Zapier’s free plan gives you 100 tasks per month. For most businesses, that runs out by day three.
I’ve tested every major alternative over the past year. Here’s what actually works—and what’s worth your time.
Quick Comparison
| Tool | Free Tier | Best For | Self-Host |
|---|---|---|---|
| n8n | Unlimited (self-hosted) | Technical users, AI workflows | Yes |
| Make | 1,000 ops/month | Visual builders, complex logic | No |
| Activepieces | Unlimited (self-hosted) | Open-source enthusiasts | Yes |
| IFTTT | 2 applets | Simple personal automation | No |
| Pipedream | 10,000 invocations | Developers, code-first | No |
| Automatisch | Unlimited (self-hosted) | Privacy-focused teams | Yes |
| Microsoft Power Automate | Limited | Microsoft 365 users | No |
1. n8n — Best Overall Free Alternative
Free tier: Unlimited executions when self-hosted
n8n is what I recommend to most people who outgrow Zapier. Here’s why:
What Makes It Stand Out
- True self-hosting: Run it on a $5/month server with unlimited workflows
- Code when needed: Write JavaScript or Python for complex logic
- 400+ integrations: Plus HTTP node for any API
- AI-native: Built-in nodes for OpenAI, Anthropic, local LLMs
The Catch
You need some technical comfort. Not coding expertise—but willingness to follow a Docker tutorial or use their cloud option ($24/month starter).
Real Cost Comparison
| Scenario | Zapier | n8n Self-Hosted |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 tasks/month | $73.50/month | ~$10/month (server) |
| 20,000 tasks/month | $448/month | ~$10/month |
| Unlimited | Not available | ~$10/month |
Verdict: Best for technical founders, agencies, and anyone processing high volumes.
2. Make (formerly Integromat) — Best Visual Builder
Free tier: 1,000 operations/month
Make offers the best balance of power and usability without self-hosting.
What Makes It Stand Out
- Visual scenario builder: Drag, drop, connect—actually intuitive
- Operations-based pricing: More granular than Zapier’s tasks
- Built-in data transformation: No separate tools needed
- Error handling: Built-in retry logic and error routes
The Catch
1,000 free operations sounds like a lot until you realize a 5-step workflow uses 5 operations per run. That’s 200 workflow runs per month.
When to Choose Make
- You think visually and want to see your workflow
- You need complex branching logic
- Your workflows are under 1,000 operations/month
- You don’t want to manage infrastructure
Verdict: Best free tier for non-technical users who need real power.
3. Activepieces — Best Open-Source Option
Free tier: Unlimited (self-hosted)
Activepieces is the newcomer challenging n8n in the open-source space.
What Makes It Stand Out
- Modern interface: Cleaner than n8n, easier to learn
- 400+ integrations: Growing fast
- AI flow builder: Describe what you want, it builds it
- Team features: Even in the free version
The Catch
Smaller community than n8n. Fewer tutorials, templates, and Stack Overflow answers when you get stuck.
When to Choose Activepieces
- You want open-source but find n8n intimidating
- You’re starting fresh (no existing n8n workflows to migrate)
- AI-assisted building appeals to you
Verdict: Best for teams wanting open-source with a gentler learning curve.
4. IFTTT — Best for Simple Personal Automation
Free tier: 2 applets
IFTTT (If This Then That) is the original automation tool. It’s limited but dead simple.
What Makes It Stand Out
- 900+ integrations: Including smart home devices
- Zero learning curve: Truly anyone can use it
- Consumer focus: Great for personal productivity
- Mobile apps: Easy setup from your phone
The Catch
Two free applets. That’s it. And they’re simple—no branching, no complex logic, no multi-step workflows.
When to Choose IFTTT
- You need 1-2 simple automations
- Smart home integration matters
- You want zero complexity
Verdict: Perfect for “when X happens, do Y” personal automations. Not for business.
5. Pipedream — Best for Developers
Free tier: 10,000 invocations/month, 3 workflows
Pipedream is built for people who think in code.
What Makes It Stand Out
- Code-first approach: Write Node.js, Python, Go, or Bash
- Real development environment: npm packages, environment variables
- Event-driven architecture: Built for webhooks and real-time
- Generous free tier: 10,000 invocations is substantial
The Catch
If you don’t code, this isn’t for you. The visual builder exists but it’s clearly secondary.
When to Choose Pipedream
- You’re a developer who wants full control
- You need custom logic that no-code can’t handle
- Webhook processing is your primary use case
Verdict: Best free option for developers who find no-code limiting.
6. Automatisch — Best Privacy-Focused Alternative
Free tier: Unlimited (self-hosted)
Automatisch is a newer open-source Zapier alternative focused on simplicity.
What Makes It Stand Out
- Zapier-like interface: Familiar if you’re migrating
- Self-hosted: Your data stays on your servers
- Simple setup: Easier than n8n to deploy
- Growing integration library: 50+ and expanding
The Catch
Fewer integrations than competitors. The project is younger, so less battle-tested.
When to Choose Automatisch
- Data privacy is non-negotiable
- You want Zapier’s simplicity, self-hosted
- You’re patient with a growing platform
Verdict: Best for privacy-conscious users who want familiar UX.
7. Microsoft Power Automate — Best for Microsoft Shops
Free tier: Limited (included with Microsoft 365)
If you’re already in the Microsoft ecosystem, Power Automate is “free” with your subscription.
What Makes It Stand Out
- Deep Microsoft integration: Excel, SharePoint, Teams, Outlook
- Enterprise security: Built for corporate compliance
- Desktop automation: RPA capabilities included
- AI Builder: Low-code AI features
The Catch
“Free” means included with Microsoft 365, which you’re paying for. And it’s complex—enterprise features mean enterprise complexity.
When to Choose Power Automate
- Your company runs on Microsoft 365
- You need desktop automation (RPA)
- Enterprise compliance matters
- IT already supports it
Verdict: Best “free” option if you’re paying for Microsoft 365 anyway.
Decision Framework
Choose Based on Your Situation
“I’m non-technical and need it to just work” → Make (free tier) or IFTTT (if very simple)
“I’m technical and want maximum power for free” → n8n (self-hosted) or Pipedream (if you prefer code)
“I want open-source but n8n feels complex” → Activepieces
“Data privacy is critical” → Automatisch or n8n (both self-hosted)
“My company uses Microsoft everything” → Power Automate
The Honest Truth
For serious business automation, the truly free options require either:
- Self-hosting (n8n, Activepieces, Automatisch)
- Technical skills (Pipedream)
- Accepting limitations (Make, IFTTT)
If none of those work, Make’s $10/month tier is the best value for non-technical users who need real automation power.
My Recommendation
For most readers of this blog—people interested in AI automation, n8n, and building real systems—n8n self-hosted is the answer.
Yes, there’s a learning curve. But:
- Unlimited executions for $10/month in hosting
- Full control over your data
- Best AI/LLM integrations
- Active community and documentation
Start with my beginner tutorial, and you’ll be running workflows in 15 minutes.
Need help choosing or setting up? Book a free consultation.