The world is moving towards platforms and services that make life easier. From the change of Blockbuster to Netflix, we have moved from struggling to link platforms with code to no-code interfaces. This means that anyone can use these platforms to build applications, websites, and link platforms without knowing a shred of coding. IFTTT and Zapier are such platforms that offer a no-code service to their users. IFTTT and Zapier are both automation tools that let you link up several apps without a word of code. Instead of coding, the platform offers a graphical interface that you interact with. No-code platforms like IFTTT, Zapier, monday.com, and Airtable are fast gaining popularity in the modern world. Among so many platforms, which one do you use? This article is pitting one platform against the other. It’s IFTTT vs. Zapier.
Overview of IFTTT vs. Zapier
IFTTT
IFTTT is short for “if this then that” which is an appropriate name since the platform is just that easy to use. Even high school students could use the platform as it does not need any technical knowledge. Linden Tibbets, Alexander Tibbets, Jesse Tane, and Scott Tong founded IFTTT in 2010, making it one of the OG automation softwares out there. The platform is geared more toward personal or home applications, such as IoT devices, etc. While IFTTT has fewer functionalities, it does not compromise efficiency. Plus, it is one of the cheaper options in the market.
Zapier
Wade Foster, Bryan Helmig, and Mike Knoop founded Zapier in 2011, a year after IFTTT. Zapier is inclined towards business-type applications and it is a little complex to use, as opposed to IFTTT. The platform is an excellent choice for office environments that demand several steps in a single process. It offers more actions per application, and includes extended features, but is at the far end of the budget. Additionally, Zapier offers more integrations than any other platform (almost).
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IFTTT vs. Zapier: Automations
IFTTT
If this then that is what a computer science study would call a conditional function. If any action occurs, then there is another action that succeeds it. A flow of cause and effect, in simpler terms. In IFTTT automation, there is one trigger for which a single or sequence of actions happens. No more, no less. For example, if A, then B happens. Or if A, then B, then C, and lastly D happens.
We call a single workflow an applet in IFTTT. You can trigger a workflow through a mobile app by clicking on a button. IFTTT affectionately calls this button That! Moreover, you can apply filters to your workflow. For instance, if A and B are both satisfied, then C happens.
Zapier
As soon as you sign in to your account, the platform will ask you for your account with all the apps you and your teams use. Once you update all the basic information required, then the software takes you to the dashboard. This is where the setting up of workflows occurs. Zapier calls a workflow, a Zap. hence you can create a zap by connecting triggers to action or a series of actions on the platform.
While you can trigger an applet from a mobile app in IFTTT, in Zapier you have to get the Chrome extension to do the same. A single zap can have 100 actions linked to it, hence you can automate an entire process instead of just a single task.
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IFTTT vs. Zapier: Pricing
IFTTT
There are three pricing plans in IFTTT, which are very simple. Well, simpler than Zapier payment plans.
| Package name | Price | What you get |
| Free | $0/forever (everyone loves a freemium) | ● 5 simple applets with standard speeds
● DIY or applet templates ● Unlimited applet runs with free app access |
| Pro | $2.5/month | ● 15 applets more
● Faster applet speeds that are multi-action ● Customer support ● Free trial available |
| Pro+ | $5/month | ● Unlimited applets at the highest speeds
● Multi-action applets ● Connect multiple accounts ● Free trial available |
Zapier
Zapier has 5 payment plans which can seem very complex. Carefully read through each feature and benefit of the payment plan before buying it.
| Package name | Price | What you get |
| Free | $0 (another freemium product) | ● The most basic automation
● 100 tasks per month ● 5 single-step Zaps
|
| Starter | $219.99/month, billed annually
Or $29.99/month |
● 750 tasks per month
● 20 multi-step zaps ● 15-minute update time ● 3 premium apps and filters |
| Professional | $49./month, billed annually
Or $73.50/month |
● 2,000 tasks per month
● Unlimited multi-step zaps ● 2 minutes update time ● Connections vis Webhooks ● Duplicate paths
|
| Team | $399/month, billed annually
Or $598.50/month |
● 50,000 tasks per month
● Unlimited multi-step zaps ● Unlimited premium apps ● Unlimited users ● Folder permissions ● Premier support ● Connections with Webhooks ● Shared app connections and workspace |
| Company | $799/month billed annually
Or $1,198.50/month |
● 100,000 tasks per month
● Unlimited multi-step zaps ● 1-minute update time ● Unlimited premium apps ● Unlimited users ● Folder permissions ● Premier support ● Connections with Webhooks ● Shared app connections and workspace ● App resections and advanced admin permissions |
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IFTTT vs. Zapier: Conclusion
Both IFTTT and Zapier offer the same solution (automation) to a problem. However, they do it differently. As we mentioned before, IFTTT is more personal application based, whereas Zapier is more business inclined. But that does not mean that you can use one for other purposes. At the end of the day, it boils down to two things. One, what are your needs? Two, how can you best resolve the problem at hand?
So if you want to ask which one is better for your business. The answer is simple. If you have simple workflows for smart gear that need to be triggered often, then you should go for IFTTT. Contrarily, if you have complex and long workflows that need different apps, then you should go for Zapier.
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