Zapier vs IFTTT: Which Automation Platform is Best for 2025?

Want to make your apps work together seamlessly? The Zapier vs IFTTT debate is essential reading before you automate a single task. Before you can do that,  understanding their strengths and weaknesses is key

Zapier is a powerful online automation tool connecting different web applications, enabling users to automate repetitive tasks without coding. It allows users to create automated workflows linking two or more apps by using a trigger and one or more actions. 

For example, users can automatically save email attachments to a cloud storage service or post social media updates whenever a new blog post is published.

IFTTT (If This Then That) is a free web service and mobile app connecting various apps, devices, and services to automate simple tasks. It uses “Applets” which are conditional statements triggering actions based on specific events. 

For example, an Applet can automatically save Instagram photos to Dropbox or turn on smart lights when you get home. You can even use IFTTT to share a link to your latest email marketing newsletter on social platforms, increasing visibility.

IFTTT focuses on connecting everyday apps, social media platforms, and smart home devices, making it ideal for personal automation and enhancing daily routines. 

Which of these two tools should you choose for your needs? 

This guide offers you answers.

---

---

Zapier vs IFTTT, Which Option is Better?

While both Zapier and IFTTT automate workflows, they each take a unique approach.

Some users simply want to automate basic tasks. Others require advanced automation solutions for their business. In either case, it’s important to understand the differences between these platforms before choosing one.

Ease of Use and UI

Zapier is renowned for its straightforward UI and user-friendly approach, which makes it a good choice for both beginners and professionals. The platform uses a visual workflow builder, allowing users to create complex automations, or “Zaps,” with minimal effort. 

The drag-and-drop system and clear prompts streamline the process, while a detailed search function simplifies finding apps and integrations. Zapier also offers database capabilities — its Tables feature allows users to organize and manage structured data. A good example would be to manage your contacts and implement an email segmentation strategy. Tables can help you do this.

Zapier’s Interfaces feature lets users create customizable, interactive forms and dashboards to engage with workflows. These interfaces enable team members or clients to input data, review information, or trigger automation tasks without needing to access Zapier’s backend. You can conveniently set up an email lead generation process to run automatically. 

IFTTT also enjoys a good reputation for its simplicity, especially among casual users. The platform uses a straightforward “If This Then That” rule-based system, allowing users to easily create applets. 

Its clean, minimalist interface focuses on quick automation setup, making it ideal for those new to integrations. While IFTTT supports fewer advanced customization options than Zapier, its intuitive design and pre-made applets provide a hassle-free experience for basic tasks. However, you can still handle basic business tasks such as send follow-up emails or schedule appointments.

Feature	Zapier	IFTTT
Intuitive workflow builder	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Ease of automation setup	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customization	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐
Beginner-friendliness	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Advanced workflows	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐

Verdict: While Zapier offers more advanced features, IFTTT’s straightforward design earns it the win for usability.

Automation Complexity and Capabilities

Zapier is designed to handle complex workflows and is well-suited for users who require advanced automation capabilities. 

It integrates with over 7,000 apps, enabling diverse connections between services. Features such as conditional branching and delayed triggers make it effective for managing intricate workflows, especially for business and professional use. You can connect it with a range of marketing automation platforms.

IFTTT focuses on simpler, single-step automation flows called “applets” to take on straightforward tasks. The platform supports around 900 “services” — popular apps or platforms — and is often used for personal automation or smart home integrations. 

The paid IFTTT Pro plan introduces additional features like multi-action applets and basic conditional logic, but its capabilities are limited compared to Zapier. The platform prioritizes ease of use and accessibility over complexity, making it popular for quick and simple tasks.

The primary difference between the two lies in their level of complexity and scalability. Zapier is better equipped for advanced, multi-step workflows and professional use, whereas IFTTT is optimized for simpler automation and personal tasks. For example, you can connect to an email marketing API with Zapier, but IFTTT won’t let you do it.

Both Zapier and IFTTT utilize AI to enhance automation. IFTTT primarily leverages AI for its “Do Button,” enabling voice-triggered actions. Zapier, however, integrates AI more broadly, offering features like AI-powered recommendations, improved natural language understanding, and code generation for a streamlined automation experience.

Soon you won’t need to depend on AI in email marketing platforms, you can just let Zapier or IFTTT do the thinking for you.

Feature	Zapier	IFTTT
Multi-step workflows	✅	✅
Conditional logic	✅	✅
Supported integrations	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
Smart Home automation	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Data formatting and advanced tools	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐
Scalability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐
AI integration	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐

Verdict: Zapier is far more capable than IFTTT in terms of automation.

Integrations and Supported Apps

Zapier’s integration capabilities are extensive, supporting over 7,000 apps. 

This broad range of integrations makes it particularly useful for businesses, marketers, and professionals. It’s useful for anyone who needs to automate complex workflows across multiple tools but may not want to invest in a custom martech stack. Zapier’s focus on business tools caters to users with detailed automation requirements, especially those managing diverse software stacks.

Comparatively, IFTTT supports around 700 apps, with a strong emphasis on consumer-focused and smart home platforms. 

The platform is ideal for personal users seeking to automate daily tasks, such as managing smart devices, receiving notifications, or sharing social media updates. While IFTTT also supports some business-related tools, its primary appeal lies in its simplicity and focus on consumer and home automation.

Between the two, Zapier provides a much larger selection of supported apps, particularly in the business and productivity space, making it better suited for professional use. 

IFTTT, with its smaller but more consumer-focused range of integrations, is tailored for personal users and smart home enthusiasts. While Zapier offers broader functionality across industries, IFTTT prioritizes ease of use for everyday automation. That said, many small businesses use IFTTT for basic automation tasks. It can even handle basic email marketing for small businesses.

Feature	Zapier	IFTTT
Number of supported apps	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐
Business and productivity tools	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐
Smart home and consumer apps	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Variety of integration options	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐

Verdict: Zapier supports many more apps and services than IFTTT does.

Use Cases and Target Audience

Zapier is widely used for automating business workflows, particularly in marketing, sales, project management, and customer service. 

Its features and integrations make it especially beneficial for freelancers and teams looking to save time and reduce manual tasks. Zapier’s advanced capabilities also appeal to enterprise-level users managing complex workflows.

The platform is geared toward individual users who want to simplify daily routines without requiring technical expertise. IFTTT can also assist with business automation tasks related to invoicing, customer communications, and lead management.

IFTTT is generally for simpler tasks for a broader audience, while Zapier is for more complex tasks, often for business users. Zapier caters to working professionals with a need for robust, multi-step workflows and integrations across diverse tools. IFTTT focuses on users looking to automate simpler tasks. 

While both platforms provide automation solutions, Zapier is more aligned with business productivity, and IFTTT emphasizes personal and home-centric automation.

Feature	Zapier	IFTTT
Business-focused automation	✅	❌
Personal task automation	❌	✅
Versatility across use cases	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐

Verdict: Zapier is more versatile than IFTTT, so it wins this round.

Related Reading

Our blog has comprehensive reviews and comparisons of various tools used by marketers. 

Customization

Zapier offers extensive customization options, allowing users to build tailored workflows suiting specific business or personal needs. Its features include multi-step workflows, conditional logic  — via Paths — and advanced data formatting.

Users can also use webhooks to connect with apps not directly supported. These capabilities provide flexibility, especially for businesses with complex requirements. However, the level of customization can be daunting for beginners, and setting up advanced workflows may require some familiarity with technical concepts like APIs or data mapping.

IFTTT provides more limited customization compared to Zapier. Users can adjust applet settings, such as defining triggers and actions, but the platform lacks support for multi-step workflows or advanced logic. 

IFTTT Pro and Pro+ users get access to conditional logic and multi-action applets, but these features are basic compared to Zapier’s capabilities. While the platform excels in simplicity, its limited customization options may not meet the needs of users seeking advanced configurations.

The primary difference in customization lies in the level of complexity each platform supports. Zapier is well-suited for users with advanced automation needs, offering detailed control over workflows. In contrast, IFTTT prioritizes ease of use, making it better for simpler tasks but less adaptable for complex scenarios. 

Feature	Zapier	IFTTT
Multi-step workflows	✅	✅
Advanced data formatting	⭐⭐⭐	⭐
Webhooks	✅	✅
Simplicity for basic tasks	⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐

Verdict: Zapier offers more customization options than IFTTT, making it the winner for this section.

Comparing the Pricing Plans of Zapier and IFTTT

Cost can be a dealbreaker for users, so let’s look at how much each tool charges and what users get in return.

Zapier plans	Cost per month on a yearly plan	Features and Limits
Free	$0.00	‣ Unlimited Zaps ‣ Up to 749 tasks ‣ Two-step Zaps ‣ AI power-ups
Professional	$19.99	‣ All of the above + ‣ Up to 1499 tasks ‣ Multi-step Zaps ‣ Unlimited Premium apps ‣ Webhooks ‣ Email support
Team	$103.50	‣ All of the above + ‣ Up to 4,999 tasks ‣ Unlimited users ‣ Shared workspaces ‣ Shared app connections ‣ Premier support ‣ You can opt for SSO add-on.
Enterprise	Custom pricing	‣ All of the above + ‣ Advanced admin permissions and app controls ‣ Annual task limits ‣ Observability ‣ SAML SSO ‣ Technical Account Manager

The above plans can also be purchased as a bundle.

IFTTT is mostly free, but those who want more can opt for a paid plan, the costs are:

IFTTT Pricing Plans	Cost per month on yearly plan	Features and limits
IFTTT Free	$0	‣ 2 Applets ‣ Standard Applet speeds ‣ DIY or use published Applets ‣ Unlimited Applet runs ‣ Free mobile app access ‣ Simple no-code integrations
IFTTT Pro	$2.92	‣ 20 Applets ‣ Fastest Applet speeds ‣ Multi-action Applets ‣ Webhooks ‣ Twitter Applets ‣ Increased rate limits ‣ Exclusive triggers and actions ‣ Customer support
IFTTT Pro+	$12.50	‣ All of the above + ‣ Unlimited Applets ‣ AI services ‣ Connect multiple accounts ‣ Use queries and filter code ‣ Prioritized customer support

There’s no doubt Zapier is more expensive. As the number of tasks goes up, you’ll find yourself spending more on automation. While IFTTT is much more affordable, it can’t handle the same tasks Zapier can.

This is why businesses must evaluate their specific use case carefully before deciding between Zapier vs IFTTT.

---

Who’s the Winner Between Zapier vs IFTTT?

Zapier targets professionals, businesses, and teams needing robust, scalable automation to manage complex workflows across multiple tools. 

Here’s an example of an email marketer using Zapier: When a new email marketing subscriber joins via a website form, they can be automatically categorized using email tags. This can then trigger a welcome email campaign and later add them to an email nurture campaign.

However, its extensive feature set comes with a steep learning curve and a higher price point.

IFTTT is a better fit for individuals and casual users who want simple, single-step automation flows for personal tasks or smart home devices. That said, it’s also used by numerous businesses for basic tasks. For example, business owners often turn to IFTTT to automatically share WordPress blog posts to LinkedIn or archive Twitter mentions in a Google Sheet.

While IFTTT lacks the advanced features of Zapier, businesses with basic needs — such as simple social media updates or email notifications — can still use IFTTT effectively, although they may face limitations as their requirements grow. For example, when you grow your email list and need to send thousands of emails at once, IFTTT may be limiting.

There’s no doubt Zapier can do a lot more. However, the choice between Zapier and IFTTT depends on the individual requirements and budget.

Businesses should evaluate the complexity of their workflows to determine whether IFTTT’s simplicity suffices or if Zapier’s more powerful features justify the additional cost.

---

Automate Email Marketing With Campaign Refinery

Campaign Refinery and Zapier work flawlessly together, supporting integration with all of your favorite marketing tools. As for IFTTT, you have limited options, but you can explore the services page to see how you can link your software or apps to our platform.

Whichever platform you choose to automate your email marketing workflows, Campaign Refinery is the best addition to your martech stack.

The best reason for choosing our platform is: we offer the best email deliverability rates in the industry. Other email platforms may offer a multitude of features, but we understand inbox placement is the key to your success. This is where we focus our efforts.

But there’s a whole lot more to Campaign Refinery, as the next section explains.

Why Choose Campaign Refinery for Email Campaigns

With Campaign Refinery, you get a lot more than top-tier email deliverability. 

Is Campaign Refinery Budget-Friendly?

Affordability is one of the best parts of partnering with Campaign Refinery. Unlike most email platforms, we don’t charge our users for the size of their contact list. With our credit system, you can build a solid targeted email marketing strategy.

You can opt for one of these paid plans at Campaign Refinery:

Campaign Refinery Plans	Price per month	Credits	Features
Business	$99	50,000	‣ Unlimited contacts ‣ Campaign library ‣ Segmentation tools ‣ Automatic list cleaning ‣ Gamification ‣ Evergreen Flash Sales ‣ Advanced automation features
Growth	$299	200,000	‣ Unlimited contacts ‣ Campaign library ‣ Segmentation tools ‣ Automatic list cleaning ‣ Gamification ‣ Evergreen Flash Sales ‣ Advanced automation features + ‣ Disable Campaign Refinery branding ‣ Higher volume of API access
Enterprise	>$1,000	1 million	‣ Unlimited contacts ‣ Campaign library ‣ Segmentation tools ‣ Automatic list cleaning ‣ Gamification ‣ Evergreen Flash Sales ‣ Advanced automation features ‣ Disable Campaign Refinery branding + ‣ Dedicated Success Manager ‣ Custom API volumes

Is Migrating to Campaign Refinery Challenging?

Migration can seem like a daunting task, but we have simplified the setup process for new users who dread the shift from a different email platform.