Zapier

4.7 (3.5k reviews)

No-code automation platform connecting 5000+ apps with workflow automation....

VS 2026

Pipedream

4.7 (680 reviews)

Developer-focused integration platform with code-level control and generous free...

Zapier vs Pipedream: Which Is Better in 2026?

Comprehensive comparison of Zapier and Pipedream covering features, pricing, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you make the right choice for your business.

Quick Overview

Zapier

  • Best for: Non-technical users, Marketing automation
  • Starting price: Free
  • Category: automation
  • Founded: 2011
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Pipedream

  • Best for: Developers, Technical teams
  • Starting price: Free
  • Category: automation
  • Founded: 2019
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Feature Comparison

Side-by-side feature comparison to help you understand the key differences between Zapier and Pipedream.

Feature
Zapier
Pipedream
App Integrations
Multi-step Workflows
Conditional Logic
Scheduling
Webhooks
Data Formatting
API Access
Team Features
Code Steps

Our Verdict

After extensive testing and analysis, Zapier edges out as the winner in this comparison. While both tools excel in their respective areas, Zapier offers more features for the price. Pipedream remains a strong alternative, especially for users who prioritize developers.

Winner

Zapier

Best for Non-technical users and Marketing automation. Largest app directory.

Try Zapier
Alternative

Pipedream

Best for Developers and Technical teams. Developer-friendly.

Try Pipedream

Pros & Cons

Zapier Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Largest app directory
  • Easy to use
  • No coding required
  • Quick setup
  • Reliable
Cons
  • Expensive at scale
  • Limited on free tier
  • Task limits add up
  • Some integrations basic

Pipedream Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Developer-friendly
  • Great free tier
  • Full code control
  • Event history
  • Open source components
Cons
  • Code-heavy
  • Less no-code friendly
  • Credit system confusing
  • Newer platform

Pricing Comparison

Compare the pricing plans and see which tool offers better value for your budget.

Zapier

freemium
Starting from Free
Free tier available
Free Free
  • 100 tasks/month
  • 5 Zaps
  • 15-min update time
Starter $20 /mo
  • 750 tasks/month
  • 20 Zaps
  • Multi-step Zaps
Team $69 /mo
  • Shared workspaces
  • Premier support
  • SAML SSO
Enterprise Free
  • Advanced admin
  • Annual invoicing
  • Dedicated manager

Pipedream

freemium
Starting from Free
Free tier available
Free Free
  • 100 credits/day
  • Unlimited workflows
  • 30s timeout
Basic $19 /mo
  • 20K credits/month
  • 5min timeout
  • 3 team members
Business $99 /mo
  • 250K credits/month
  • 30min timeout
  • SSO

Which Tool Is Best For You?

Choose Zapier if you need:

  • Non-technical users
  • Marketing automation
  • Sales workflows
  • Small teams
  • Largest app directory
  • Easy to use
Try Zapier Free

Choose Pipedream if you need:

  • Developers
  • Technical teams
  • API integrations
  • Event-driven workflows
  • Developer-friendly
  • Great free tier
Try Pipedream Free

Zapier vs Pipedream FAQ

What are the main differences between Zapier and Pipedream?

Zapier focuses on non-technical users with largest app directory, while Pipedream excels at developers with developer-friendly. Key differences include pricing structure, feature depth, and target user base.

Is Zapier or Pipedream better for small businesses?

Zapier offers a free tier which is great for small businesses starting out. For small businesses with limited budgets, consider starting with the tool that offers Zapier's lower starting price of $0/month.

What is the pricing difference between Zapier and Pipedream?

Zapier starts at $0/month with a free tier available, while Pipedream starts at $0/month with a free tier available. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.

Can Zapier integrate with Pipedream?

While direct integration may vary, both Zapier and Pipedream support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. Zapier integrates with 5000+ apps including Slack, Gmail, Salesforce, HubSpot, while Pipedream works with 1000+ apps, Any API, Databases.

Which tool is easier to use, Zapier or Pipedream?

Based on user reviews, Zapier generally receives higher marks for ease of use with a 4.7 rating. However, ease of use can depend on your specific needs and technical background. Zapier is known for easy to use.

Does Zapier or Pipedream offer better customer support?

Both Zapier and Pipedream provide customer support, with options varying by plan tier. Zapier offers support through standard support channels. Check each tool's specific plan for support details.

What are the pros of Zapier compared to Pipedream?

Zapier's main advantages include: Largest app directory, Easy to use, No coding required. Compared to Pipedream, it's particularly strong for non-technical users.

What are the cons of Zapier compared to Pipedream?

Zapier's potential drawbacks include: Expensive at scale, Limited on free tier. Pipedream may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.

Should I switch from Zapier to Pipedream or vice versa?

Consider switching if your current tool doesn't meet your needs. Key factors include: current pain points, migration complexity, team training, and total cost of ownership. Use our ROI calculator to estimate the potential impact of switching.

Which tool is best for automation in 2026?

In 2026, Zapier leads in this comparison with a 4.7 rating. However, the best choice depends on your specific requirements. Zapier excels for non-technical users, while Pipedream is ideal for developers.

Written by

MT
Michael Torres Technical Editor

Michael brings 10 years of technical writing and software development experience to his reviews. He holds certifications in multiple cloud platforms and focuses on technical accuracy and integration capabilities.

156 articles
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