Zapier vs. Automate.io
If you perform manual tasks across your suite of software applications, you should consider investing in integration software. This software can save hours of time by automating the workflows you complete every day.
This article will discuss the main differences between Zapier and Automate.io, two popular integration tools for small businesses. We’ll highlight the differences in features, pricing, usability, and customer support. After discussing the notable strengths and drawbacks of each tool, we’ll make expert recommendations to help you pick the best software for your business.
Our software recommendations are based upon extensive research, discussions with small businesses, and dozens of hours spent hand-testing the leading integration software platforms. Learn more about our research process here.
Zapier & Automate.io Comparison Summary
Zapier and Automate.io are two leading integration tools for small businesses. After hand-testing each platform, we gave Zapier a SoftwarePundit Analyst rating of 93, while Automate.io received a rating of 87.
Zapier received the highest rating in our integration category because it integrates with the most applications, with 3,000 apps to choose from. Automate.io is a more basic integration software, but its ease of use and low price make it a fantastic choice for many small businesses.
Here’s a breakdown of our review criteria and how Zapier and Automate.io stacked up in each category.
| Criteria | Analyst Rating | Features | Usability | Pricing | Customer Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zapier | 93 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Automate.io | 87 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 9 |
Zapier is the leader in the integration software space. There are more than 3,000 applications with pre-built integrations, as well as an extensive workflow library that enables customers to execute workflows with just a few clicks. Zapier’s main drawback is that it’s extremely expensive, which may be a limiting factor for many small businesses.
Though Automate.io only includes integrations with about 200 applications, they add new applications constantly. We expect that the platform will only improve as their selection increases. The pricing is much better than Zapier’s, with plans from $9.99 to $199 per month.
Here are a few quick points to summarize who we recommend each tool for:
- You want access to more than 3,000 applications
- You’re a startup and can take advantage of Zapier’s discount
- You can afford to pay a premium for your integration software
- You want a software tool that won't break the bank
- You only need one or two individuals to use the software
- You don’t need more than the 200 applications Automate.io offers
Table of Contents
- Zapier & Automate.io Comparison Summary
- Who Should Purchase Zapier?
- Who Should Purchase Automate.io?
- Zapier & Automate.io Price Comparison
- Zapier & Automate.io Feature Comparison
- Bottom Line
Who Should Purchase Zapier?
Zapier is one of the most advanced integration tools for small businesses. If you use many software tools or use niche tools that Automate.io does not have, Zapier is the better choice. Depending on your plan, you’ll be able to utilize custom logic and auto-replay features.
Customers may experience some sticker shock when it comes to Zapier. For relatively similar features—100,000 tasks per month—Automate.io will cost $199 to Zapier’s $898.50.
Who Should Purchase Automate.io?
Automate.io is the easiest-to-use integration software for small businesses. It’s reasonably priced, and though it only has integrations with about 200 applications, it provides small businesses with the ultimate ease of use.
The deciding factor when choosing whether or not to implement Automate.io will be whether or not they have the applications you’re looking to integrate. Their list of applications is linked here.
Zapier & Automate.io Price Comparison
Across integration tools that we’ve reviewed, Automate.io is the cheapest and Zapier is the most expensive.
Zapier Pricing Details
Zapier pricing starts at $29.99 per month and the most expensive plan tops out at $898.50 per month, which is the most expensive integration plan by far. After examining the value each plan provides, we recommend the Professional Plan for most small businesses.
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Automate.io Pricing Details
If you’re looking for the most cost-effective integration software, Automate.io is affordable with plans ranging from $9.99 per month to $199 per month.
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Zapier & Automate.io Feature Comparison
Zapier has more integrations a more extensive feature list overall. Automate.io provides a more intuitive interface and a more accessible customer support team.
Zapier's Top Features
Zapier’s top features are the integration list, dashboard, and pre-built workflow database. Zapier’s biggest draw is the more than 3,000 applications that are included. This is more than ten times the number of applications that Automate.io offers.
For a more in-depth look at Zapier, read our full Zapier review.
3,000 Applications
With more than 3,000 applications, Zapier has more integrations than any other integration platform, and significantly more than Automate.io offers. A list of popular software tools that Zapier includes is:
Dashboard
From within Zapier’s dashboard, you can build your workflows, check your usage history, and see your Zaps and Zap History. Though Zapier is a powerful software, it’s laid out intuitively enough that even those who are not technologically savvy should be able to use the platform without too much trouble.
Pre-Built Workflows
Zapier has a database of pre-built workflows that make it even easier to set up your workflows. When you search for your desired applications, Zapier will show you which are available for setup. You’ll be able to see the specific triggers and actions that Zapier supports.
Automate.io's Top Features
Automate.io makes it exceedingly easy to build workflows and create integrations with just a few clicks. The interface is intuitive, and while there are only about 200 applications, there are crucial integrations like DocuSign, QuickBooks Online, and Mailchimp.
Read the full Automate.io review.
Dashboard
As you can see, Automate.io, like Zapier, has a list of pre-built workflows that you can try and test with just a few clicks.
From this dashboard, customers can examine their plan usage and see the applications that they’re utilizing with Automate.io.
Workflow Builder
The image below shows how you would build a workflow for Trello. This specific workflow will automatically add a comment to a Trello board when a new card is created.
You can add details to the workflow builder, but this does not make the process any less simple. When we tested the workflows, we found that the intended actions were completed instantly.
Bottom Line
Automate.io is a reliable and cost-conscious integration software. If you choose Automate.io, be careful to make sure that they have integrations with the applications you need, as they only have about 200. On the other hand, Zapier is powerful and quite extensive with over 3,000 applications. If you choose Zapier, be prepared to pay a very high price.
- Zapier is one of the best and most advanced integration software tools. With the widest list of applications available, it also has the heftiest price tag.
- Automate.io is a mid-tier, affordable integration software. Though it only includes 200 applications, it will serve most small businesses well.
If you’re interested, visit Zapier or Automate.io today to get started.