","is_free":false},"api_pricing":null,"usage_limits":null,"models":null,"features":null,"tasks":["workflow-automation"],"alternatives":[{"slug":"n8n","name":"n8n"},{"slug":"zapier","name":"Zapier"},{"slug":"make-integromat","name":"Make (Integromat)"},{"slug":"pabbly-connect","name":"Pabbly Connect"}],"works_well_with":[],"guide_url":"https://www.launchpadhq.io/platform/activepieces/guide","changelog":[],"sources":[],"notes":["Checked 2026-10-25 (from catalog copy)"],"verification":{"status":"catalog_only","checked_at":null},"data_as_of":"2026-10-25","record_updated_at":"2026-10-25","generated_at":"2026-10-27T02:05:14.196Z","sponsored":false,"attribution":"Data from Launchpad HQ (https://www.launchpadhq.io). Please credit Launchpad HQ and link to the tool's Launchpad HQ page."}},{"role":"alternative","pick":"Pick this only if you are comfortable running software on your own server, or you are willing to pay for the hosted cloud plan.","free_option_label":"Free option is self-hosted: the Community Edition is software you install and run yourself, on your own server. The cloud plans are paid.","sources":[{"field":"Pricing","url":"https://n8n.io/pricing/","as_of":"2026-10-25","origin":"fact-file"},{"field":"Free plan","url":"https://docs.n8n.io/hosting/community-edition-features/","as_of":"2026-10-25","origin":"fact-file"}],"as_of":"2026-10-25","tool":{"schema_version":"1.2","slug":"n8n","url":"https://www.launchpadhq.io/platform/n8n","name":"n8n","former_names":[],"company":"n8n GmbH","website":"https://n8n.io","category":{"slug":"workflow-automation","name":"Workflow & Automation"},"description":null,"primary_use":"Open-source low-code AI workflow automation","use_cases":"Self-hosted automation; complex data pipelines; AI agent workflows; DevOps automation; custom integrations","best_for":["Developers","DevOps teams","technical users","self-hosters","privacy-focused organizations"],"works_with":["Data","code","workflows"],"outputs":["Automated workflows","API calls","data transformations","webhook handlers"],"platforms":["web"],"apps":{"ios":null,"android":null,"macos":null,"windows":null,"linux":null},"cost_tier":"FREEMIUM","difficulty":"INTERMEDIATE","technical":{"privacy_level":"HIGH","time_to_productivity":"2 hours","learning_curve":"Moderate","offline":false,"api_available":true,"languages":"English (interface); code nodes support JavaScript and Python","integrations":"400+ nodes: Google, Slack, GitHub, databases, HTTP/webhooks, AI models, custom code (JS/Python)","upgrade_triggers":"Cloud convenience; team features; enterprise support; scaling beyond single server"},"lifecycle":"active","status":null,"free_tier":{"available":true,"summary":"Free only if you run it yourself: the self-hosted Community edition is free with almost the full feature set. n8n Cloud has no free plan, only a trial with no card required."},"plans":[{"name":"Community (self-hosted)","price_text":"Free","amount":0,"currency":null,"period":null,"limits":"You host and maintain it yourself","is_free":true},{"name":"Starter (Cloud)","price_text":"€20/month","amount":20,"currency":"EUR","period":"month","limits":"Billed annually; 2.5K workflow executions","is_free":false},{"name":"Pro (Cloud)","price_text":"€50/month","amount":50,"currency":"EUR","period":"month","limits":"Billed annually; 10K workflow executions","is_free":false},{"name":"Business (self-hosted)","price_text":"€667/month","amount":667,"currency":"EUR","period":"month","limits":"Billed annually; 40K workflow executions","is_free":false},{"name":"Enterprise","price_text":"Custom","amount":null,"currency":null,"period":null,"limits":"Hosted by n8n or self-hosted","is_free":false}],"starting_price":"Free, from €20/month","lowest_paid":{"name":"Starter (Cloud)","price_text":"€20/month","amount":20,"currency":"EUR","period":"month","limits":"Billed annually; 2.5K workflow executions","is_free":false},"api_pricing":null,"usage_limits":null,"models":null,"features":null,"tasks":["workflow-automation"],"alternatives":[{"slug":"zapier","name":"Zapier"},{"slug":"make-integromat","name":"Make (Integromat)"},{"slug":"activepieces","name":"Activepieces"},{"slug":"microsoft-power-automate","name":"Microsoft Power Automate"}],"works_well_with":[],"guide_url":"https://www.launchpadhq.io/platform/n8n/guide","changelog":[{"date":"2026-10-25","field":"plans","summary":"Re-checked: Cloud Starter €20/month and Pro €50/month (annual), Business €667/month self-hosted; Community edition free when self-hosted."}],"sources":[{"label":"Free tier","url":"https://docs.n8n.io/hosting/community-edition-features/","checked_at":"2026-10-25","status":"verified"},{"label":"Pricing","url":"https://n8n.io/pricing/","checked_at":"2026-10-25","status":"verified"}],"notes":[],"verification":{"status":"verified","checked_at":"2026-10-25"},"data_as_of":"2026-10-25","record_updated_at":"2026-10-25","generated_at":"2026-10-27T02:05:14.196Z","sponsored":false,"attribution":"Data from Launchpad HQ (https://www.launchpadhq.io). Please credit Launchpad HQ and link to the tool's Launchpad HQ page."}}],"also_consider":[],"as_of":"2026-10-25","undated_tools":[],"generated_at":"2026-10-27T02:05:14.196Z","sponsored":false,"attribution":"Data from Launchpad HQ (https://www.launchpadhq.io). Please credit Launchpad HQ and link to the tool's Launchpad HQ page."}