Alternatives to Power Automate

Microsoft's no-code automation platform for desktop and web workflows. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as Power Automate.

  • Zapier

    A hosted no-code automation platform that connects thousands of web apps through workflows and AI agents.

    FreemiumProprietaryWeb

    Zapier is a hosted no-code platform with more than 9,000 app integrations and AI agents, but it has no desktop flows for automating Windows applications.

  • Make

    A visual automation platform, formerly Integromat, that connects apps and webhooks into workflows.

    FreemiumProprietaryWeb

    Make is a cloud-only visual automation platform with more than 1,500 integrations and webhooks, dropping Microsoft 365 integration and desktop automation of Windows applications.

  • n8n

    Source-available workflow automation platform with AI nodes and self-hosting.

    FreemiumProprietaryWebSelf-hosted

    n8n is source-available and self-hostable, combining no-code nodes with custom code and AI nodes, but it does not automate desktop Windows applications.

  • Activepieces

    An open-source automation platform for building workflows, AI agents and app integrations, self-hosted or cloud.

    FreemiumOpen sourceWebSelf-hosted

    Activepieces is open source and self-hostable with more than 760 integrations and AI agents, replacing Microsoft licensing with a freemium model but lacking desktop flows.

  • IFTTT

    A hosted automation service that links apps and smart home devices through trigger and action Applets.

    FreemiumProprietaryWeb

    IFTTT is a hosted, proprietary trigger and action service covering apps and smart home devices, simpler than Power Automate and less suited to complex multi-step workflows.

  • Node-RED

    Visual flow-based programming tool for wiring together automations and APIs.

    FreeOpen sourceWebSelf-hosted

    Node-RED is a free, open-source visual flow tool that runs self-hosted or on the web, trading Microsoft 365 integration for open wiring of APIs and automations.

  • OpenRPA

    An open-source robotic process automation tool for recording and running automated workflows on Windows.

    FreeOpen sourceWindows

    OpenRPA is a free, open-source Windows RPA tool that automates desktop, browser, Java and terminal applications without a commercial licence, and takes time to learn.

  • Robot Framework

    An open source keyword-driven framework for test automation and robotic process automation.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxCommand line

    Robot Framework is an Apache-2.0 keyword-driven framework for RPA across Windows, macOS and Linux, needing Python and extra libraries for desktop or browser automation.

Also worth comparing

These listings name Power Automate as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.

  • Apple Shortcuts

    Apple's built-in drag-and-drop automation app for Mac, iPhone, and iPad.

    FreeProprietarymacOSiOS

    Power Automate covers Windows desktop and web workflows with a no-code designer and Microsoft 365 integration, but advanced connectors and higher run volumes require paid licensing.

  • AutoHotkey

    A Windows scripting language for hotkeys, text expansion, key remapping and automating anything on screen.

    FreeOpen sourceWindows

    Power Automate replaces scripting with a no-code desktop flow designer for Windows applications plus web flows, but it is proprietary and advanced connectors need paid licensing.

  • AutoIt

    A freeware BASIC-like scripting language for automating the Windows interface and general scripting tasks.

    FreeProprietaryWindows

    Power Automate offers a no-code Windows desktop flow designer tied to Microsoft 365, with paid licensing for advanced connectors and higher run volumes.

  • Macro Recorder

    A Windows tool that records mouse and keyboard actions and replays them as editable macros.

    PaidProprietaryWindows

    Power Automate is Microsoft's no-code platform whose desktop flows automate Windows applications and web workflows, with paid licensing for advanced connectors and higher volumes.

  • Pabbly Connect

    A hosted no-code service that connects apps and passes data between them to automate tasks.

    PaidProprietaryWeb

    Power Automate is Microsoft's freemium automation platform with deep Microsoft 365 integration and Windows desktop flows, with advanced connectors requiring paid licences.

  • Pulover's Macro Creator

    Records mouse and keyboard actions and turns them into editable AutoHotkey scripts.

    FreeOpen sourceWindows

    Power Automate is Microsoft's proprietary no-code platform whose desktop flow designer automates Windows applications, with paid licensing needed for advanced connectors and higher run volumes.

  • TinyTask

    36 KB portable macro recorder that replays mouse clicks and keystrokes.

    FreeProprietaryWindows

    Power Automate is Microsoft's proprietary no-code platform whose desktop flows automate Windows applications, with paid licensing for advanced connectors, instead of a tiny portable recorder.

  • Ui.Vision

    An open source browser extension and desktop app for recording and running browser and desktop macros.

    FreemiumOpen sourceBrowser extension

    Power Automate adds Windows desktop flows and Microsoft 365 integration in a closed-source freemium platform, with advanced connectors requiring paid licensing.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.