Skip to content
Alternatives.toolsSubmit a tool
Pipedream logo

Free Pipedream alternatives

Top Workflow Automation like Pipedream

The most popular alternative to Pipedream is n8n, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Pipedream are Zapier, Make, Activepieces, and Power Automate.

Most alternatives to Pipedream are in the Workflow Automation category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Pipedream alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
8 apps

All Pipedream alternatives

  1. n8n is a workflow automation tool from Berlin that combines a visual node editor with the option to write JavaScript or Python, which suits technical teams. It offers hundreds of integrations, webhooks and AI agent nodes for building workflows around large language models. It can be self-hosted for free under the Sustainable Use License or used through the paid n8n Cloud.

    9 n8n alternatives

    Pros

    • Free self-hosting keeps workflows and data on your own servers
    • JavaScript or Python code nodes alongside the visual editor
    • Capable AI agent nodes for building LLM workflows

    Cons

    • Sustainable Use License restricts some commercial uses, so it is not open source
    • More technical than Zapier for non-developers
    • Self-hosting means maintaining servers and updates yourself
    Cost / License
    FreemiumSource available
  2. Zapier

    Zapier is a no-code automation platform that connects thousands of web apps so that a trigger in one, such as a new form entry, starts actions in others. Beyond multi-step Zaps with filters and branching, it includes tables, interfaces, AI steps and agents that work across connected tools. A free plan covers simple workflows, and paid plans are priced by task volume.

    8 Zapier alternatives

    Pros

    • Connects thousands of apps, so most tools are already supported
    • Very easy to start with for non-technical users
    • Tables, interfaces and AI agents go beyond simple Zaps

    Cons

    • Costs rise quickly as task volume grows
    • Complex logic is clumsier to build than on a visual canvas like Make
    • Cloud only, with no self-hosting option
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Platforms
  3. Make

    Make, formerly Integromat and now part of Celonis, is a visual automation platform where workflows are built as scenarios on a canvas of connected modules. It handles routers, iterators, error handling and data mapping for complex processes across thousands of apps, plus HTTP calls, webhooks and AI agents. A free plan includes a monthly allowance of operations, with paid plans for more volume.

    8 Make alternatives

    Pros

    • Visual canvas handles routers, iterators and error handling
    • Finer data mapping than simpler automation tools
    • HTTP module and webhooks connect to almost any API

    Cons

    • Steeper learning curve than Zapier for simple automations
    • Operation counts add up quickly on complex or frequent scenarios
    • Cloud only, with no self-hosting option
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Platforms
  4. Activepieces is an open source automation platform positioned as an alternative to Zapier, with a visual flow builder, hundreds of integrations called pieces and AI agent steps. Pieces are written in TypeScript and are also exposed as MCP servers for AI assistants. The community edition is MIT-licensed and can be self-hosted; a hosted cloud version and an enterprise edition are also offered.

    8 Activepieces alternatives

    Pros

    • MIT-licensed community edition can be self-hosted
    • Pieces double as MCP servers for AI assistants
    • Clean visual builder that is approachable for non-developers

    Cons

    • Smaller integration catalog than Zapier or Make
    • Some enterprise features are reserved for paid editions
    • Self-hosting means handling updates and scaling yourself
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
  5. Power Automate is Microsoft's automation service, part of the Power Platform, for building cloud flows between Microsoft 365, Dynamics, Azure and hundreds of third-party connectors. Its desktop app adds robotic process automation for Windows applications and websites, and Copilot can draft flows from a description. Basic use is included in many Microsoft 365 plans, with premium licences for advanced connectors.

    8 Power Automate alternatives

    Pros

    • Deep integration with Microsoft 365, Teams, SharePoint and Dynamics
    • Desktop RPA automates Windows apps and websites without APIs
    • Basic use is included in many Microsoft 365 plans

    Cons

    • Licensing is complex, with premium connectors behind extra licences
    • The flow designer can feel clunky and errors are hard to debug
    • Less convenient outside the Microsoft ecosystem
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
  6. Relay.app is a workflow automation tool that mixes app integrations, AI steps and human-in-the-loop checkpoints, where a teammate can review, edit or approve output before the workflow continues. It targets business teams automating processes such as lead handling, content review or onboarding without code. A free plan includes a monthly allowance of runs and AI credits.

    8 Relay.app alternatives

    Pros

    • Human approval steps let teammates review output before a run continues
    • AI steps are built in, with credits included in the free plan
    • Clean interface designed for business teams who do not code

    Cons

    • Smaller integration catalog than Zapier or Make
    • Younger product with fewer advanced options than established platforms
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Platforms
  7. Gumloop is a no-code platform for building AI workflows and agents on a visual canvas, connecting language models from OpenAI, Anthropic and Google to business apps, web scraping and data enrichment nodes. An assistant can draft flows from a description, and a Chrome extension records browser actions for sites without an API. A free plan with monthly credits is available.

    8 Gumloop alternatives

    Pros

    • Visual canvas connects AI models to business apps without code
    • Assistant drafts flows from a plain-language description
    • Chrome extension automates sites that have no API

    Cons

    • Credit-based usage can be hard to predict for heavy workflows
    • Fewer app integrations than long-established automation platforms
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
  8. IFTTT, short for If This Then That, links apps, web services and smart home devices through small automations called applets, such as saving social posts to a spreadsheet or turning on lights at sunset. It is aimed at consumers and creators more than complex business processes, with mobile apps that provide location and phone triggers. A free plan allows a few applets; paid plans add more and multi-step logic.

    7 IFTTT alternatives

    Pros

    • Very simple applets that anyone can set up in minutes
    • Strong smart home support and phone triggers such as location
    • Large library of ready-made applets

    Cons

    • The free plan allows only a few applets
    • Multi-step logic requires a paid plan and stays basic for business use
    • Some triggers fire with a noticeable delay
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary

Pipedream vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Pipedream, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Pipedream vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsAI agentsAPI accessIntegrationsMulti-step workflowsWebhooks
PipedreamFreemiumWeb
n8nFreemiumSource availableWeb, Self-hosted
ZapierFreemiumWeb
MakeFreemiumWeb
ActivepiecesFreemiumOpen sourceWeb, Self-hosted
Power AutomateFreemiumWeb, Windows, iPhone, Android

Pipedream alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Pipedream?

The most popular alternative to Pipedream is n8n: Fair-code workflow automation with AI agents and self-hosting. Other great alternatives are Zapier, Make, Activepieces, and Power Automate.

Is there a free alternative to Pipedream?

Yes, 8 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including n8n, Zapier, Make, and Activepieces.

Is there an open source alternative to Pipedream?

Yes, one open source alternative is listed: Activepieces.

Is Pipedream free?

Pipedream has a free plan, with paid plans that unlock more features.

Compare Pipedream with its alternatives

Sponsored listings and products made by the publisher of this site are always labeled. How we rank · Know a good alternative? Submit it