Open source alternatives to Zapier

What Zapier does

Zapier connects apps with automated workflows called Zaps. A Zap starts with a trigger in one app, such as a new form entry, email or CRM deal, and runs one or more actions in others. Filters, if/then paths, delays, scheduling, formatting, looping, webhooks and code steps handle the logic in between. Zapier’s integrations page lists more than 9,000 apps, and the platform now also bundles tables, forms, AI agents, chatbots and an MCP server.

Why people look for an alternative

• Task-based pricing. Every successful action step uses a task from a monthly allowance. When the allowance runs out, Zap runs are held until more tasks are available, unless you turn on pay-per-task billing. Zapier’s pricing page says AI steps, code and its SDK now count against the same task model.
• A limited free plan. The free plan allows only two-step Zaps and checks polling triggers every 15 minutes. Multi-step Zaps, premium apps and webhooks need a paid plan, and faster polling comes with higher tiers.
• Data location. Zapier says it hosts customer data, including personal data that passes through Zaps, on AWS servers in the United States. It is certified under the EU–US Data Privacy Framework, but some organizations prefer that workflow data never leaves their own infrastructure.
• Short run history. Zapier keeps Zap content and history for the current and previous month, which works out to 29 to 69 days. The help center guarantees no more than 60 days of Zap run data. Custom retention settings are reserved for top-tier plans.
• Lock-in. Zaps exist only inside Zapier. Moving to another tool means rebuilding them.

What to compare in an alternative

1. Your apps and triggers. Check that each app you rely on has the triggers you need, not just actions. Also check whether a generic HTTP step or a custom integration can cover anything missing.
2. Multi-step logic. Branches, loops, delays, error handling and code steps, and whether non-developers can use them.
3. Trigger speed. Instant webhooks or polling, and how often polling runs.
4. Hosting and data. Self-hosted or the developer’s cloud, where run history is stored and for how long.
5. License. Whether the features you need are in the open source code or in a paid enterprise edition.
6. Migration. None of these tools imports Zaps, so allow time to rebuild and test your workflows.

Which one to choose

Activepieces is the closest match to Zapier. It has a no-code builder, a large and growing set of integrations, branches, loops, approvals and AI agents, an MIT-licensed core and a hosted cloud if you would rather not run it yourself. Automatisch follows Zapier’s model even more literally and is AGPL-licensed, but it has a much smaller app list, polls every 15 minutes according to its documentation, and has seen little development in 2026. Sim suits teams that want AI agents alongside many integrations and triggers, at the cost of a heavier setup. For monitoring websites, feeds and inboxes, Huginn is a flexible, MIT-licensed choice for technical users. Developers who prefer writing scripts should also look at Windmill. The workflow automation guide compares every option.