Zapier vs IFTTT: Make the Right Choice in 2025

Every day work comes with too many steps: adding contacts into a CRM by hand, copying files to cloud storage, or setting reminders you’ll forget later. That’s why people turned to Zapier and IFTTT to automate tasks in the first place.

Zapier handles multi-step workflows that push bigger business processes forward, while IFTTT feels lighter with a user-friendly interface for personal use and smart homes.

These platforms offer free plans for easier testing. But in 2025, Activepieces comes in with a new way to get automation done right.

In this article, you’ll learn how these automation tools compare on features, pricing, and use cases.

Join free today and see how automation should feel!

What Is Zapier?

Image Source: zapier.com

Zapier is a no-code platform that enables users to connect apps together and to move data between multiple tools. At the same time, it also supports advanced users who want to add logic, filters, or even custom code steps.

The automation in Zapier runs on flows called Zaps. Each Zap runs on two parts: a trigger that starts the flow and an action that follows. For example, a new email can trigger an action that stores the details in a spreadsheet.

Some highlights of Zapier include:

• Connections to thousands of apps across categories.
• Support for two-step Zaps or more complex workflows.
• Options that grow from basic flows into more complex business workflows.

Although there’s a steeper learning curve for more complex workflows, especially if you’re new to automation.

What Is IFTTT?

Image Source: ifttt.com

IFTTT, short for “If This Then That,” is a user-friendly automation platform for personal use. It automates everyday tasks across apps and devices with flows called applets.

These applets follow a basic pattern: a trigger starts the process, and an action happens right after. For example, you could trigger a task when a new email arrives and have the action save the attachment to Dropbox.

Many people choose IFTTT since it does a better job connecting smart home devices. You can:

• Turn on your smart lights when you arrive home.
• Get a text when tomorrow’s forecast predicts rain.
• Set your coffee maker to start when your alarm goes off.

However, it lacks the customization options that advanced platforms provide. You can’t build the same kind of deep logic or multi-step flows you’d find elsewhere.

What Is Activepieces?

Activepieces is an open-source automation platform that gives you a way to automate repetitive tasks without paying extra every time something runs.

It connects to hundreds of apps through pieces. These are connectors that let you save time with custom workflows for email, social media, CRMs, and more.

The design makes it easy to get started, even if you’ve never touched automation before. Non-technical users can build flows in a visual editor, while developers still have the option to expand it with TypeScript.

That balance puts it ahead of other no-code automation tools that often swing too far in one direction.

Some of the features people turn to again and again are:

• AI agents that write, analyze, or decide on actions.
• AI Copilot in the builder to guide you through flows.
• Self-hosting for privacy and control over your data.
• Human approval when a task needs a manual review.
• A community-driven library of integrations that keeps growing every month.

Start your first flow today for free with Activepieces!

Zapier vs IFTTT vs Activepieces: Key Features Comparison

Each platform handles automation differently. The following is how Activepieces, Zapier, and IFTTT compare in terms of:

Automated Workflow

A workflow is a set of actions that run in sequence after you set a starting point. The flow begins with a trigger, like a form entry or an email, and continues with actions such as updating a spreadsheet or sending a message.

Activepieces

Activepieces lets you build workflows in a visual editor. You begin with a trigger, such as a new row in Google Sheets or a scheduled time, and add pieces that complete the next steps. Those pieces might send an email or post on Slack.

The platform even supports:

• Branching logic
• Loops
• Human approval steps

That means you can pause a flow until someone signs off before moving forward. Built-in data tables further let you store and organize information directly inside Activepieces.

Zapier

Zapier organizes automation into Zaps. Each Zap starts with a trigger and continues through actions that pass data from one app to another.

The platform connects with over 7,000 services, so you can cover everything from email and CRMs to project tracking and reporting. Two-step Zaps work for quick needs, but do better for longer chains of steps.

IFTTT

IFTTT focuses on quick automations through applets. You set a trigger, like a motion sensor detecting movement, and then add an action, like turning on smart lights or sending a notification.

Many people use it for minimal setup tasks such as posting photos across platforms or syncing reminders to a calendar. IFTTT also integrates with apps for productivity and social sharing, but the scope remains narrow.

Applets generally connect two services at a time rather than building out large flows. While that makes IFTTT simple, you can’t automate complex workflows the way you can with Activepieces or Zapier.

App Integrations and Ecosystem

Integrations shape how useful an automation tool really is. The more you can connect, the easier it becomes to bring different apps and services together.

Activepieces

Activepieces gives you 379+ pre-built integrations called pieces. These cover almost every corner of daily work:

• AI tools like OpenAI, Gemini, and ElevenLabs.
• Project management tools such as ClickUp, Google Sheets, and Excel 365.
• CRMs like Zoho and Microsoft Dynamics.
• Finance apps like Zoho Books and Zoho Invoice.

You can connect multiple apps into one flow, and the process feels simple for beginners.

The library keeps growing because over half of the pieces come directly from the community. Developers can add new ones using TypeScript, while non-technical users can rely on the ready-to-use catalog.

Access 379+ pre-built integrations today with Activepieces!

Zapier

Zapier leads in size with over 8,000 integrations. It connects nearly every type of business app, from CRMs and marketing platforms to e-commerce and communication tools. When there’s an uncovered app, Zapier supports custom API integrations to fill the gap.

Teams rely on Zapier to sync data across tools and avoid manual updates. For example:

• A new lead from Facebook Ads goes into HubSpot.
• Details are logged in Google Sheets.
• Sales teams get a Slack alert instantly.

IFTTT

IFTTT integrates with over 900 services and connects smart devices. It can control lights, thermostats, cameras, and speakers, often with just a few clicks.

Common applets include:

• Turn on smart lights when motion is detected.
• Get a text if rain is in tomorrow’s forecast.
• Sync YouTube uploads with social media posts.

You can also connect two or more apps for online tasks like saving files to cloud storage or setting reminders. The setup is quick, but the platform is better for personal routines than business operations.

Support and Community

Support isn’t only about fixing problems. The right platform also gives you places to ask, share, and grow with other users.

Activepieces

With Activepieces, you’re not talking to a faceless support team.

Full-time engineers rotate through requests, so the people helping you are the same ones who built the product. For bigger companies, enterprise support is available through Slack, and email covers billing or account issues.

The community is where Activepieces really shines:

• A community forum with sections for support, bug reports, and new ideas.
• A Discord server where thousands of users share tips in real time.
• GitHub discussions for bug fixes, feature requests, and contributions.

On top of that, you’ll find blog guides, tutorials, and YouTube videos created by the team and the community.

Zapier

Zapier includes a mix of resources. There’s the Help Center with guides for setting up Zaps, fixing errors, and working with app integrations. An AI bot is on call 24/7 for quick answers.

Other than that, you get:

• The Zapier Community forum is full of people sharing workflows and troubleshooting tips.
• Certified partners step in to design custom automations for your team.
• Webinars, blog posts, and online courses help you grow from basic to advanced setups.

IFTTT

IFTTT starts with a Help Center that covers setup, billing, and common issues. When you’re on Pro or Pro+, you can file tickets directly inside the app for faster help.

The community fills in the rest. You’ll find:

• The r/ifttt subreddit, where people post their favorite applets and answer questions.
• Social channels that share updates and tips.
• Developer hubs like Hackster.io for custom projects.

There’s also a status page that shows outages and service updates. Since many problems come from connected apps like Spotify or Wyze, IFTTT often points you to those providers for fixes. Between official resources and peer-to-peer help, you won’t have trouble finding answers.

Use Cases

Real wins show up in the day-to-day.

Activepieces

Activepieces doesn’t stop at simple automation. It covers more than basic tasks and gives you the depth to run business-level AI workflows without the stress of heavy setup. You can start small, but the power’s there when you need it.

Use cases include:

• Lead qualification with scoring, enrichment, and instant alerts to sales.
• Coupon automation that issues unique codes, marks them used, and updates records.
• Pre-call company research that pulls firmographics, tech stack, and news into the CRM.
• Email routing that reads intent, sends to the right queue, and pauses for approval.
• Expense tracking from a receipt photo to clean rows in Sheets with categories.
• CV screening that parses, scores, and sorts applicants for faster shortlists.
• Discord topic mining that turns hot questions into weekly community events.
• SEO audits that crawl pages, draft findings, and email a clean report daily.
• SEO blog creation from topic pick to draft with image, on a set schedule.
• An email autoresponder that drafts replies for human sign-off.
• Client onboarding that turns Typeform answers into Asana tasks with summaries.

Zapier

Zapier helps business users streamline processes without writing code. Typical use cases look like this:

• Grab new leads from Facebook Ads, add them to HubSpot, and send an alert to Slack.
• Cross-post newsletters or blogs to every social channel.
• Build internal workflows for HR or IT, like onboarding employees or tracking tickets.
• Handle e-commerce flows: order processing, abandoned cart reminders, or automated sales reports.

For advanced automation, Zapier’s filters, paths, and code steps take you beyond basic Zaps. You can even automate social media posts or connect flows across departments.

IFTTT

IFTTT is for smart home automation and light routines that make life easier. You can tie voice commands to daily shortcuts or link smart lights to your location so they turn on when you walk in.

Other automations include:

• Save your Instagram or X (Twitter) posts directly into cloud storage.
• Use voice commands with Google Assistant to run playlists or add reminders.
• Create shortcuts for daily tasks, like sending calendar alerts or adding to-dos with one tap.

Pricing

The cost of automation can be just as important as features.

Activepieces

Activepieces keeps things simple with predictable costs. You get a free Community Edition that’s open source and self-hosted.

Cloud pricing offers the following plans:

• Free plan with 1,000 tasks each month, AI credits, two active flows, and community support.
• Plus plan at $25 per month with unlimited tasks, AI agents, tables, and email support.
• Business plan at $150 per month with 50 active flows, API access, more credits, and up to five users.
• Enterprise with custom pricing for teams that need more resources and direct help.

The flat-rate model means you can run heavy workloads without worrying about hidden charges.

Switch to Activepieces and stop paying more for less automation!

Zapier

Image Source: zapier.com

Zapier offers a free plan with basic workflows like two-step Zaps. You can connect two apps, build simple flows, and test the platform.

Paid plans unlock more:

• Pro at $29.99 per month adds multi-step Zaps, premium apps, and webhooks
• Team at $103.50 per month includes 25 users, shared folders, and SSO
• Higher tiers with custom pricing for enterprise needs.

No matter the plan, you can create unlimited Zaps. However, when you rely on many business tools or large workflows, you’ll likely hit limits quickly. Heavy automation usually requires moving up into higher-paid plans.

IFTTT

Image Source: ifttt.com

IFTTT’s free plan includes two Applets with unlimited runs. That’s enough for personal tasks like home controls or reminders.

Paid options:

• Pro at $3.99 per month with up to 20 Applets, faster runs, and access to multi-action Applets.
• Pro+ at $11.99 per month with unlimited applets, advanced filters, AI services, and multi-account support.

Applets can post across multiple platforms, and you can also build custom applets or use developer tools if you want more control. But even with multi-step applets, IFTTT is still better for light automation than heavy business use.

Redefine Automation Beyond Zapier and IFTTT With Activepieces

Comparing the three platforms, you’ve probably noticed a pattern: Zapier connects thousands of apps, but pricing climbs quickly once your usage grows. IFTTT makes life easier for personal tasks, but falls short for heavy use.

Activepieces manages to cover both with flat-rate plans and features that support simple and complex workflows alike.

Here are a few reasons users lean toward Activepieces:

• Community-built pieces that expand the library faster than closed platforms.
• Self-hosting for full control of data and branding.
• AI agents that analyze information and take action in real time.
• Approval steps that mix automation with human oversight.
• Built-in tables that serve as a database for managing flow data.

Connect with sales today and build the automation strategy your team needs!

FAQs About Zapier vs IFTTT

Is there something better than IFTTT?

Yes, there are better options than IFTTT. While IFTTT is still around and good for smart home integrations like lights and cameras, it struggles with business needs and complex automations.

Tools like Activepieces offer powerful automation capabilities for teams that want the best automation tool without any coding knowledge.

Is IFTTT still a thing?

IFTTT is still a thing, but it mainly handles light personal routines and home setups.

Is there a better alternative to Zapier?

There are better alternatives to Zapier if you want the right automation tool for both personal and business workflows. Activepieces, for example, lets you build advanced flows, add AI, and eliminate repetitive tasks at a flat rate.

Is Zapier still relevant?

Zapier is still relevant, especially for small to medium teams connecting popular apps, but it’s not always the best fit for scale. Many users look for platforms that offer the same ease of use with fewer limits and stronger features.