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Zapier vs Microsoft Power Automate

Zapier: Connect thousands of apps and automate work, with AI steps and agents. Microsoft Power Automate: Microsoft's workflow automation tool, with Copilot to build flows from plain-language requests. Here is how they compare on features, pricing, platforms, pros and cons.

Quick verdict

Zapier

Best for: Small businesses automating repetitive tasks between apps.

Stands out for: Huge number of app integrations; No coding needed.

Microsoft Power Automate

Best for: Organisations that already use Microsoft 365.

Stands out for: Deep Microsoft 365 integration; Handles both cloud and desktop tasks.

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of Zapier, Microsoft Power Automate
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What it isConnect thousands of apps and automate work, with AI steps and agents.Microsoft's workflow automation tool, with Copilot to build flows from plain-language requests.
Pricing
Free + Paid
Free + PaidIncluded with some Microsoft 365 plans
Free to useYesYes
CategoryAI Agents & AutomationAI Agents & Automation
Editor rank#1 in category#9 in category
Made byZapierMicrosoft
Best forSmall businesses automating repetitive tasks between apps.Organisations that already use Microsoft 365.
Key features
  • Thousands of app integrations
  • Build automations by describing them
  • AI agents and chatbots
  • Cloud flows across many apps
  • Copilot builds flows from descriptions
  • Desktop automation for Windows apps
  • Approvals and Teams integration
Pros
  • Huge number of app integrations
  • No coding needed
  • Free plan available
  • Deep Microsoft 365 integration
  • Handles both cloud and desktop tasks
Cons
  • Costs can rise with many tasks
  • Complex logic is harder than in some rivals
  • Advanced features need premium licences
Use it to
  • Send new form entries to a spreadsheet
  • Add AI steps to summarise or sort data
  • Build agents that act across your apps
  • Send a Teams alert when a form is submitted
  • Save email attachments to SharePoint
  • Automate data entry in a desktop app
Web app
iPhone & iPad
Android
Windows
Chrome extension

Zapier vs Microsoft Power Automate: questions

Is Zapier better than Microsoft Power Automate?

Neither wins for everyone. Our editors rank Zapier slightly higher overall in AI Agents & Automation, but Microsoft Power Automate can be the better fit: Organisations that already use Microsoft 365.

Which is free, Zapier or Microsoft Power Automate?

Both can be used without paying: Zapier is free + paid and Microsoft Power Automate is free + paid. Paid plans add more usage or features.

Can I use Zapier and Microsoft Power Automate together?

Yes. Many people keep both and pick per task, for example send new form entries to a spreadsheet with Zapier, and send a Teams alert when a form is submitted with Microsoft Power Automate.

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