IFTTT vs Zapier:
IFTTT vs Zapier, These are the most popular automation platforms that allow you to integrate apps and services to create workflows. But how exactly do they compare, and which one is right for your needs?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine IFTTT vs Zapier across key factors like features, integration process, and pricing to help you determine the best option for your use case. Let’s dive in!
What is IFTTT?
IFTTT (If This Then That) is an automation service that connects your favorite apps and devices through “Applets.” You can create IFTTT Applets with “If This Then That” conditional logic to trigger actions between services.
For example, you can create an Applet like:
– If I’m tagged in a Facebook photo, then save it to my Dropbox.
– If I add a new Google Calendar event, then create a Trello card.
It offers pre-built integrations with web services and Internet of Things (IoT) devices that you can mix and match to create personalized automation.
Key Features
– Pre-built Applets to tweak for common use cases
– Connections with over 700+ popular apps/services
– Email and push notifications for Applets
– Third-party app and device control through Webhooks
– Simple web interface and mobile apps
What is Zapier?
Zapier is another widely used automation and integration platform very similar to IFTTT. It connects your web apps and services through customizable “Zaps.”
You build workflows by choosing a trigger app and action like:
– New Gmail message (Trigger) => Create Asana task (Action)
– Form submission (Trigger) => Add row in Airtable (Action)
Zapier focuses on business apps and process automation for teams. It offers many of the same capabilities as IFTTT, along with more advanced options.
Key Features
– Over 6000+ pre-built app integrations
– Multi-step Zaps with multiple actions
– Custom integrations through Webhooks and Zapier API
– Collaboration tools for teams
– Robust monitoring, analytics, and error handling
IFTTT vs Zapier: Features
While IFTTT and Zapier share similarities, there are key differences in their features and capabilities.
Triggers and Actions
IFTTT: Applets have one Trigger and one Action. You can filter Triggers but not chain multiple Actions.
Zapier: Zaps support multi-step workflows by chaining up to 5 Actions per Trigger. Advanced Zaps have even more steps.
Workflow Building
IFTTT: Provides pre-built Applets that you customize through fill-in-the-blank fields.
Zapier – Offers pre-built Zaps along with tools to build complex flows from scratch.
Monitoring and Analytics
IFTTT – Minimal logging and troubleshooting capabilities. Email notifications if Applets fail.
Zapier – Robust dashboard to monitor, test, and debug Zaps. Detailed activity logs and error handling.
App Integrations
IFTTT – Over 700+ apps but focuses on consumer apps and IoT.
Zapier – 6000+ business SaaS apps. Deeper functionality for common business tools.
IFTTT vs Zapier: Customization and Development
IFTTT – Limited capabilities beyond Applets. Webhooks allow some customization.
Zapier – Webhooks, code editing, and CLI tools provide advanced customization and development.
IFTTT vs. Zapier: Integration Process
Creating an integration workflow is easy with both tools, but Zapier offers more flexibility.
IFTTT Integration
1. Search pre-built Applets related to your use case.
2. Select a Trigger and Action app from available options.
3. Customize settings in the Applet template if desired.
4. Turn on the Applet to activate.
Zapier Integration
1. Choose a Trigger app and event from all available apps.
2. Search actions or build steps from scratch using code tools if needed.
3. Configure each step with custom settings and logic.
4. Turn on Zap and test thoroughly.
Zapier provides more customization for power users, while IFTTT keeps it simpler for beginners.
IFTTT vs Zapier: Pricing Plans
Pricing is one of the main differences between the platforms.
IFTTT Plans
Free – Offers full access but limited to 2 Applets.
Pro – $2.67/month. 20 Apples, faster runs, multiple ingredient fields.
Pro+ – $5.48/month. Unlimited Apples, everything in pro, AI services.
Zapier Plans
Free – best for individuals who are in need of basic automation, 100 tasks/month
Starter – $19/month – 750 tasks/month, multi-step Zaps
Team – $69/month – 2k tasks/month, unlimited users
Professional – $49 month – 2ktasks/month, unlimited premium apps
Free vs Paid Plans
IFTTT’s free plan is very limited compared to Zapier’s more functional free version. Zapier’s paid Team plan provides significantly more value for automating business workflows.
Which is Better for You?
IFTTT – Best for consumers connecting 1 or 2 apps through simple triggers and actions. Easy to use.
Zapier – Ideal for businesses automating workflows across multiple apps. More customization and development capabilities.
Evaluate your specific needs, apps, and use cases to decide which platform fits best. Both enable powerful integrations and automation in different ways.
Conclusion
IFTTT and Zapier take similar approaches to connecting web services and APIs. IFTTT offers simplicity, while Zapier provides more robust tools for advanced business process automation.
If you are building complex multi-step workflows across a variety of business apps, Zapier has a clear edge. It provides the flexibility that users need. But IFTTT remains a great option for basic consumer application integrations.
The best approach is assessing your requirements to choose the right platform for your needs. Both IFTTT and Zapier are top-tier automation services that can significantly boost your productivity.
FAQs
What types of apps and services can you connect with IFTTT and Zapier?
You can connect thousands of popular apps and services like Gmail, Slack, Trello, Dropbox, Facebook, and more. IFTTT also integrates Internet of Things devices, while Zapier focuses more on SaaS and business apps.
Can you use both IFTTT and Zapier together?
Yes, they can complement each other very well. You can use IFTTT for simple consumer automation and Zapier for complex business workflows. Connecting the platforms also allows the passing of data between them.
How difficult is it to learn each platform?
IFTTT has a gentle learning curve, making it easy for beginners. Zapier has more advanced capabilities but offers thorough documentation to ramp up. Integrations on both platforms take just minutes to create in most cases.
What level of monitoring and troubleshooting do they provide?
Zapier offers significantly more robust tools for monitoring, debugging, and error handling. IFTTT capabilities are limited to basic email notifications if Applets fails.
When would someone choose IFTTT over Zapier or vice versa?
IFTTT suits basic consumer triggers like posting social media automatically. Zapier excels at connecting apps like Salesforce, Slack, and Marketo to build complex business workflows. Evaluate whether simple vs advanced fits your needs.
