Zapier makes it incredibly easy to connect your business apps and set up automation workflows without dealing with APIs. With the introduction of Interfaces, you can even design entire apps and pages for your automations.
But as amazing as that sounds, this simplicity also comes with some serious limitations. For instance, if you need to create something beyond a basic interface or invite more than 100 users to your app, Zapier Interfaces may fall short.
With so many no-code builders available, you don’t have to put up with these restrictions. We’ve reviewed seven alternatives that offer varying levels of flexibility. Whether you're looking to create a fully custom app or simply want a more powerful interface designer for your Zapier workflows, there’s an option here for you.
What is workflow automation?
Workflow automation is the process of using technology to perform tasks or processes without manual intervention.
Instead of handling repetitive tasks one by one, automation tools like Zapier allow you to set up "workflows" that trigger actions between different apps and systems. For example, when someone fills out a form on your website, the workflow might automatically add their details to your CRM, send a welcome email, and create a task for follow-up—all without you lifting a finger.
Why look for Zapier Interfaces alternatives?
Zapier Interfaces is a great tool for automating simple workflows and integrating them into a sleek interface, but it’s not the most robust option for building complex business apps.
Here’s what users have shared about the limitations they’ve faced when designing their automations with Zapier:
1. Limited customization options for complex workflows
“Creating complex workflows with multiple triggers and actions may require more advanced knowledge and experience,” Susan V.
“Although using Zapier can be easy, it is not always the case, especially for custom and complex Zaps,” Gabriella N.
2. Complexity and unreliability of multi-step automations
“Zaps can get complex quickly! Pulling data fields from one source, transforming the data, and then delivering it into another integration in the correct format can require a lot of trial and error. For less experienced users, this can be challenging,” Kevin C.
“I appreciate the convenience that Zapier provides when it comes to connecting disparate applications and services, but I have found its scheduling feature for multi-step tasks to be unreliable,” Alex H.
“For very complex or multi-step workflows, setting up Zaps can become challenging. While the interface is user-friendly for basic tasks, more advanced automations might require a deeper understanding or even custom coding solutions,” Michael F.
3. High costs associated with premium plans
“I've noticed that as we increase our usage, the costs can escalate quite rapidly. It sometimes feels like we're being penalized for maximizing its potential,” Brad B.
“As users require more tasks or want to use premium integrations, the cost can escalate quickly. For small businesses or individual users with a high number of automations or those relying on premium apps, the monthly fees can become a significant expense.
Additionally, the pricing tiers dictate the speed at which tasks are executed, meaning users on lower tiers might experience a delay compared to those on premium plans,” Leonardo D.
4. Dependence on third-party solutions for critical workflows
“Despite wide compatibility, not all applications offer the same integration depth. In some cases, the actions available for automation may be limited, decreasing the power offered by the tool,” Gaetano C.
“With any tool that aims to simplify the complex subject matter, you are shoehorned into how Zapier interacts with APIs. There's a ceiling on how far you can take the tool,” Luke E.
5. Difficulty in troubleshooting and debugging automations
“If something goes wrong it is very difficult to troubleshoot…” Brandonn G.
“The error codes it provides are hard to understand as there is no way to decode them unless we raise a ticket. The response is quick, but they don't teach how we can solve the error permanently,” Vikrant B.
6. Difficulty in integrating apps or workflows not supported by Zapier
“Some apps have limited tasks to automate depending upon the developer. You need to request for the particular task which is time-consuming,” Manish S.
“If the app that you want to integrate is not available, is going to take time for the app to be available,” Walter B.
7. Performance issues or delays in task execution
“My advice is to regularly observe the execution of the Zaps to be sure that all of them are running correctly and that there are no issues,” Estefany P.
“Sometimes there are cases where the zaps might show up errors which might be difficult to diagnose,” Verified user.
8. Lack of advanced features for business needs
“When it comes to solving more complex, real-world business problems, you’ll find yourself needing to switch to another tool that can handle the increased demands,” Verified user.
“Zapier is an excellent tool for automating simple to moderately complex chores, but in terms of scaling and managing more intricate workflows with numerous connectors and conditional actions, I think that it may occasionally be restrictive,” Joseph E.
Criteria for choosing the best Zapier Interfaces alternatives
- Integration capabilities. Alongside ensuring that your tool connects with the applications you already use, evaluate the depth of those integrations. Also, check if the platform allows for easy connection to other systems' APIs.
- Use cases. Think about the specific tasks and processes you want to automate. Look for an alternative that matches your unique use cases—some platforms may provide ready-made templates or offer dedicated features tailored to your needs.
- Scalability. As your business grows, so will your automation needs. Choose a platform that can scale with you, offering plans that accommodate larger teams, more workflows, and higher task volumes without a huge increase in cost.
- Community and customer support. While responsive support is important, an active community around your platform can be a game-changer. You can tap into this community for the best ways to implement your ideas, find troubleshooting guides before needing to ask a question, and connect with peers for support.
7 Best Zapier Interfaces alternatives to choose from in 2024
Alternative 1: Softr
Softr is a no-code platform that lets users build CRM systems, client portals, and other kinds of business apps without touching a single line of code (unless want to).
What makes Softr great is its versatility. You can start with simple use cases, like creating conditional forms for your existing website, or go all out and design a complete enterprise-grade app ecosystem with advanced access controls and security measures.
Building your apps of any complexity is a breeze, whether you start from scratch or use one of the many templates. If you need more complexity, you can always add custom code.
Key features
- No-code app builder with over 100 building blocks
- Database integrations
- Customizable app templates
- Custom code
- Responsive design
- User authentication and granular permissions
- AI-powered app generation
- 24/7 Support and community
- Workflow automation enabled by integration with Zapier and Make
Softr vs Zapier Interfaces
- Softr supports direct integrations with 12+ popular databases, including Airtable, Notion, Google Sheets, SQL, and others. This allows users to connect their applications directly to their existing data sources, making it easy to build dynamic, data-driven applications.
- While Zapier Interfaces offers basic templates, mostly for forms, Softr provides a range of ready-made templates for various use cases—from CRM systems to vendor management tools. Each one is fully customizable, so businesses can adapt them to match their processes and brand.
- Softr offers a more holistic approach by enabling users to build full-blown applications rather than just automating tasks between apps.
- Every app built with Softr works seamlessly on any device—desktop, mobile, or tablet. You can even create Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) for iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Chrome OS. Zapier Interfaces is limited to desktop experiences only.
- Softr offers 24/7 support and an active community of no-code enthusiasts. By contrast, Zapier Interfaces is a relatively new product without an active user community; some users have even noted that it feels a bit neglected.
- Softr’s AI-powered app builder quickly transforms your ideas into nearly ready-to-use applications.
- Softr also offers more room for growth with its flexible pricing plans. With Zapier, you need to pay for premium plans for both Zaps and Interfaces—plus any paid apps you use within your Zaps.
Softr pricing
Softr lets you build and publish your first app for free—ideal if you only need a basic internal app.
Paid plans start at $49/month (billed annually), allowing up to 20 logged-in users and unlimited viewers. Unlike Zapier, Softr doesn’t limit you on task runs.
For larger internal or external apps, Softr offers plans at $139/month for up to 100 logged-in users and $269/month for up to 2,500 logged-in users.
Alternative 2: Airtable Cobuilder
Airtable Cobuilder is a relatively new player in the no-code space, designed to help users create app interfaces for their Airtable databases.
Before Cobuilder was released, users could build basic apps using Airtable’s Interface Designer. Now, with the addition of AI, interfaces can be auto-generated, making it a great choice for those who want to build internal apps fast—provided your company policy allows the use of AI.
Key features
- Drag-and-drop app-building experience
- Instant app creation
- Powered by Airtable data
- Template gallery
- Conditional access control
- Integration with various tools and apps
Airtable Cobuilder vs Zapier Interfaces
- Airtable Cobuilder uses AI to auto-generate app interfaces and does it well. Zapier’s AI features are still in beta.
- Cobuilder offers seamless integration with your Airtable database. On the other hand, Zapier uses its own Table database.
- Both Airtable Cobuilder and Zapier Interfaces are great for handling simple use cases. They are ideal for users who need straightforward solutions without the complexity of more robust platforms.
Airtable Cobuilder pricing
App-building functionality is included in all Airtable plans, from the free plan to the $45/month/seat plan. Granular permissions are only available in the paid plans.
Alternative 3: Microsoft Power Apps
Microsoft Power Apps is a versatile no-code/low-code platform allowing non-technical users to implement advanced logic in their apps.
Getting started with Power Apps is relatively straightforward, especially with the new Copilot features. You can begin a project by submitting a prompt to generate a basic database schema. The dashboard then provides a chat window for modifying fields, which simplifies the often daunting task of designing database schemas. Once you save your initial setup, Power Apps automatically assembles the main page for interaction.
Key features
- No-code app builder
- Accessible advanced logic for non-technical users
- AI-driven Copilot feature
- Seamless integration with Microsoft products
- Responsive design for desktop and mobile use
- Community support and extensive documentation
- Advanced security measures
Microsoft Power Apps vs Zapier Interfaces
- With its focus on customization, advanced logic, and robust security features, Power Apps is a frequent choice for mid-market companies and enterprises. In contrast, Zapier Interfaces tends to be more popular among solopreneurs and small businesses.
- As a Microsoft product, Power Apps seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft tools like SharePoint and Dynamics 365, as well as various third-party data sources.
- Power Apps is enhanced by the AI-driven Copilot for real-time app development.
- Being in the market for years, Power Apps is backed by a large community and extensive resources.
Microsoft Power Apps pricing
Power Apps pricing starts at $20/user/month for the premium plan. Full access to all features may require subscribing to or configuring additional Microsoft services, such as Dynamics 365 or Azure Cloud.
Alternative 4: Glide
Glide is an intuitive no-code platform that enables users to create beautiful apps through a user-friendly interface.
It’s particularly well-suited for those targeting mobile users, as the apps look great and responsive right out of the box. Similar to Softr, it also offers PWA capabilities so your apps can be installed on computers or phones with a couple of clicks.
Key features
- Drag-and-drop app creation
- Database integrations
- Customizable layouts and components
- Progressive Web App (PWA) support
- AI app builder
- Comprehensive learning resources via Glide University
- Workflow automation through Zapier
Glide vs Zapier Interfaces
- Glide’s ability to generate apps that work seamlessly on mobile devices sets it apart, particularly for users who prioritize mobile-first design.
- Glide’s AI app builder allows users to quickly prototype apps.
- Both Glide and Zapier Interfaces are popular choices among small businesses, primarily because of their intuitive interfaces. However, Glide has the edge when it comes to building relatively complex apps right out of the box.
Glide pricing
Glide offers a free plan for individuals, with paid plans starting at $49/month, billed yearly.
For business use, you'll need to opt for plans starting at $99/month. This tier allows you to invite users with business emails to sign into your apps.
Alternative 5: Bubble
Bubble is a highly flexible no-code platform with a visual programming language that makes it accessible to beginners. It also offers the customization and control typically found in low-code tools.
While Bubble has a steeper learning curve, it's engaging and rewarding as you get to know its powerful toolkit.
Key features
- Drag-and-drop app editor
- Pre-built app components and templates
- Advanced logic setup with workflows
- Native mobile apps (beta)
- AI page generator to speed up layout creation
- Workflow automation via Zapier
- Bubble Academy
Bubble vs Zapier interfaces
- Bubble is widely used for MVPs and prototypes while Zapier Interfaces is designed more for building internal apps.
- Bubble allows for complex logic and workflows, offering more flexibility than Zapier Interfaces.
- Unlike Zapier, Bubble doesn’t cap the number of end users for your apps. Instead, its pricing is based on workload units, similar to Zapier’s task limits—the more you use, the higher your costs.
Bubble pricing
Bubble’s free plan includes limited features for trying out the platform. Paid plans start at $29/month, billed annually.
Alternative 6: AppSheet
AppSheet is a no-code platform by Google that enables users to automate business processes and create applications from existing data in Google Sheets. It also connects to various other data sources but is often favored particularly by those with extensive experience in using spreadsheets.
If you're prepared for a steep learning curve and are comfortable using spreadsheet-style formulas instead of custom code, you'll appreciate AppSheet’s robust enterprise-grade features, including advanced data governance and workflow automation.
Key features
- No-code app builder with Google AI integration
- Advanced automation capabilities
- Offline syncing for field data collection
- Strong data governance
- Custom user roles
- Apps for desktop, mobile, and tablet
AppSheet vs Zapier Interfaces
- While both AppSheet and Zapier Interfaces offer intuitive solutions for building applications, AppSheet excels in handling complex data-driven projects.
- AppSheet is perfect for users who want to use Google Sheets as the backend for their app and work with something they already know.
- The AppSheet community, although small, is active.
AppSheet pricing
AppSheet offers a free plan that includes basic app and automation features, allowing users to build and test app prototypes with up to 10 test users at no cost. Paid plans start at $5/user/month.
Alternative 7: Backendless
If you're looking to maintain the no-code approach of Zapier Interfaces while requiring greater flexibility than typical out-of-the-box solutions, Backendless is a great choice. This no-code tool is designed for tech-savvy users who seek flexibility and control over every aspect of their applications.
Originally a backend-as-a-service solution, it allows developers to manage databases and services for websites, apps, and cloud services. More recently, it introduced a UI builder that enables users to create interfaces that connect to databases, either with or without coding.
Key features
- Backendless database
- No-code UI builder
- Custom code
- Granular user access management
- Responsive apps
- Option for self-hosting
Backendless vs Zapier Interfaces
- While Backendless may not be the easiest platform to use, its flexibility is its biggest advantage over Zapier Interfaces.
- Backendless supports self-hosting, a rare feature among no-code app builders, which adds a layer of control and data privacy.
- Its fair pricing structure is not based on the usual "per user" model, making it a more predictable and budget-friendly option than other no-code builders.
Backendless pricing
Backendless offers a free plan, allowing users to explore its features and create simple applications. Paid plans start at $15/month.
Grab Zapier Interfaces alternative that fits your needs
Now, your choice comes down to the specific needs of your project. If you already have data stored in a particular platform, like Google Sheets or Airtable, look for tools that integrate seamlessly with your existing setup. Or, if you're open to tackling a steeper learning curve, consider choosing a builder that offers an additional layer of flexibility.
Softr offers the best of both worlds—blending no-code simplicity with room to build more complex features. See for yourself.
What is Softr
Softr is the easiest way to turn your data into powerful business apps—no code required. Connect to your spreadsheet or database, customize layout and logic, and share with your team or clients.
Join 700,000+ users worldwide, building client portals, internal tools, CRMs, dashboards, project management systems, inventory management apps, and more—all without code.
Join 700,000+ users worldwide, building client portals, internal tools, CRMs, dashboards, project management systems, inventory management apps, and more—all without code.
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Adelina Karpenkova
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